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Working in a supermarket

StMartin72

I have difficulty with social interactions in my job at Morrisons.  I work on the Checkouts where an amount of interaction is required, ie eye contact, saying hi and so forth. I also have meltdowns dealing with the many irritations and frustrations created by customers and staff who don't really understand me.  I really struggle with these things and have been threatened with disciplinary action over the years. Any advice for me?

Parents

  • Hey, I just wanted to drop in and empathise with you.

    I, too, work on a checkout, in Asda. I have long found it stressful and last year it all made sense when I was diagnosed as being on the spectrum. 

    I told my management, but they remain indifferent and not at all open to amendments to allow for my condition. As such, I have had to manage by myself because I simply cannot find another job!

    Funnily, like longman's advice, I worked out what my tolerances were, and insisted on cutting back my shifts to allow for it. Instead of two 7hr shifts, I now work four lots of 3.5hrs. This was a big change to my routine and weekly pattern, but it was worth it for the lower amount of stress to me.

    I also do not hesitate now to ask to go to the toilet (persistently, if need be - I know how unwilling they can be!) just to take some down-time and calm myself a little if I feel panicked or over-stimulated.

    These work for me - for now. But ultimately, you mustn't feel guilty to ask, or insist, for what you need to get yourself through a shift.

    I hope things do get better for you, or have already!  

Reply

  • Hey, I just wanted to drop in and empathise with you.

    I, too, work on a checkout, in Asda. I have long found it stressful and last year it all made sense when I was diagnosed as being on the spectrum. 

    I told my management, but they remain indifferent and not at all open to amendments to allow for my condition. As such, I have had to manage by myself because I simply cannot find another job!

    Funnily, like longman's advice, I worked out what my tolerances were, and insisted on cutting back my shifts to allow for it. Instead of two 7hr shifts, I now work four lots of 3.5hrs. This was a big change to my routine and weekly pattern, but it was worth it for the lower amount of stress to me.

    I also do not hesitate now to ask to go to the toilet (persistently, if need be - I know how unwilling they can be!) just to take some down-time and calm myself a little if I feel panicked or over-stimulated.

    These work for me - for now. But ultimately, you mustn't feel guilty to ask, or insist, for what you need to get yourself through a shift.

    I hope things do get better for you, or have already!  

Children
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