Hi, I saw this video on reddit. I'm also 24 and you are not alone. I just got ghosted for an interview the other day, and its the only interview I've ever gotten. I'm trying so hard to find something but I've talked to a lot of other autistic adults and most of them have the same issues. Thank you for making this video.
@gmlpc7132
2 жыл бұрын
As you explain in the video not all jobs are suitable for someone with autism. The risk is that because of our problems in getting jobs we get pushed towards work not suitable for us. Jobs that make high demands on social skills / social interaction or which are very unpredictable and require lots of improvisation are best avoided. Every autistic person is different but I would recommend jobs that are either solitary or don't require much interaction. Jobs that are more predictable in their routines are also better. Ideally a job would connect with a personal interest in some way but that's not essential. The most important thing is to get a job that is manageable and isn't out of your comfort zone. Later on it may be possible to branch out more but early on it's best to prioritise a less demanding job.
@annac.8502
2 жыл бұрын
Girl, I know where you’re coming from as a high functioning autistic/ADHD person - workplaces make things extra hard for no reason and I already struggle more than enough 🙄🥸☕️ I’m trying not to set my brain on fire 🤣🧠
@defective1331
Жыл бұрын
what exactly is high functioning? is that word in the DSM? i looked it up and its not in there.
@andreaguardavideo
2 ай бұрын
“It’s a pyramid scheme with an office” it’s so true, im really glad you talked about this
@gmlpc7132
2 жыл бұрын
I understand your frustration Dana and you shouldn't apologise for letting off steam because we all need to do that and few things are worse than being forced to keep frustrations to yourself. So many people including myself have been through such demoralising experiences. Too many employers sadly treat applicants with contempt. Unfortunately social factors play a huge part in getting jobs. As you mentioned, a lot of successful applicants either have already worked for the employer or know someone (relative / friend) who works there. This means applications and interviews are often a foregone conclusion with many applicants having their time wasted. Autists are disadvantaged because they are less likely to know someone already working for that employer. Interviews are - despite what employers say - primarily social occasions where the employers generally just employ the candidate who they think will "fit in" best - usually just someone like themselves or their current employees. If you're seen as "different" or an "outsider" your chances are slim. The claim that they appoint the "best candidate" or "on merit" is often nonsense - they appoint the one they thing they'll get on best with.
@FirstmaninRome
2 жыл бұрын
Great video as usual, I really relate. I've also fallen for some marketing interviews. I keep coming back to security, maybe you should look into security. I've done it off on for 16 years. I worked at best buy sales and techsupport on the phones and I just can't go back to that. And have been unable to find a job that really uses my degree. But you hang in there.
@deesparklebazinga7706
2 жыл бұрын
My worst possible nightmare is having to find a job! I haven't had a paid job since 2005 (been on benefits). I'm not sure if I will be able to work again due to autism and adhd but also physical health problems. I wish I could work but not sure what I could even manage! I'm house bound (unless my dad takes me out in the car) due to anxiety and physical problems. I also struggle with communication so hate using the phone. I'm dyslexic and have Dyscalcular so not sure what would be a suitable job option! Hope you have more success with finding a job as it's a nightmare currently! X
@t.k.5972
Жыл бұрын
Thank you for sharing your frustration. It is relateable. I unironically got my job through a contact of mine , a friend, who really was intruiged by my ideas , problemsolving thoughts , my projects I just do to entertain myself and build up economic chances etc.. From my perspective I did not need the job (most people would disagree). This gave me enough self confidence to get through interviews while still being humble. Despite being a friend, the challenge continued because he had to correct his view of me getting more confronted with the autism side he apparently didnt see and the occassional comorbidity. I am still hired though. It would not be the case if I didnt explain autism and its challenges in length to them when voices of discomfort accumulated.. At this point I am sure that the political push of interest groups (autistic people btw !) to think of autism not as a handicap fires back big time to the largest group of autists 'cause guess what, most autistic people (87 percent) can't fucking get a job or keep it and I am sure all "awkward" people in general fight with it. Thats a fucking handicap ! Its just at the level where you experience it : the "get in" and the "stay in" sector. Personally I am compared to your approach "highly specialised" so that might be why I occassionally get a door into industries (while in that industry I am sort of broadly able to do several tasks close or not close to the job). I don't do "everything" as in "really everything". Maybe that is how you might enter the jobmarket right now, scatter shot style, I dont think it worked for me... If fashion for example is your thing, I'd rather aim at *making* fashion then trying to be the face of a shop. We are usually not the "face of the company" unless the autism is bolstered by a huge "ego" or some creative area where being weird is semi celebrated (dont expect too much from that statement, it gets HR-cursed and "professional" too) or the persons work results are so popular (think of Ghibli, Kojima etc), that it is accepted that the person might be not the usual person. TBH, if you are smart, you might want to think about getting an economic education and do your own thing entirely. But ..I am a stereotypical high risk-reward type, so take that thought with a "grain of salt". Good Luck !
