End of Year Update

[RobbyR]

So, I am ending the year pretty much as I started it. Made the big med change awhile back, and I feel better on Stribild than Atripla. Got a diagnosis of mild autism after extensive testing this past summer. My Vocational Rehab person referred me to a local Career Services place where they specifically help people looking for work with little work experience or who have been unemployed for a long time. If you do not have autism and anxiety, you can't know what it's like having to interact with strangers for extended periods or how terrifying it is to start work when you haven't ever had a real job. It's daunting.

So I met with the Career Services lady and she was nice, & seemed to be interested in helping me. She said she feels my autism is so mild that I don't need much help, just a bit of a push, to get some work experience and get hired somewhere. I told her my interests, strengths, weaknesses, etc. I have now met with her twice. I told her I was interested in working at a flower shop, among other interests. I was optimistic about finding job with their help, but now I am not so sure. I sprained my ankle the other day and have to be off my feet for a few days, and I told her about this. I have sent her detailed emails about what my interests are as far as employment, and that I would like to be employed by the first of the year. She and I were supposed to go visit an employer this week but I had to cancel because of my ankle. I have not heard back from her.

This place is really my last hope. I have no work history, no references, and since I have no friends, networking is not possible. I just really hope this place is not going to ditch me as a lost cause and that they will help me. I just want to be a productive member of society. Yes I have anxiety and autism but I am still very capable in many ways I just need to get some work experience.

I am really hoping 2016 will be a good year. I haven't worked since 2011 and I am really ready to stop staying at home all the time with nothing to do.

[Jeff G]

Its great to hear you making progress and moving forward. Just remember to live life at your own pace and you will do well. I used to get frustrated with taking test because I have a learning disability. I would get so down on myself and saw it as a failure every time I didn’t do well. I changed the way I look at myself and my life and accepted that I can do anything I want if I take my time and go at my own speed through life.

You said this place is your last hope for advancment … Its not your last hope by far Robby so do not put artificial pressure on yourself. When things do not turn out the way you want or expect there is an opportunity to learn … its all about choosing to see life as an adventure and challenges a way to become stronger.

If they are upset you cant keep this appointment a letter or email can explain how important this opportunity is for you. Its a chance to build a stronger relationship with your advisor … if you do not give up chances are they wont give up on you.

[RobbyR]

Thanks Jeff as always for the encouragement. And for the advice when I was going through some dark times. I'm doing better than I was. Mentally, much better than I was.

I am just trying to recognize my thought patterns and redirect them towards positive energy I am working on that.

I know, you're right, never put all your eggs in one basket, but since I have like no work history and have finally gotten an accurate diagnosis (the autism) I now at least know what I am dealing with & the career services agency specifically helps people with ranges of disability from minor like mine to severe.

The case worker was super nice she doesn't even think I need preliminary training she thinks I am ready to start work anytime.

So that's encouraging. She said she thinks I am highly capable, she just thinks I let myself doubt myself and get trapped by self doubt which is true. I am trying to work on that.

But I hope she can find me a position to gain some work experience,my goal is by first of year, to be in some type of work. The reason I am hopeful about this agency is they specifically help people find employment as opposed to me just continuing to send out tons of applications and not hearing back because I have no work experience. So that's why this is kind of important.

I hope she will help me. I'm going to email her again.

[mecch]

Robby, good luck with this agency and your job search. Don't be too demanding during the holiday season however as all of these things may sort of go on standby for the next two weeks.  why do you need Jan 1 as a deadline for anything. 

[RobbyR]

Thanks guys I'm optimistic for first time in long time, finally feel in control of things more. Yea there's no deadline, except I am setting goals for myself now so just for me. I am doing much better and am hopeful for much better times in the new year. 2015 was better than 2014 by a longshot, and hoping each year gets a bit better and now that I have gotten my depression and anxiety much more under control, I am focusing on entering the workforce and contributing to society.