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Career that works with autism, not against it

ElleF

Hello all.

I am struggling with income. I have never managed to have a career. I worked in an office basically doing odd jobs that needed doing and I would cry every day. I then did a photography course and started doing photography, shooting for small brands from home, but I struggled to earn enough money. I then completed a 3 year degree in nutritional therapy but ended up having a breakdown trigged by clinical work. I find working with clients/ patients one-on-one really stressful. I started having frequent meltdowns, then panic attacks and then a breakdown. It is the second breakdown I've had in the last 9 years. I was put on an antidepressant (which didn't help) and sent for CBT (which made me feel worse). Since I graduated at the end of last year I have struggled to find clients and make money.

I don't know how to earn money or work as a nutritional therapist without having meltdowns and panic attacks. I don't think I can go through another breakdown. And my mum says she can't do it again and that I need to sort myself out. I feel like a failure and a burden to my family.

I have tried to find support. I have been rejected multiple time for business support. I can't seem to find any suitable adult autism support - most is high needs, dungeons and dragons and art therapy.  

Is it possible to actually make a living doing things you enjoy? Things I enjoy: working out, health, skincare, being creative (writing, making guides, product photography).

How have you managed to make money/ have a career without sacrificing your health?

Would appreciate any tips.

Parents

  • Hi  ElleF this really resonates with me too, I too am now becoming increasingly concerned about income, I’ve been off work for 5 months now I am self employed, your story resonates with me too, I was the same diagnosed with severe anxiety and depression and also suffer with panic attacks this has gone on my entire adult life even longer. 

    Since I had a massive breakdown at the end of May I have been diagnosed with autism (1 week ago) and am waiting on a diagnosis for adhd. I’ve been living on savings, which are running out I’m at the point now where I’m looking to start selling things, I’ve also learned to realise my job as a bricklayer is a serious issue with me, I don’t hate my job but I hate what it does to me I’m obsessive about accuracy, how the work looks, how much money I will earn, I have set routines I need to follow. I find change very difficult so moving to other jobs or just moving to another part of the site can be a nightmare for me, being in that industry things can change quickly too which again causes me problems, I also struggle with others who work along side me who might not be as bothered about their work, or when they want to do something differently to how I would do it. 

    Im now thinking I’m going to have to completely start again from scratch with something which terrifies me. I haven’t got a clue what I’m going to do, I have two teenagers that I feel I’m letting down badly even though they don’t go without. 

Reply

  • Hi  ElleF this really resonates with me too, I too am now becoming increasingly concerned about income, I’ve been off work for 5 months now I am self employed, your story resonates with me too, I was the same diagnosed with severe anxiety and depression and also suffer with panic attacks this has gone on my entire adult life even longer. 

    Since I had a massive breakdown at the end of May I have been diagnosed with autism (1 week ago) and am waiting on a diagnosis for adhd. I’ve been living on savings, which are running out I’m at the point now where I’m looking to start selling things, I’ve also learned to realise my job as a bricklayer is a serious issue with me, I don’t hate my job but I hate what it does to me I’m obsessive about accuracy, how the work looks, how much money I will earn, I have set routines I need to follow. I find change very difficult so moving to other jobs or just moving to another part of the site can be a nightmare for me, being in that industry things can change quickly too which again causes me problems, I also struggle with others who work along side me who might not be as bothered about their work, or when they want to do something differently to how I would do it. 

    Im now thinking I’m going to have to completely start again from scratch with something which terrifies me. I haven’t got a clue what I’m going to do, I have two teenagers that I feel I’m letting down badly even though they don’t go without. 

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