Looking for a job and struggling

[LonelyAutisticPerson]

Hi,
I've been looking for a first time job so I can get my foot in the door so to speak but I'm struggling to find a job that I can do without requiring any university degrees because I didn't have the opportunity to go to university.

I've been looking at the websites owned by the companies that own the major supermarket brands in New Zealand (Foodstuffs who own Pak'n'Save,New World and Four Square and the Aussie company Woolworths Limited that run all the Countdown and Woolworths supermarkets in NZ).

But the websites are poorly designed because for whatever reason I can filter openings by region/city for the South Island but not for the North Island and also a lot of the positions require previous experience in certain specialties or things I don't have like full drivers licences for private cars and heavy vehicles.

It almost seems like companies make it difficult to get into a job and it's so disheartening because I read on a Stuff NZ article that two-thirds of autistic people are unemployed and I don't want to end up in that two-thirds.

 

[Loren]

Just a suggestion. I would try not to let the statistics you have read, regarding 'autistics' and jobs, dictate your thoughts or motivation, and, I would continue your search, at the same time, research how to go about acquiring the skills or other necessities that the jobs entail/ require. Additionally, if you happen to have most of the skills and abilities required, but, lack some others, some employers are willing to train, thus, I would not simply, pass on those listings.

 

[LonelyAutisticPerson]

I don't really have any skillsbut my Dad has taught me how to use a chainsaw so I can use one fairly competently but a lot of those jobs are outside Auckland like in Tokoroa where there's forestry jobs but the industry has a high injury and fatality rate.

 

[Loren]

I don't really have any skillsbut my Dad has taught me how to use a chainsaw so I can use one fairly competently but a lot of those jobs are outside Auckland like in Tokoroa where there's forestry jobs but the industry has a high injury and fatality rate.

Perhaps you posses skills that are innate in you, that you haven't considered, but, could be considered of value to an employer(s). What are some things that you enjoy? Do you have any hobbies? Perhaps, there are jobs related to your interests, of which do not require a formal education, or training, prior to being employed. Do you excel at something, in particular? Often, if you simply have the mind for something, and can demonstrate your abilities, an employer might consider giving the perspective employee a chance. Whatever you do, don't stop looking. : )

 

[Thinx]

Respectfully, you clearly do have skills, for example you are posting articulately, you can use a computer and do searches for work, you are able to evaluate problematic design of the websites, you are being proactive looking for work, and you are intelligently reluctant to enter an industry where fatalities are high, having researched and evaluated that. Bet there's plenty more, I think you are under- confident however, understandably. Could you perhaps start small with a fairly easy to get local job just to get started? And/ or, enrol on some training or courses that interest you?

 

[Mr Allen]

If you are Aspie, do NOT declare it at application stage, or at all if you can help it, they WILL use it against you.

 

[LonelyAutisticPerson]

If you are Aspie, do NOT declare it at application stage, or at all if you can help it, they WILL use it against you.

Since I live in New Zealand companies can't discriminate against people with disabilities like autism/aspergers and they can get into a lot of trouble if they do so and the person complains.

 

[LonelyAutisticPerson]

My sister works in the delicatessen section of the Albany Pak 'n Save supermarket but she often deals with rude customers and I couldn't cope with that also the management for that section is not very good like last week the supervisor told her "you've got this new employee so you're ****ed" instead of telling them to keep an eye on and help him.