I have a part-time job (just a few hours a week), which involves helping other people with asperger's to facilitate their own self-advocacy group.
While I enjoy this job and get a lot out of it, I do find parts of it very stressful. For example, I have to work independently from home the majority of the time, and often don't know what is expected of me. Because the job changes along with the job role, there is not much structure. I try and create my own structure and work-place routine, but this goes out of the window (to use a metaphor) when things change.
The other problem is organisation. I sometimes forget to put key events or meetings in my diary, and so forget to turn up, causing much stress and frustration; or I forget to check my emails often enough.
It is hard having Asperger's and being expected to help other people with Asperger's. While this is all part of the challenge of my job, and I am always up to developing myself and learning new skills, this invariably causes anxiety. For example, last night I facilitated the Committee meeting, involving about 7 people. I arrived home at 6.30pm feeling tired and anxious - any activity involving prolonged socialising (even with other adults with Asperger's) causes fatigue, and I need a lot of time to recover. I thought I had today off to do just that (recover), but on checking my emails, I have found out that I was supposed to attend a team-meeting today (at 10.30am). Well I have missed that boat (it would have involved a half an hour train journey), and expect to get hammered by my supervisor. This makes me very anxious. I did in fact receive a reminder email on Monday, but because I was preoccupied with Committee I did not look at them. In any case I feel so tired that any thought of further socialising makes my heart race.
I just wanted to share my frustrations with you. I expect that many of you understand these issues, and might be able to offer advice.