@staggermeister_old
2 жыл бұрын
You like swear a lot, I didn't like it at first, but noww I do
@shadowfox933
2 жыл бұрын
I don't like phones either, but for me it's the sound of the ring and dial tones. I can't stand that sound in my ears all day
@RickyStaines
2 жыл бұрын
Hey Dana! I hope you're well? I really like your channel! I'm autistic myself. I watched your video while having dinner and really related to it! As an autistic person, I've had long stretches of unemployment despite being overqualified for the roles I applied for and having lots of great qualities and skills, so you're not alone! I was able to turn it around and find good and well paid employment, so there is hope! It sounds like you're doing what I did and selling yourself a bit short at the moment though. You're obviously very creative, can produce videos and do all of the artwork for them (you would be surprised how many well paid marketing executives can't do that!). You also mentioned you had a blog and if you're able to do that, you're honestly more than qualified for content assistant or content editor roles if that's something that interests you? The problem sounds like experience at a recognisable place and that can be really hard. I know you're keen to be paid, but I would definitely recommend reaching out to brands you believe in and asking them if you can do a bit of work for free. Many website teams could use the help! And it's a great way to get experience. Charities are great as they are always in need of help, so perhaps take a look at what's near you and send them an email to say hello? I was lucky to live in London and I don't know what your situation is, but take a look at brands you feel a connection with and get in touch! If you can do a few weeks or more at those places, you'll have something great to add to your CV! I got my big break at an autism charity and because I was pretty much self taught and had done similar work in the past (but had to leave because of burn out and not knowing I was autisic) I was able to really show them what I could do, which led to paid work and a job at a big charity. I had no money and had to sell my possessions to afford the bus fare to the internship and was frequently running into my overdraft which was quite scary! But I worked like hell and it eventually paid off. It was also nice knowing that I was skilled, but that those other jobs I was applying for were not autism friendly at all. In fact, I was only applying for most of them because I felt infantalised by not having a job and was applying for things that would never have been a good fit out of societal and parental pressure, but I wasn't listening to what I truly wanted to do. So I reckon it's good to ask people what you can do for free, if only to get your foot in the door and show off your skills, so you can tell the world about it and stick it on your CV. When it comes to interview time for that job you really want, ask the company's people services department what reasonable adjustments they can make - more companies have an understanding of neurodiversity these days (at least the good ones do) and will let you have the questions before the interview (if they don't, it's not somewhere you want to work!). I would also recommend taking a look at the STAR method when answering interview questions, which was a godsend when I learned about it - many neurotypicals don't even know about it and its good for us autistic folks as it provides structure and a chance to script our answers: www.theguardian.com/careers/careers-blog/star-technique-competency-based-interview Anyway, I hope it was okay to share this and hope it's not overstepping too many boundaries. I was just reminded of my situation and wanted to get in touch! Most important thing is to know and honour yourself and do what you believe in, and then go for what you really want! Don't settle! I wish you luck and keep up with the great work on the channel! Rick :)
@gmlpc7132
2 жыл бұрын
I think a key issue for autistic applicants is whether they declare their autism when applying. This is a tricky one as there's always the risk that some employers will be prejudiced and not consider autistic applicants. However we're going to get judged whether we declare autism or not and the risk is that someone who doesn't say they're autistic gets judged more harshly by employers who don't realise the fact. Good employers (and I accept many are not) should realise that autistic candidates are more likely to be tense and not find the social aspects of an interview more difficult but can still be very good employees. On the whole I would recommend to any autistic applicant that they are open about their autism but outline how their autistic traits can make them a good, dependable worker. If there are any application tests, etc, good employers should also adapt those for autistic candidates, e.g. giving them more time to respond and more explicit guidance on how to complete them. They should also make the interview less stressful by supplying questions or other advice beforehand.
@tj4234
2 жыл бұрын
I used to work in film and TV and I applied for what was essentially my dream job with the BBC. The job description was like it had been hand written and designed to be worked by me specifically. I went into the interview and completely dominated it. I had a solid answer for every question in the interview. And like with your interview I got the old "I'm sure we'll be hearing more from you soon." I'd also researched the interviewers and noticed that one of the panelists' native languages is a language I speak fluently as a second language. And he was the person who came out and collected me and also took me out the office. I made a point of chatting to him in his native language to build rapport. During the interview they asked me how I've overcome difficulty in my life and I mentioned that I'm autistic and have had to overcome a lot of difficulties. I made a big thing about how it has made me stronger as a person and has given me drive in life. Also mentioned some of the benefits like how I get super immersed in my work. About a week later I got a rejection letter. The BBC have a policy where if you ask for interview feedback they will give you the interview notes. Reading the notes I am 99% sure I was turned down because I'm autistic. It was all full of crap like how the programme would be full of last minute changes and they "felt someone like me wouldn't cope with the constant change." Ironically I'm actually good with change.
@deinodinosuchus
4 ай бұрын
yuppp :( sometimes it's just best to not mention the autism because people just automatically turn it down. it's absolute bullshit
@SarahDale111
2 жыл бұрын
Soooo relatable. 😖 I'm 46, and lost my job last fall for the umpteenth time due to burnout. (My job count is probably in the 30's.) I just want a straightforward job, like stocking shelves in a grocery store. I don't know how to make that happen. I've started employment counseling, so I will try to remain hopeful that there is help out there. The endless frustration is too much. You are exceptionally good at expressing it!
@samsicles_jr
Жыл бұрын
you are 100% not alone. feel you on all the points you made. and i feel a change will come. thank you for sharing. i’ve been thinking about autistic / neurodivergent employment experiences like my own for a while now. 💚 curious - i know this video is a bit old now. have you found something you’re comfortable with now?
@DanaAndersen
Жыл бұрын
Thank you for your comment, it always feels a good bit better knowing it’s not just me! I’ve not found anything for myself yet, but have made friends with several people who work within their special interests, and that seems the way to go!
@samsicles_jr
Жыл бұрын
@@DanaAndersen agree. it took me many years to decide a better route would be really thinking about my strengths and passion and seeking work related to that, or even creating it for myself. maybe your yt channel does the latter for you a bit.
@AHappy
Жыл бұрын
Relatable completely
@shmeleu
2 жыл бұрын
You are not alone. Сan't give recommendations what to do with it, sadly. We are good untill we are unreplaceble, when suddenly ... bam! you are out
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