I'm in IT, and part of the keeping the job challenge is the inherent instability of the technology itself--keeping up with changes as well as with the social requirements. I am usually received with respect by the topmost people in their own fields, but I now avoid companies that trumpet their "strong culture" because a strong culture is highly intolerant of people who don't do the social thing as their core. Soft manners outperform hard skills in those places. When the social overhead is so high that nothing is getting done, I get hired to make things happen, because they know things will get done, and they can get rid of me later (I contract fairly often). Could be that I'm cynical. I'm still bitter over last year's job(less) experience.
I don't want to work for myself. I may be an aspie, but I do need people contact. The comraderie at work is important to my happiness, as important as being able to withdraw from it when I get overloaded.
