Is being underemployed or struggling to get into a career that pays enough to support oneself, common for people on the autism spectrum?

[Judge]

My advice is to live the life that you feel suits you best and not bother "keeping up with the Jones's.". If you're comfortable and happy then I'd consider you to be successful.

Agreed. A much better path to take than spend years doing work you eventually come to loathe.

 

[Ronald Zeeman]

Look at Einstein 4 sigma intelligence 6 sigma or greater special skill. Which he and I share at lower level. Boy did he blow his peers out of the water. FInd your special skill and leverage it. Could be a game changer. As I noticed in past the sponsor of this site uses it to find us. Same way sports teams scout talent.

 

[Markness]

@Markness - If it bothers you that you didn't finish college, you could take some community college adult education classes or some online classes. Figure out something that you're interested in or would simply enjoy doing. You might even make some friends through your increased social connections and sharing an interest with other people.

Well, I actually did take community college courses, both in person and online. I also made attempts to socialize as well as inquired about clubs.

I’ve never attended courses for what is considered a university here in the US. My parents actually said they were only prepared to potentially help me with community college. My father hoped that potentially all his sons would then go to A&M like he and my grandfather did.

 

[Ronald Zeeman]

I got through college without help from my parents, paid my own way fortunately meet fellow Aspie within days of starting course. He spoke to his parents, they offered me room and board for a very generous amount. Worked out great until, my new friend meet one of my grade thirteen classmates, got her pregnant and married her, need room at parents place for his new family. EIther way worked out great three years of college. I know how to be really frugal. One thing I have learned over the years nothing ventured nothing gained. I lived on money I made working on a chicken farm or the summer Ammonia a being absorbed by my sweat eating out my armpits.

 

[Markness]

@Mary Terry

To be clear, I think your suggestions are right. I just wonder how I can get better results than what I’ve gotten before.

 

[Mary Terry]

@Mary Terry

To be clear, I think your suggestions are right. I just wonder how I can get better results than what I’ve gotten before.

Practice, practice, practice. You WILL make improvements if you just keep working on it. If I had a magic wand, I'll whisk you straight into an environment with people to talk to and a conversation coach to help guide you.