Published on 12, July, 2020
Is it a fight for rights or a fight for the easy option ?
While some people may not be able to work the bulk of those with mental/physical disabilities or problems are able to do some kind of work, so I think it's only right that the government of any country seeks to solve this problem even if only to reduce the costs of providing for these people.
Some of these people want to work and need to work around their issues though and this seems to be overlooked by the government.
Some of these people though have not worked for many years or not at all and are now being pressured into finding a job so obviously they find it difficult especially when they have problems with the type of work they can do and the environment they need to work in.
Some of these people though do not want to work full stop - and have got used to being provided for, and the thought of them having to do something for themselves seems impossible so they use their disabilities/problems so not to have to work.
I think unless someone is absolutely unable to work then they should not expect any government to provide for them but the way the government are going about it is all wrong - there is no black and white line between either being able or being unable to work - and people should not be pushed or pulled to one side or the other - this creates a gulf between those people and the government whereby the people are fighting to be on one side and the government in fighting to get them on the other side.
For those who have been one one side of the line for most of their life to suddenly find they have been pushed onto the other side can be a huge problem.
I think there should be some middle ground here - such as for example people getting assessed on a points system and then be expected to work a certain amount of hours and then getting reassessed every few months.
I'm also guilty to some degree of finding comfort in the route of wanting to avoid work due to my many problems and I also see this in other people, currently I do want to work but it means facing problems/anxieties etc so I need certain conditions or I need to be eased into it slowly but at one point I was with the attitude that I am sick and have rights etc and should not have to work - but I have now completely changed my point of view - and like a reformed smoker I am starting to feel animosity towards these kind of people now. I now don't believe that having any problems should serve as an excuse not to work and get annoyed when I see people expect to be provided for as I feel it's the easy option.
In life people need to struggle, without struggle people cannot grow. It's easy to claim money and not have to do anything - it's hard to face your problems and take responsibility for yourself. Whoever we are, whatever our problems we should face them and at least put some effort into our lifes rather than take the easy option.
Choosing or fighting to stay on the easy side of the line will only serve to make yourself weaker in the long run.
While many people need help once their environment is comfortable then people should be only be helped by being taught how to help themselves.
Nobody should be entitled to anything that they have not earned themselves.
I am looking for work, I want to work, I want to face my problems and become a stronger better person.
I was hoping Paull might just tell us if he was affected by autism or aspergers, or is criticising from outside.
While I managed a career, being at the manageable end, it was not without considerable difficulty, and many constraints and barriers that limited what I could do. I was just very very lucky that after a late start I managed to get the qualifications that gave me more choice of do-able jobs.
What bugged me most was fitting in in the workplace, which is not easy if you have difficulties with social interaction. Most jobs expect you to fit in with the team. There doesn't seem to be any change in this requirement to make it easier for people on the spectrum - to be honest if someone can do a good job why do they need to be able to socialise to get on? And to progress into management you have to have a partner to go to social events with - aurism aside many single people lose out on promotion - what's that got to do with doing a good job?
And of course team work nowadays is crucial. There aren't any back office little job in a corener opportunities these days. Team work is not easy for someone on the spectrum.
Interviews are another key problem. It is said that trhe first few minutes of an interview are crucial, and decisions are often made then. Appearances in terms of how you dress, how you make eye contact, what you say in the first minutes, whether you sit still of fidget, are all crucial. So people on the spectrum may find themselves at a dreadful disadvantage.
Then there's whether you tell people about it. Lack of public understanding of autistic spectrum often means you won't get short listed if you declare; you might not be taken seriously if you don't and odd behaviourisms show through.
Most jobs have a broad range of skills. People on the spectrum may excel at some, but fall short on others. There's not yet a mechanism for being allowed to focus on what you do well. Most jobs nowadays involve rotation - changes of job role to give everyone a share of experiences.
I can comment on this regarding Higher Education - degrees still require completion of the whole curriculum. There are few options for part curriculum, so you cannot just do what you are good at.
As I said at the start I'd like Paull to say if his perspective is that of someone on the spectrum, or someone related to someone else on the spectrum, or a carer or someone who works with people on the spectrum. If he isn't in the know as to what it is like, I think at least he should say so.
It is easy to moralise Paull if you are in the "I'm alright Jack" (ie not personally affected) position. The trouble is people on the spectrum encounter very real barriers, many of which could be overcome if employers gave us a bit more leaway!