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Reminds us that there are employers out there willing to hire people on the spectrum. But in most cases it still means that we must seek them out rather than expect them to simply "find" us. And what kind of jobs they offer, which are probably narrower than what the job market in the aggregate offers.
Prompted me to search "where autistic people find work". Or "where autistic British find work". Links do come up. At least it appears there are entities out there willing to assist autistic people in finding work, though I can't say whether this translates into employers who have a distinct policy of being proactive in seeking autistic workers.
Still, it might prove more fruitful to pursue opportunities with these entities rather than to continue to struggle with the mainstream job market. One thing to consider. That obtaining a job where it is understood and agreed that you are autistic may prove to be more valuable than whatever the job in question actually is. At least from the perspective of a first-time paying job. That once you have it and can hold it for some time, it may lead to more gainful employment elsewhere. A "stepping stone", so to speak.
In the UK, disability specific jobs no longer exist, the likes of Remploy closed most of their Factories years ago, because they had disabled people working 40 hours a week for about 2 quid a day because they were all on benefits and therefore couldn't earn much without sanctions from the DWP.
I did a similar job in a local Recycling Plant in 2002, stood it for 3 full days before I decided "Screw this, I quit!", I mean come on, just because we're disabled does NOT mean we shouldn't be paid a decent wage, nor does it mean we want to be stood up all day sorting mucky Coke cans in a Recycling Plant, what idiot decided THAT was a suitable job for the disabled?!
Look at it this way. You may have to make sacrifices just to get onto the radar of the job market. Where you don't have that "perfect job". But one that serves as a stepping stone to other paying jobs.
I was paid terribly for the jobs I had as a college graduate, and I knew it at the time. But I hung in there because I knew it was a means to an end. But then most "entry level" jobs are just that. And that's part of the goal of any employer. To see how "hungry" you are to succeed under less-than-optimal circumstances.
In essence, don't count on any entry-level job having a "decent wage". But you hold onto that job until it counts as real experience in a paying job market. In truth you must drop all the pretenses of entitlement as an entry-level worker, disabled or not. When it comes to private-sector employment, most everyone has to "pay their dues" in this regard. Even us college graduates.
I have over 20 years of experience in the voluntary sector, but according to some loon from an Agency, that doesn't count as REAL work experience apparently...
Not my fault or problem that nobody in the REAL world will take me on.
I have over 20 years of experience in the voluntary sector, but according to some loon from an Agency, that doesn't count as REAL work experience apparently...
Not my fault or problem that nobody in the REAL world will take me on.
For all the paperwork involved and what they’ll get back, unfortunately for you it’s just not worth all the hassle for them, hence you are struggling to get a start.
There is that practical aspect from the employer's perspective he has to consider. That if you absolutely cannot work more than so many hours, it means there have to be alternate employees to draw upon.
Making it impractical to consider that employee in the first place. Especially if they are to be the only employee hired. Where those smaller businesses are most likely to pass on much of anyone with such limitations and requirements.
In this respect, from their perspective that is your fault- not theirs. Though unfortunately there isn't much you can do about such limits under your present laws regarding Employee Support Allowance.
Yeah, and what's worse is that if I work 1 second over the 16 hour limit, the Tories would take great delight in sanctioning me.
But this isn't the Politics section so I'll stop there.
Edit: Alternatively, it costs £12 to register a new company with HMRC and you can advertise and/or get a company website for free online. Maybe look at starting your own business while you have benefits coming in. Most people have to take on big loans in order to cover mortgage, bills, etc while they build a company so you're already in a better place than people like me. You wouldn't have to declare anything for tax purposes until you start earning profit, so if it doesn't work out then it shouldn't matter. But at worst, at least you'll understand things from an employer's POV and will have a better appreciation of what will make you more employable to other companies in future. Just an idea.
Great suggestion! This is in fact exactly what I did after doing crappy very low paid jobs during the day, and putting myself through night school to learn a craft. I also went from employee to employer for a good few years after starting a small limited company from nothing with nothing. It was hard work with low pay for a long time, but got me off disability and got me a good life in the end so it was well worth the risk, or I’d likely still be on benefits now.
If said autistic teen lives in the United States, then it's very easy.