How To Get A Job Advice

[FayetheAspie]

I'm looking for advice about how to get employment (preferably working in an introductory lab technician position). Sometimes being upfront about autism seems to make people more accepting, but other times it seems to make people automatically dismiss you as even being a fully functioning human. Then having the ability to mask accurately is a dilemma in itself. People say you need to mask, but it seems like efforts to mask just make me come off even more odd when I try to practice in front of a mirror (like the hiring manager would probably still notice that I was a bit "off" but additionally mistake my behavior as some kind of flirting attempt (perhaps even a bit stalkerish looking at times)or something.

 

[Masked Man]

I think it depends on what sort of lab you're looking to work in. At the medical center I am employed with, our lab techs have to have a minimum of an Associates degree and I think they may need to have a certificate as well but I'm not sure about that.

 

[Judge]

I would implore you to keep it on a "need-to-know" basis only. Otherwise you are exposing yourself to potential prejudice and ignorance you don't need at this point in your life, just to "get your foot in the door" of a perspective employer.

Best to worry about people accepting you as you are AFTER you get the job, and not before it.

Otherwise you risk putting all your hopes and dreams into the assessment of one person, who may not be so sympathetic to applicants being "different" in a way that they may well not understand in whole or in part.

 

[Neonatal RRT]

Good advice from @Judge

I can "out myself" because I have 40 years' work experience, I am a leader, I am an educator, and I tend to intimidate people simply with my presence.

As a new person who hasn't earned the respect of the team and management, I would simply keep it quiet for a while.

 

[Rodafina]

I wonder if you can land in the gray area here - don't disclose up front, but don't mask too much, either. I think there is room for us to be our authentic selves without having to announce to every soul in earshot that we are autistic. Masking can be capped at being professional.

 

[Masked Man]

On the autism note, I agree I would not disclose unless it's a situation where you need special accommodations in order to perform your job. Otherwise it's none of their business.

 

[FayetheAspie]

It's just frustrating because I don't know how them not knowing will help due to the fact that people automatically know something is off. Back at my retail job, I had not even been evaluated yet to disclose it and people could automatically tell that I was a bit "off". They would accuse me of being crazy and even dangerous even though I was just trying to do my job and help others when they needed it. I don't know how to seem "normal".

 

[FayetheAspie]

It seems like one time I'm in trouble for avoiding eye contact but then if I don't I'm in trouble for staring someone down. If you move around people think you're doing drugs but if you make yourself stay still then you're considered stiff formal and standoffish. If I get an involuntary grin or bust out laughing I need an excuse for what I "find funny" when I don't necessary find anything funny at the moment. If I talk low I need to speak up but if I raise my voice I'm yelling. I don't know how to pass as normal. I probably don't deserve a job.