I just came back from a job interview, the first one I've ever had in another state. This was also my first time flying alone, making travel arrangements myself, renting a car, and visiting a new city without knowing anyone there. I knew to expect a meltdown from the stress of traveling, so I flew out a day before the interview so I could have time to acclimate and decompress. Sure enough, I had a flood of mental "I can't, and I just wanna go home!" as soon as I got to the hotel. I just locked myself in my room, surrounded myself with pillows under the hotel quilts, and watched soothing TV shows until I fell asleep, knowing things would be better in the morning.
Sure enough, the interview went really well! I was myself, although I did have to be a little more outgoing and personable than I naturally am, but it was easy and enjoyable after a good night's sleep. They liked me so much they started checking references that same day, and are continuing the process for hiring me! This is a job in my field, and although my Aspie traits could be a little problematic in this industry, at this particular location it feels like they will be more accommodating and understanding of my quirks while I learn and grow. They have a really good benefits package too, including plenty of time off, and the job itself involves plenty of travel, so I can spend time alone in a car when I need to. I will have to do a lot of interacting with people, but I find I actually like doing that when I feel like I have some business to attend to and some control of the situation instead of just being expected to perform NT tricks in a social situation. This could be a good thing for me, hoping it turns out!
After the interview, I spent several hours walking Main street, hopping shops and chatting up strangers trying to get a feel for the town and its residents. I stopped in at the library and it had a really nice museum in it, but I talked with the lady at the desk for about 30 minutes just about books before touring the museum. I think I did more socializing on this trip than I have over the last 3 months combined, and had a blast doing it! I did have some social gaffes, and after my busy afternoon downtown I went back to my room and watched 6 hours of Storage Wars on TV, but it was a great time and I really had good social experiences!
I got home Thursday night and have been recovering from the strain of traveling since then. I'm finally not bumping into the walls when I walk around the house (flying makes me very sick and dizzy)! Yay! An accomplishment! As I posted on my Facebook page, Adulting +500, Level up!!!
Sure enough, the interview went really well! I was myself, although I did have to be a little more outgoing and personable than I naturally am, but it was easy and enjoyable after a good night's sleep. They liked me so much they started checking references that same day, and are continuing the process for hiring me! This is a job in my field, and although my Aspie traits could be a little problematic in this industry, at this particular location it feels like they will be more accommodating and understanding of my quirks while I learn and grow. They have a really good benefits package too, including plenty of time off, and the job itself involves plenty of travel, so I can spend time alone in a car when I need to. I will have to do a lot of interacting with people, but I find I actually like doing that when I feel like I have some business to attend to and some control of the situation instead of just being expected to perform NT tricks in a social situation. This could be a good thing for me, hoping it turns out!
After the interview, I spent several hours walking Main street, hopping shops and chatting up strangers trying to get a feel for the town and its residents. I stopped in at the library and it had a really nice museum in it, but I talked with the lady at the desk for about 30 minutes just about books before touring the museum. I think I did more socializing on this trip than I have over the last 3 months combined, and had a blast doing it! I did have some social gaffes, and after my busy afternoon downtown I went back to my room and watched 6 hours of Storage Wars on TV, but it was a great time and I really had good social experiences!
I got home Thursday night and have been recovering from the strain of traveling since then. I'm finally not bumping into the walls when I walk around the house (flying makes me very sick and dizzy)! Yay! An accomplishment! As I posted on my Facebook page, Adulting +500, Level up!!!
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