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Simple business ideas for autistic adults?

NAS95898

Hi everyone, I hope you're doing well.

I've recently turned 40 and have just been diagnosed as autistic. I've worked as a creative freelancer since leaving college, but the fields I worked in (photography, web design, graphic design) are becoming harder to earn from, due to AI, market saturation, and the general devaluing of creative services. Likewise I've been feeling extremely burnt out from the pressures of deadlines, travel, and logistics.

I was wondering if anyone had any simple business ideas that might suit a very anxious autistic person like myself? 

The only thing I can think of currently is something along the gardening/horticulture route. Being in nature is helpful to me, but it's a world I know nothing about. I find it difficult to be around other people a lot, but have always been more of a creative person and I like to do my own thing, rather than being stuck in a corporate structure.

Very lost currently.. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated :)

Many thanks for reading.

  • NAS95898 said:
    I was wondering if anyone had any simple business ideas that might suit a very anxious autistic person like myself? 

    If you want to get some experience in the gardening side then it may be worth considering seasonal work with the local councils parks and gardens division - the work tends to be a bit monotonous but you can quickly get a feel if the outdoor life if not for you.

    For me the hayfever was a blocker and I have very fair skin so the sun exposure was likely to be a risk too - and since summers seem to be getting steadily hotter then working in the heat & dust did not appeal.

    The other advantage of this route is you get to make contacts and know who does what in the organisation with time - very useful if you want to do something a bit more niche as time goes on.

    Personally I do a lot of renovation work which I can mostly do on my own but the dust / noise of power tools and unexpected issues in working in old properties may not suit some autistic traits.

    I'm a natural problem solver so I thrive on it, plus seeing the properties come steadily together to be like new in the end is an awesome feeling of creativity and acomplishment for me.

    There is a significant up front cost in buying tools and a lot of learning of skills (YouTube has most stuff) but if you are good with your hands then it should not be rocket science.

  • My current job is being an employment specialist for people with disabilities. This job has been great because I don’t have to mask as severely throughout the day, since my coworkers and clients are all pretty open about disabilities. It can be a little stressful, however, because sometimes you don’t know what to expect from the clients. I do feel like the change to this job from teaching/factory work has been mostly positive in regards to my Autistic needs, though.

  • Seems like something a lot of people try these days are Youtube channels or streaming. Show off your skills, earn a little advertiser money, build a platform for yourself. It's not a sure thing, but it could keep you busy while you explore your options, and maybe create an opportunity for you.

  • Hi there!

    Being in nature sounds like a great direction.