I guess my field really isn't my field

[Mr Allen]

Are you in the USA? At this time of year many big box stores like Home Depot, menards, etc are looking for “merchandisers,” what are trained to build the store displays. As I understand you do not deal with customers.

Even rural areas have merchandisers at Walmart’s. So do grocery stores- it’s a merchandising company that comes in and stocks the bread, the sodas, and other goods. Grocery stores use outside companies. Home Depot has staff specifically in that role and it’s full time work.

Some merchandisers travel within a district to other stores but it’s decent money. Even Hallmark cards uses merchandisers. Gone are the days when regular store staff stocked the shelves and counters!

Merchandisers? Meh, that's just a posh way of saying "Shelf Stackers"

20 odd years ago I did a similar placement from College in a Supermarket. at the end they wouldn't offer me a permanent job because they said I was "too slow at shelf stacking", I was literally like, WTF?! Any excuse to not employ the disabled, they were perfectly happy for me to work 15 hours a week for them for free on placement.

I officially give up.

 

[Judge]

I have a family friend who once did restocking at night. She loved it. Primarily because the job didn't involve interacting with much of anyone. Just accountability for expeditiously getting the merchandise on the shelves. Didn't pay much, but it was effortless income to her. Each to their own, and she needed a job at the time.

 

[Mary Anne]

Merchandisers? Meh, that's just a posh way of saying "Shelf Stackers"

20 odd years ago I did a similar placement from College in a Supermarket. at the end they wouldn't offer me a permanent job because they said I was "too slow at shelf stacking", I was literally like, WTF?! Any excuse to not employ the disabled, they were perfectly happy for me to work 15 hours a week for them for free on placement.

I officially give up.

No, it’s not whatsoever. I been doing job applications like crazy the past two weeks. I am also in the USA in a major city region. I have done the research and would never mislead anyone. I made 30 applications to Home Depot’s, Menards, and others within a 10 mile radius. I read about every single label a job was given. I did more research online. There is an entire field called merchandising. Working as a stocker in a grocery store is not the same as one who has a route daily of multiple stores, and a window of time (usually 90 minutes max at each location (Home Depot is completely different then this description) where you change price tags, build displays, change seasonal products, check for expiration dates, etc. in grocery stores. Stockers in the USA unload trucks in the back, work forklifts, and bring out the huge pallets to the section of the store where needed. Different pay, and different work.
In USA that is.

 

[Mary Anne]

Merchandisers? Meh, that's just a posh way of saying "Shelf Stackers"

20 odd years ago I did a similar placement from College in a Supermarket. at the end they wouldn't offer me a permanent job because they said I was "too slow at shelf stacking", I was literally like, WTF?! Any excuse to not employ the disabled, they were perfectly happy for me to work 15 hours a week for them for free on placement.

I officially give up.

Astonishing that you were made to work for free! We have laws that have ended that nonsense. All workers now get paid, and changes called “supportive employment” mean that you get the same wage as everyone else.

One of my former clients was fired as a grocery store bagger and cart retriever because he also was “too slow.” This firing really did a number on his self esteem.

 

[WildCat]

I have a family friend who once did restocking at night. She loved it. Primarily because the job didn't involve interacting with much of anyone. Just accountability for expeditiously getting the merchandise on the shelves. Didn't pay much, but it was effortless income to her. Each to their own, and she needed a job at the time.

That's what I do right now and have been doing for quite some time, working nights putting product on shelves. Not having to deal with customers for an extended period of time is a plus, as that's definitely not a strength of mine.

Unfortunately you have to work at a steady (and often quick) pace to get the task done, which from my years having done it I can safely say that not everyone can handle it (regardless of who or what). It's not a bad job all in all, not my "field" but it's something I suppose.

 

[Judge]

Unfortunately you have to work at a steady (and often quick) pace to get the task done, which from my years having done it I can safely say that not everyone can handle it (regardless of who or what). It's not a bad job all in all, not my "field" but it's something I suppose.

Good point. Another key issue most of us have to deal with in the private sector at one time or another.

-Production.

Even as an insurance underwriter, the ability to move files remained paramount. It really hit me one day when I was asked to "teach" the new guy how to move files. The new guy being much older and technically more experienced than I was. A man who actually was formally teaching underwriting on the premises after work. Yet he fundamentally had great difficulty moving files on a consistent basis.

There are indeed some jobs out there with a minimum of social interaction. But most of them still involve your ability to "juggle". From what I hear, the worse possible environment involving a production process is Amazon, where they seem to pride themselves on "breaking" people who think they are really good at what they do. A fitting name for a company, given how often so many work environments are "jungles".

