Published on 12, July, 2020
I don't know what to do I've tried retail and can't cope with it I had to leave my last job because it was causing panic attacks and I wasn't treated well.
I've got a head full of ideas for my own business but nothing solid and the job center is not only breathing down my neck but my advisor isn't listening to me about what I can cope with and trying to force me into roles not suitable for my needs.
I want to work from home ideally that way I can be in my safe space, have access to things like my sensory aids etc and be around my pets as I work. I also want to work from home as I can't take other staff members drama.
I keep getting the talk that I need to meet new people and be in a job where I make friends but I've been burned by people so much especially people I should trust. I just don't have it in me to try make friends anymore, I just want to do my job and that's it.
I feel like I'm being backed into a corner and the closer my UC appointments get the more worked up I get , I just don't know what to do .
I want to make it clear because I know people judge those of us on universal credit that I do desperately want a job I just don't know what to do or how to deal with my advisor because I want a job I feel safe in and don't get hurt by other people again.
What jobs do you all have ?
What Jobs can I look into from home?
If I have to go out to work how do I cope ?
On national online job advert boards you can filter adverts using terms such as "home based disability confident".
Some of the online jobs boards also include a "remote" filter so you can further limit the list to "remote" (home based) or "hybrid" (where you might consider a role part if the time at home and part of the time at the workplace).
On the UK Gov "Find A Job" website:
In the search box "Where?" (or in the Advanced Search "Location") you can select "Remote" or "Fully Remote".
In the Advanced Search page you can type "home based" in the search field "Match this exact phrase".
On the Advanced Search page there is a check box you can select for Disability Confident (and an explanation of what it means).
Unfortunately, you might need some patience as it can be frustrating when (despite your thoughtful filters) the list might still unhelpfully include those jobs based from home, which are lone / remote workers ...but some of the listed jobs included actually involving you travelling from home to somewhere with lots if people to associated with the company's product or service! Perseverance and experiment with permutations of the combined filter options may be required!
https://findajob.dwp.gov.uk/
I am always wary of suggesting lists of jobs suitable for Autistic people. This is because Autistic people are such a diverse community of individuals - each with their unique combinations of: challenges, strengths, additional physical health / mental health / Neurodivergent features, energy levels, and personal tastes / interests.
Instead; why not try asking yourself (and make a list to show / discuss with your advisor): is there anything which interests you, about which you are curious, an example if a good experience you would enjoy repeating, or a skill intriguing to you - associated with a set of likely workplace sectors or roles?
There are a few further UK Government initiatives / services which I wondered if your Advisor might have already suggested for you to explore?:
1) https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/
2) https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk//skills-health-check
3) https://www.gov.uk/access-to-work
It is not uncommon for Autistic people to have experience of Universal Credit (lots of fellow Autistic people really want a job ...one which plays to their strengths while appropriately supporting them - maybe enabled by reasonable adjustments - although that can be a hard won achievement for some and elusive for others - it is a very individual experience).
When thinking about the prospect of maybe having to go out to work, there are two guidance documents I have found useful (to broaden my thinking / understanding / experimenting with adjustments or strategies / self-advocacy - to better support myself in a workplace):
1) Autism Awareness in the Workplace by TUC Wales:
https://www.tuc.org.uk/sites/default/files/Autism%20Awareness%20in%20the%20Workplace%20FINAL.pdf
2) Supporting Neurodiversity At Work by AXA:
https://www.axahealth.co.uk/globalassets/corporate/pdfs/neurodiversity/supporting-neurodiversity-at-work.pdf
Best wishes for your job search.