What careers are open to someone who believes they have Asperger’s?
When I was fired for the third time from a graduate programme for “existing on my own planet” I undertook some soul searching and researched online. My conclusion is that I probably have Asperger syndrome.
With the little savings I accumulated I am now seeing a psychologist for assessment, and this is likely to be a lengthy process.
The pressing question is: what does this mean for my career? Or rather, how can I make a living from my academic intelligence? I have a degree in social sciences, and a postgraduate degree in business management. I really need some guidance in identifying which professions I could thrive in.
To give you an idea of my strengths and weaknesses, I am full of innovative ideas but lack the organisational skills and the attention to detail required to implement these. I have excellent writing skills and have received awards and recognition for pieces I have written as a hobby. I am great at research, as well as analysing concepts and theories.
I need a highly-structured environment and a position that requires me to focus all my attention on the task at hand since I cannot multitask. When I am working on something, I am oblivious to what is happening around me.
At first impression, I appear confident and charismatic, especially when I give presentations. However, engaging in extended conversations is challenging and people have often said, after spending time in my company, that I am odd or speak rather “clinically”.
Another thing to bear in mind is that I have terrible short-term memory so I need a position that follows a logical process rather than adapting constantly and assimilating new information or processes. I’m slow to switch gears to a new project, so I would be best in a position that is predictable and methodical.
Jeremy says
However accurate your self-diagnosis, and however much thought you give to your future, I’d be pretty certain that you need expert, specialist advice – of a kind I can’t give you, nor even, perhaps, your psychologist.
Your hope is to find a professional role that welcomes your strengths while not expecting you to excel in your areas of weakness. In other words, although you don’t say so explicitly, you hope it’s possible to land a job – and keep it – without revealing to your employer that you’re mildly autistic. I think this is misguided.
Your depressing experience of being fired for the third time from a graduate programme should tell you one thing: it’s extremely unlikely that you can disguise your condition. And when it’s not known to an employer, they will judge you all the more harshly. So I think you should make a decision now not to take on any job unless the employer is fully aware of your condition – and more than happy to make any necessary allowances for it.
You will, of course, be concerned that this will severely limit your job opportunities – and so it will. But it’s greatly preferable to taking on jobs on false pretences and be constantly found wanting. That could only lead to a CV littered with apparent failures which would have serious consequences for your future. You have more than enough qualifications and skills to be valued as an employee without having to live with the constant anxiety of failing in aspects of your work over which you have little control.
So I strongly recommend you get in touch with The National Autistic Society, 393-395 City Rd, London EC1V 1NG, (autism.org.uk), and seek their advice. They are the leading UK charity for people with autism, including Asperger syndrome, and have a great deal of experience in helping people such as yourself find suitable and rewarding employment.
Readers say
• I guess a job where “people skills” is ruled out then. Something where you work on your own, problem solving and being methodical in your approach, sounds more up your street. Perhaps computer programming, or stock market analysis? Walderslady
• Business management may be a bad fit. There is a lot going on, a need to think on your feet, deal with the unexpected and, of course, deal with people. What about project management? Of course there are unpredictable events and people issues but often working in a team means there may be room for different roles and strengths. clouds9
• Based on what you describe, I’m not really confident you have Asperger’s. I’m not an expert – but neither are you. Please wait until you have a firm diagnosis before you agonise about a new direction. It may turn out to be something completely different, or you may be perfectly fine and your problems are simply personality traits which, with the right help, you can work on. Porthos
I hate my job but feel guilty about leaving my employers in the lurch
I have been offered a new job but my current manager is off work to have surgery as she is very ill and will be away for nearly three months.
I don’t like my current job. I have been there for only a few months but I feel it isn’t a good fit. I don’t like most of the team, the atmosphere, environment, the work, or my long commute. I’ve been told I’m not allowed to help out colleagues and need to stick to my own work. However, I have around four hours a day with nothing to do, and my requests for extra work and new responsibilities are turned down.
The new job I have been offered is permanent, with similar pay and benefits to my present one. It’s a nice company where I have temped before, with a shorter commute, pleasant colleagues and a busy environment with varied work.
I feel guilty thinking about leaving (even though there is some temporary cover for my manager). I feel that I’m leaving this company in the lurch, even though I don’t like it there. I am still in my probationary period, so my notice is only one week.
Jeremy says
Your concern is understandable and much to your credit – but I don’t think you should let it dissuade you from taking this new job. It’s too good an offer. And remember that probationary periods exist for both employers and employees. So I suggest you tell your prospective employer exactly what you’ve told me – and ask if you can delay joining them for at least a full month.
If they’re as nice a company as you’ve so far found them, they should appreciate your sense of responsibility, and you’ll be able to give your existing company a little more time to make the necessary adjustments.
They should be grateful – but don’t count on it.
Readers say
• Don’t ever feel guilty about moving on. They’d bin you in a second if the boot were on the other foot. Ericwimp
• You’re too nice. But please, be nice to yourself for once. It’s your life and you deserve to be happy don’t you? It’s OK, the business will manage without you. vanillasky99
• I was in a job I didn’t like. Got a phone call about another job, packed my bag and left (no notice). bojimbo261
Do you need advice on a work issue? For Jeremy’s and readers’ help, send a brief email to dear.jeremy@theguardian.com. Please note that he is unable to answer questions of a legal nature or reply personally.