 

[Ronin82]

Yeah, due to sensory issues I can't be in big warehouse-type retail stores for more than about an hour without a shut-down/melt-down, two hours if its a good day. I'm in the US, but this push for productivity is detrimental to the health of the society. I simply can't do what others do, and even if I CAN do something, its not as fast as others, but there are some tasks I can do faster than other people, but no one will pay me for that. Im coming to really hate the American culture in general, although there are certainly some good things here. But the way we treat people, even those without disabilities, is disgusting! People are not commodities, they are not slaves, they are not objects to be used! If we as a society could change this one thing, we would be so much happier around here.

 

[Judge]

Yeah, due to sensory issues I can't be in big warehouse-type retail stores for more than about an hour without a shut-down/melt-down, two hours if its a good day. I'm in the US, but this push for productivity is detrimental to the health of the society. I simply can't do what others do, and even if I CAN do something, its not as fast as others, but there are some tasks I can do faster than other people, but no one will pay me for that. Im coming to really hate the American culture in general, although there are certainly some good things here. But the way we treat people, even those without disabilities, is disgusting! People are not commodities, they are not slaves, they are not objects to be used! If we as a society could change this one thing, we would be so much happier around here.

Yeah. The US takes their work ethic to new lows that are toxic to many people at some point in their occupational lives. It never ends. With high tech ultimately just facilitating people to be that much more productive rather than anticipate machines doing all the "heavy lifting".

I prefer the work ethics of other countries, who take a more measured approach of such things. But then in my own case, I've lived a sort of "Bohemian" existence for some time where I'm sure most of my overworked peers frown on. Not that I care what they think...

After all on occasion I've posted my opinion that work alone does not define me and shouldn't exclusively define much of anyone.

 

[Pearly Shells]

That's the funny thing...I was pretty ok with fellow staff members. Almost everyone likes me, and I am pretty good at getting stories/information out of people. I was so burned out from hearing strangers life-stories years ago, I guess I'm still shut down from that. i tend towards the hyper-sensitive side of the spectrum, can tell the energy of emotions just not the body language of them. Its exhausting. in any case, hermit in the woods sounds so GOOD to me right now! I often dream of having a self-sustainable farm where I raise my own food, out in the middle of nowhere, but close enough to the city where I can partake of its amenities.

When I get back home I'm going to be working intensely to find a job that I might be able to do without burning myself out. Thinking auto parts delivery again, since that may not require as much client contact. It just seems like employers just don't want to deal with Aspie-problems, so if I'm honest about the challenges I face with social things, no one hires me. Sad part is my parents can't support me financially or emotionally, so I never get a break from the struggle. Only my friends and therapist understand me and allow me to be myself, even if I am weird.

I'm really up on nutrition and wellness topics, and have great knowledge to share with others. I just can't seem to do it tactfully. I've been applying for "health and wellness coach" jobs at local doctor's offices back home, and have even considered working in a health food and supplement store, but retail is the bane of my existence, so pretty sure that won't work. I dunno....I just feel so.....useless and misunderstood, maybe even scorned for not being "good enough" by the NT world. Ready to isolate for a while.

 

[Mr Allen]

Astonishing that you were made to work for free! We have laws that have ended that nonsense. All workers now get paid, and changes called “supportive employment” mean that you get the same wage as everyone else.

One of my former clients was fired as a grocery store bagger and cart retriever because he also was “too slow.” This firing really did a number on his self esteem.

Meh, I was (and still am) on benefits, in the UK if you're on any form of benefits, you can't earn hardly anything from employment otherwise you get severe benefit sanctions.

And if I get sanctioned under a disabled person hating Tory government, I'd lose everything possibly including the Flat, and if the Tories think I'm ending up in some poky little Bedsit on a rough Council estate in s2, they can sod right off.

 

[tducey]

I've always enjoyed working with people but I tend to work better with 1 or 2 people instead of in a big group of people.

 

[Ronin82]

And then a curve ball today.

Talked with a client who simply GUSHED about how I "GET her", and she feels I truly understand in ways her therapist can't, etc. I realized I simply have a very small niche population that I can work with. Also realized while I am VERY good with one person at a time, I can't handle more than about 2 people a day with that kind of empathetic depth...the strain on my acting skills, cognitive load, and active listening muscles is just too great. Can I do the job of therapist, yes. Can I do the job at the same rate as NT's? NO!! Pretty sure I could only do this part time, but I do love it when I'm functioning and things are clicking properly. While I understand I will never have a real connection with people, I can still be non-judgemental and empathetic. I can RELATE to people with a specific background because I'VE BEEN THERE. I'm wired to see group dynamics, communication issues, and leadership problems in teams, but I can't be ON a healthy team!

