Figuring out employment

[Mattymatt]

So right now I am at a cross-roads in my life. I need to find work but I have no idea what I am really interested in or what I would be a good fit for. My mind is going off in several directions at once and I don't think that this is the most effective way to find a career that I think might suit me. In fact, it's been counter productive.

Does anyone know any websites that could help with figuring out what kind of jobs I might be best suited for? Are there any career aptitude or interest tests out there?

Sometimes I think I just might be going about career searches in a really ineffective way and there is so much out there that I might be missing or do not know about. If I can be more effective in my planning, perhaps the outcomes will be better.

 

[Nervous Rex]

Try googling "aptitude test".

In High School, we had to take aptitude tests to tell us if we would make a good engineer, clerk, etc. Maybe there are some free ones online now.

 

[AO1501]

Not meaning to ask you a stupid question, but based on advice I as given many years ago and which has stood me in very good stead all my life, is there some area, something, that you are most interested in, that you like doing?

The reason I ask is that the advice was never to forget that I would most enjoy what I was best at doing, and therefore would be best doing what I most enjoy. For me at least it has turned out to be true.

Perhaps think where your skills seem most to be, and look at what areas of work that leads you towards. Certainly, my experience of aptitude tests and careers guidance is that both are largely unimaginative, outdated, and worthless.

 

[tree]

@AO1501

The most imaginative, current, and usable career guidance is basically
what you said: think about what you're interested in and pursue that
as a line of work.

Aptitude testing can be helpful when people really aren't at all insightful
regarding their own abilities. Sometimes people attribute great ability
to themselves when they really have little. (Mistaking interest or
admiration for capacity)

 

[pamelaperejil]

So right now I am at a cross-roads in my life. I need to find work but I have no idea what I am really interested in or what I would be a good fit for.

I was sort of the opposite. I used to think I was interested in certain fields, and came to find out that that wasn't true at all. Nor was the list of things I was good at (up until that point) a good predictor of successful job choices.

Maybe it would be better to start with a list of things you know you're not good at and/or would not enjoy, and work from there. Keep in mind that certain skills won't be listed in the job description but may well be needed for success in the field. Know what you're truly capable of, and know what kind of abilities the job requires. For example, do you need to make a lot of money, or have autonomy, or have a prestigious job, need to lead, need not to lead, need a friendly or low stress environment, need challenge, need to have life outside of work, need to be creative?

Then keep your options open and be amenable to trying new things until you find the thing that fits.

Good luck.

 

[LucyPurrs]

So right now I am at a cross-roads in my life. I need to find work but I have no idea what I am really interested in or what I would be a good fit for. My mind is going off in several directions at once and I don't think that this is the most effective way to find a career that I think might suit me. In fact, it's been counter productive.

Does anyone know any websites that could help with figuring out what kind of jobs I might be best suited for? Are there any career aptitude or interest tests out there?

Sometimes I think I just might be going about career searches in a really ineffective way and there is so much out there that I might be missing or do not know about. If I can be more effective in my planning, perhaps the outcomes will be better.

Matt there's a book called "What Color is My Parachute?" which is a classic in helping people figure out careers. It look at all sorts of skills and likes and parameters. You might find it helpful.

 

[Mattymatt]

Matt there's a book called "What Color is My Parachute?" which is a classic in helping people figure out careers. It look at all sorts of skills and likes and parameters. You might find it helpful.

Thank you, @LucyPurrs!

 

[Mary Lyn]

Temple Grandin has a bit to say about this. Not sure where though. Maybe do a search.

 

[Aeolienne]

This: Choosing the Right Job for People with Autism or Asperger's Syndrome.

My comment in A list of suitable and unsuitable jobs (elsewhere on this forum) also applies here.

 

[Bella Pines]

1. What are your strengths?

For example, I'm good at taking in large quantities of numerical information and finding patterns. I am good at long term strategy and I am artistic. What is your skillset, academic or otherwise?

2. What are your developmental areas?

I hate people. What areas do you struggle with? Academic or otherwise.

3. What are your hobbies or special interests?

Generally speaking, what are your hobbies, photography? Do you like maths?

4. What are your qualifications?

Science degree? None? Vocational certificates?

5. What industries are you drawn to?

Engineering, pharmaceuticals, construction, finance?

6. What experience do you have?

Have you ever been employed? Temp jobs?

 

[Aeolienne]

Not specifically aimed at autistic jobseekers, but worth a read:
How to find the right career for you