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Finding the right job.

SmashedPotato86

My partner was diagnosed with autism about a year ago when he had just turned 18. He’s been struggling to find a job that suits him for the past few months. He started an apprenticeship in September 2025 but left in December due to burnout. In early 2025, he left his college also due to burnout.

There are a lot of things he is unable to handle in a job due to autism. There are very few jobs that fit the description of what he is able to do. I know a lot of people will be/have been in a similar situation, so is there any tips that you could give us on trying to find the right job that is sustainable for him.

Thank you.

  • I don't have the perfect answer as I've struggled a lot in the workplace and again looking for work, 

    I'm currently asking myself the following questions, because these are things I've identified as triggers to burnout 

    • What do I need from the environment 
    • Where do I have the most energy for work and how does that fit around hours
    • Is working full time practical, or does it cause my burnout 
    • What type of activities give me focus and energy 
    • What type of activities drain my energy 
    • Would working at home help 
    • How far can I travel for work 
    • How will I get to work 
    • Downtime when at home, how can I structure that and still work 
    • What's structure like in the work

    This is just a small list I'm working through to understand my needs, to help me rule in and rule out certain jobs.

    Understanding zappers and inginters of energy and then trying to find work that actually inginters you 75% of the time, I think would help reduce burnout 

  • Good morning from America, SmashedPotato86!

    So I’ve got a few thoughts.

    One is figuring out what is rejuvenating for your partner. If they unwind by listening to music, maybe something custodial where it’s usually okay to listen to music while you work would be a better fit. If they find relief from nature, a job that has ample windows or the possibility of taking breaks outdoors would be a good fit. Oftentimes the least burnout-causing jobs are ones where your work is your primary work (ex. Teaching history when your special interest is history causes little burnout). Figuring out what makes your partner relax can give you an idea what they need for a job.

    This might not be super helpful in this particular case, but I often recommend to my clients to work at least one year for a job before quitting it. That looks better on a resume and it gives you a better idea if the job is or is not going to work out in the long run than if you just give it a couple months. I understand it’s possible to burnout before a year is up, but it’s something to aspire for at least instead of just taking a job without a goal in mind.

    Here in the States we’ve got job coaches (that’s what I do for a profession right now), and I think I’ve heard of the UK having a similar program. If you can find that (I think it’s through the NHS??), then that would be a GREAT idea for your partner’s case. Then the job coach can try to determine along with your partner what jobs might be a good fit. They also assist with the job hunt and can help with keeping the job until your partner is stabilized and independent enough. 

    I hope that helps!