Autistic Ponderings - Workplace Fairness

Why is it such a challenge to acquire work despite having a high skillset and willingness to learn and develop? I've been pondering over this recently... I have been out of work in an "official" workplace for years now, not due to choice, but due to health both mentally and physically. I feel that the intelligence I have gained throughout this time, learning about various subjects and methods of curating a great art style should be enough to provide a workplace with an individual bursting with creativity, knowledge, sensibility and confidence. When you have been kicked back again and again you begin to wonder if you really are not cut out for work. Following that, your own business doesn't become as successful as you'd like it to be (yet... I still have hope) and failure is seeping into every pore of your skin like a malignant custard attack.

I fully believe there should be more fairness, perhaps we don't look at how old the individual might be, ask what it is they would like to develop rather than just what they can do. A few subtle changes could really help individuals to maintain confidence in their work. Give feedback, perform a firm but fair trial, it isn't impossible to be polite. Here are some elements I feel have personally effected me:

❌ No, I do not have adequate experience in an office based environment

✔️Yes, throughout the past 7 years I have developed my skills and confidence beyond that which never seemed possible

❌ Being autistic does mean I cannot always adhere to 9-5 work (despite the 40 hours originally designed to accommodate one working parent and one stay at home...)

✔️Being autistic means I am conscientious, efficient, detail-oriented and autodidactic. I will use my spare time to practice and/or research relevant to the position

❌My style of art is different to others and that can be challenging to accept into mainstream industries

✔️I could bring new, imaginative art styles and ways of thinking to a team, while bouncing off a team to develop styles further

It is very difficult finding a position when you have done most of your development at home through online courses and research as there is no company (so it seems) who will accept this as viable experience. I hope this helps others feel recognised and know they are not alone.

#work #experience #art #neurodiversity #actuallyautistic