Overwhelmed looking for a part time job

All the best!

Ok thank you ill give it a go :)

Wow thank you very much for this advice. Its crazy you mential the gardening and eldely support as ive already done simular jobs that i found not as stressful. Honestly his was very helpful advice and i think has given me a second wind to try and 'advertise myself'. Thank you alot

I can also add that I decided to start part time gardening in addition to my job because I love being out in nature and love plants. It is like my therapy! I am lucky to have a few but lovely clients. I approached a local independent nursery one day in desperation and they put me in touch with my now clients who are genuine plant people who value and understand the input of a gardener. These have been more successful and fulfilling clients and gardens than those I had found by advertising alone. Just in case this was an option you were considering. I'd recommend approaching an independent nursery or grower for potential new clients.

Hi Jake,

First off, speaking as someone who is Autistic and has spent a massive chunk of his adult life working with young adults with learning needs (NOT that I class Autism as a learning need, but a large portion of the young people I have worked with have Autism as well as their SEND) I can tell you - it can be a RIGHT pain in the bum, so the trouble you feel now is perfectly justifiable.  BUT, the greatest obstacle I faced getting young people into employment was the young persons willingness to work.  So to get someone like you who wanted to work would have been a DREAM

I supported a number of the young people (YP) I worked with to play to their strengths and not fight against a perfectly normal ASD reaction to things like having difficulty speaking to people, or approaching customers, or being in busy spaces - it can be a autistic nightmare!  As a peer mentor once told me You wouldn't expect someone with cerebral palsy to work on a building site, so why would you try and get someone with autism to work in socially intense environment like an office or a shop? and he's completely correct.

I had a lot of success supporting YP with creating their own very casual businesses, that they could work in their own area (or an area of their choosing if they lived somewhere they didn't feel would be sympathetic).

They type of work my YP worked were things like

• Dog Walking
• Home support for the elderly
• Light gardening
• Cleaning services

I found that most people would be incredibly supportive and kind, and willing to give the YP a chance.  Because the types of jobs they were suggesting were the types of things which were of value, but people didn't want to do themselves.

Consider creating some fliers which you can post through some letter boxes, along the lines

Hello,

My name's Jake and I was wondering if I could help you?  I am a young autistic man who wants to begin my career, and earn some money to help support my family.  Because of how autism effects me, I find working in busy environments like shops or offices difficult.  So I am trying to create my own business where I can work in a way which suits my neurodiversity.

[Then explain your business - e.g. I am an animal lover and enjoy working with dogs.  If you have a pet which you would like walking while you are at work, I would be very happy to do this.  I would ensure they have a 3 mile walk, are safe and well looked after]

If you would like to meet me to discuss more, please email me on jakesmith@gmail.com or call me on 07858456235

I look forward hearing from you,

Jake

If you think this is something you think can work, I'd love to hear how you get on

Remember you are just as valuable as John Smith down the road, perhaps even more so? I have been considering trying to work with people with Autism, I would like to think I have a lot to offer and more understanding that an NT carer but it depends also on what you are personally comfortable with doing as a job. 

 Gina Mod 

 Just for info, Lotus already posted a link to this same section of advice earlier.

Hi Jake,

Thank you for posting to the community. I am sorry to hear you are feeling overwhelmed looking for a job. 

The NAS website has advice and guidance for work experience and finding a job: 

https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/employment/support-to-get-work-experience-and-find-a-job

I hope this helps. 

Gina Mod

what sort of autistic traits do you have that may restrict the type of job you can do?

You mention social anxiety so working as a waiter / bartender / food server / care worker seem unsuitable.

Also, what hobbies do you have? Any that could relate to part time jobs?

For example, like animals - dog walker, farm helper etc Like gardening - offering local gardening services or working with the councils parks and gardens dept as a seasonal worker. You get the idea.

Ok thanks

Keep looking.......but perhaps not in conventional place?!

Who are the people that "know" you.........and who probably need help?  Can you ask them?  There is a difference between "job sites" and actual people "who would value your help."

I wish you well.

Hi Jake

There is some employment advice for autistic people in the advice & guidance section of this website

https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/employment

Hope this is helpful, and wishing you luck

Hi Jake. That sounds really hard. I just wanted to wish you well and good luck. I've not had the same experiences as you so can't offer advice, but wish you well. I am sure the right job and right employer is out there for you.