Non-Desk jobs for peole with mild autism.

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Hi everyone, I'm new here. My name is Josh... I'm 21 years old and trying to decide on what I want to do with my life. I am hoping to get some opinions on what non desk jobs would fit someone with Mild Autism/Asperger syndrome.

You see, I enjoy having a fit and active life and want to pursue a career that will compliment that goal.
I had been working towards a degree in fire science for the last few years and wanted to become a firefighter. In that time i managed to obtain my EMT license and several fire certifications...however When I finally attended firefighter academy, I quickly realized that this is not something I would enjoy...every day is unpredictable and you need to have superb communication skills...a definite problem considering I'm diagnosed with mild autism and sensory processing disorder...I tried my hardest to stick with it (Im not one to quit when i have a goal) but in the end It became too stressful and I had to drop.

I like to push myself, and I understand that being initially uncomfortable comes with that territory, but I also want to be happy with what I do. so what are your opinions on active careers that could present a overcomeable challenge to someone like us?

Thanks!

Well I just got a job as a package handler at UPS. They want us lifting 10-15 boxes per minute over there and they can weigh as much as 70lbs. Maybe check and see if they're hiring in your area? I got treated very well when I came to UPS, you might get the same.

(love your icon btw)

I knew someone that worked as graveyard gardener. (So you care for graves of people, whose relatives cant do that themselves.) Actually it sounded very nice, rather no surprises, you simply had a daily list which graves will be cared today and which flowers/arrangements the relatives wanted, and then did that without much interaction. Surrounding is as well quiet. ^^ Only negative thing for some people might be, that you need to work outside in almost any kind of weather.

@Makayla
Aye, I actually put in an aplication at Fedex for the same job, I'm Hoping I'll get a call, The pay is decent ^_^. I wouldnt mind it for a temporary position, but as far as a career, I would like find on something else

Also, likewise haha, Zelda is my favorite series! ^__^

@ Schneekugel
graveyard gardener sounds interesting, I would definitely apply if there are any openings in the area.
But again, It would be more of a temporary position for me, as far as a career, im looking for something that will be a little more challenging yet fun.

I'm currently looking into becoming a Park Ranger, It requires a little more social work than a graveyard attendent, but i dont see it being nearly as stressful as firefighting. does anyone have opinions or experience with this path? also, other options are welcome to be listed ^_^

Thanks for the input everyone!

Several EMTs have told me that Aspies, at least ones that have a delayed emotional response, make really great EMTs.

The communication skills aspect, they say, isn't an issue for long; like most work situations, there is at least the scaffolding of a script, and you soon learn it.

I have a cousin we very strongly suspect is on the spectrum who made a very good living running his own contracting business. He's in his 60s now, and wants work that is easier on his back, so he took some of his profits and bought himself a portable saw mill.

Personally, when my kids are older, I'm seriously considering seeking work as a garbage collector (though I think my husband would object to me starting work at 4 o'clock in the morning). The graveyard gardener gig sounds pretty cool, too.

Good call! I was going to suggest the US Forest Service or the Bureau of Land Management. They always have jobs for people doing the hard outdoor work of planting trees, and your education in fire management would be valuable to them, too.

@ BuyerBeware
mhmmm, I have thought off and on about just sticking with EMT and perhapse going for my paramedic.
It is a pretty good job, and the social portion isnt too bad, but what turns me off is how unpredictable the days can be.
I mean, I know that beggars cant be choosers, but the fact that on any given day I could end up responding to a horrific call makes me pretty timid. I, like many of us, have trouble functioning when things go off a routine...fire academy taught me this. I apreciate the sugestion though, I might still end up doing it

@arielhawksquill
That is what I was thinking, I think that my current certs would benifit that position nicely, but I'm still doing a bit of research on it and looking into other options

I think you should look into jobs with the Park Service and Forest Service, and think about becoming a paramedic, since paramedics get paid more.

What about private security forces?
A lot of financial services companies, universities and hospitals have their own security forces. Except for the one who watches the cameras, the security guys are on the move a lot. And, obviously, with companies that big, you'll have a nice benefits package.

Same here. They're starting me at $10 an hour here with medical. I didn't think I would find a job with medical benefits, so that was a lovely surprise. ^^

But it's part-time, so perfect for me because I'm also going to attend college. I think I'll work there for about 4-5 years, stay in shape, things like that. I've heard wonderful things about FedEx too, actually.

And I knowwwww. I actually bought a Skyward Sword hat today.