GAAAAAKK!!! Well, it was nice to hear some clients don't think I'm totally useless.....

 

[Mattymatt]

I've been working as a case manager at a rural mental health clinic for about 8 months now. While I do ok with occasional crises, I can't seem to make myself actively reach out to clients, and my social functioning with my caseload is VERY sub-par. I've already turned in my resignation before they could fire me, and had a good chat with my top boss at the facility. Basically, what I found out is no matter what your diagnoses, if you can't perform, they won't keep you. This has made me question my prospects of ever finding gainful employment. Psychology is my field, I'm GOOD at this (one-on-one only), but it seems I function best as a consultant, not an actual therapist. I just don't have the social functioning skills to be able to establish a therapeutic relationship with that many people.

Now I have to move back in with my parents, try to find enough work to keep my bills paid and see my therapist, and deal with the knowledge that I really am disabled in a society that forces people to perform in certain ways. I may be able to do some freelance work as a Life Coach, but its risky without malpractice insurance (which costs a LOT!!). I guess I'm going to focus on taking care of myself, working on finding my own niche, but gee.....I thought I was going to be in this field for the rest of my life. Gotta say, work as a Pet Psychic is REALLY starting to look good!

I am sorry @Ronin82. Times are really tough and I am facing some similar set of circumstances. I hope things will improve for you soon.

 

[Ronin82]

I'm looking at dog training jobs right now, at least until I figure out what kind of career I can make out of something. Also thinking about Medical Laboratory Technician, since I love microscope-peering and biological sciences. Who knows, at this point I'm ready to try just about anything to see if its a better fit for me. I just know beyond a shadow of a doubt that I am NOT a people person, even though I am reasonably social! So weird....

 

[Ronin82]

I am sorry @Ronin82. Times are really tough and I am facing some similar set of circumstances. I hope things will improve for you soon.

Dude, I totally get you with the employment and personal issues. It certainly looks like trades are the way to go nowadays. Thinking of Medical Lab Tech myself. I have a B.S. in Psychology (was planning on being a Therapist...) but after working in the field, I realize I can't handle the people-interaction that much. Now I found I've wasted $20k getting a degree I may never be able to use.

If you ever want to chat about stuff, I'm here for you. I know how easy it can be to fall into despair, but the only way to make progress is to keep moving. Even when all you can drudge up is the WILL to move forward, sometimes that's all it takes to make something happen.

Good luck with the mechanics, my NT brother is an apprentice as a mechanic and he's good at it. He would rather be teaching Martial Arts and guitar full time, but bills have to be paid.

 

[Theta.G]

I've been working as a case manager at a rural mental health clinic for about 8 months now. While I do ok with occasional crises, I can't seem to make myself actively reach out to clients, and my social functioning with my caseload is VERY sub-par. I've already turned in my resignation before they could fire me, and had a good chat with my top boss at the facility. Basically, what I found out is no matter what your diagnoses, if you can't perform, they won't keep you. This has made me question my prospects of ever finding gainful employment. Psychology is my field, I'm GOOD at this (one-on-one only), but it seems I function best as a consultant, not an actual therapist. I just don't have the social functioning skills to be able to establish a therapeutic relationship with that many people.

Now I have to move back in with my parents, try to find enough work to keep my bills paid and see my therapist, and deal with the knowledge that I really am disabled in a society that forces people to perform in certain ways. I may be able to do some freelance work as a Life Coach, but its risky without malpractice insurance (which costs a LOT!!). I guess I'm going to focus on taking care of myself, working on finding my own niche, but gee.....I thought I was going to be in this field for the rest of my life. Gotta say, work as a Pet Psychic is REALLY starting to look good!

Agreed... nearly everything requires skills in dealing with others. Even if you do solitary work when it comes time to move your finished product, if you don't have the social skills / willingness or the money to find and hire someone who has them (and is qualified) it goes nowhere.

Worse yet, one downside of the internet is your now competing on a global stage. Skills that could be exceptional for your town become dim mediocrity on the world stage. Wider audience as well if you know what you're doing. Catch 22.

It's tough. Can't tell you how many 1000's of hours I've dumped into projects only to hit that "oh crap, need to put myself out there" barrier. Yet an old nt friend of mine always comes up with very low effort but successful business ventures... social skills are op. Broken. patch the game of life in next update plz.

 

[Judge]

I just know beyond a shadow of a doubt that I am NOT a people person, even though I am reasonably social! So weird....

I couldn't have said that any better about myself.

The medical lab job sounds intriguing. I've never done such work, but I get the impression it may not involve so much routine interaction with others. One of those jobs conducted in peaceful and quiet environments.