Do you work, study, etc?

Hi. I’m curious how many of us with autism work or study. I was terrible at school, couldn’t cope at all and was eventually taught at home. I’ve been attempting to integrate in the workplace for the last two years, I currently volunteer every now and then, there is the potential of paid work with this business in the end but it all relies on whether I can stabalise going in to volunteer/work. Generally I go in for a day or two and then I am hit by a wave of fatigue. I suppose it’s a result of anxiety, bordering on the line of burnout because it’s the worst fatigue I’ve ever had. I become so tired I feel dizzy and can hardly stand and then I need to rest and I literally can’t function for days after…

Rest and bed is required but whilst I’m like this I’m unable to properly work and it’s really frustrating, especially as the people I volunteer with have confirmed I could have a work position with them in the end. I tried seeking professional help but that was a dead end route.

Currently I just volunteer every now and then. I would love to do more but I physically and mentally cannot sustain this.

I do a lot at home, mostly hobby projects like writing and working on classic cars but because of this I am unemployed and somewhat reliant on my parents. They support me and help me with my daily struggles but they are older now, and not in the best of health, so it does concern me as to what will happen to me if anything were to happen to them.
Though I try not to think about that too much.

I am curious how many here work or volunteer and study? I’ve tried but I can’t seem to nail it.

Parents
  • I retired from full-time work seven years ago following a mild heart attack. I now work for myself as an Independent Social Worker and Practice Educator. I do some expert witness work, including independent social work assessments for EHCP appeals etc., and also work with several universities to support and assess social work students in placement, as well as occasional guest lecturing. I have recently started doing neurodiversity training.

    I enjoy the professional aspect of my work, but hate all the administration around accounts and tax.  The best thing about having my own company is that I work from home and can manage my own working hours. 

Reply
  • I retired from full-time work seven years ago following a mild heart attack. I now work for myself as an Independent Social Worker and Practice Educator. I do some expert witness work, including independent social work assessments for EHCP appeals etc., and also work with several universities to support and assess social work students in placement, as well as occasional guest lecturing. I have recently started doing neurodiversity training.

    I enjoy the professional aspect of my work, but hate all the administration around accounts and tax.  The best thing about having my own company is that I work from home and can manage my own working hours. 

Children
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