considering a transition from SSI to data entry work...

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Well I am currently on SSI because of my autism spectrum disorder and some other crap, but it seems I am starting to gain better control of that other crap and thus seeing potential to function much better....so I am sure eventually here I am going to want to get into some work and hopefully make a better income than what I get on SSI. Of course I will have to talk to them and figure out how to transition without just being cut off the SSI before I can establish something.

Anyways whilst I am not planning to get a job immediately, as my condition sometimes has a way of making me feel I am 'improving' only to send me into an episode of decomposition or (non-functioning) if I run into certain stressors, so I gotta give it some time and be kind of gradual to avoid that risk.

But anyways I am thinking perhaps data entry couldn't be so bad when I am able to work, I have heard it is possible to do it from home and doesn't require college education or a lot of experience. Not really sure of the pay though so I have to look more into that...but I am also thinking whilst doing that kind of work I could gradually learn more about computers and maybe eventually move up to working on them instead of just putting in information.

I looked up a little general information on data entry and it seems one skill they like is being fast at typing...well I am fast at typing. And if I did this from home it wouldn't even be unpleasant, just put on some music and type away for a few hours a day or whatever. So yes this is my idea of how to eventually leave this SSI income behind.

So has anyone here done that sort of work, and also has anyone transitioned from getting SSI to working....or is anyone working whilst still getting some SSI?

I think that's excellent, Sweetleaf!

I've been doing data entry for 36 years.

It's great work for an Aspie-type person. You don't usually have to interact with people much. The work is usually repetitive. All you have to do to be a good data-entry person is ensure that you are extremely accurate in your work.

Good luck in your new pursuit!

I think there's something called "ticket to work" which provides a little bit of a safety net should your pursuit of data entry run into roadblocks.

A friend of mine does that as his sole income/rent money during school. He seems to like it a lot more than most of his other jobs.

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Data entry is awesome. Yes just put on some music and go at it.

I work in computers and it's a mixed bag really, I love fixing computers, system administration, networking and programming even phone support isn't that bad once you get a feel for what people want to hear. The hard part is customer support, like explaining things without being technical, a lot of NTs in IT just say something 'like a lie'. I think it's easier to provide customer support over the phone than in person. It's a good field, though a solid data entry job would be best I think. Programming is probably the next best option, after data entry.

In the A plus cert. they list three pc repair type positions, remote tech, information tech, and bench tech, the bench tech is the best for avoiding people. Basically, the remote tech fixes things over the phone and with remote desktop, the info tech fixes things in person, and the bench tech fixes things in the shop. There will be overlap between the positions depending on the size of the shop too.

For a programming job it's best to get your four year degree in computer information systems or computer science. Computer science is more prestigious and will broaden your scope as far as jobs go, more math, less people and business too.

Woo Hoo! You go girl!

I used to do data entry. Knowing 10 key will greatly help if you work with numbers.

I would do it as a side gig if I could type with ten fingers but I have typed with two fingers my whole life so I fall short of qualifying even if I can type 50 wpm. But for those who are great typists, it's a rather easy job to get. Many of the jobs are entry level and come from staffing agencies. Many start as temp assignments that can lead to permanent employment. They seem like good jobs for people who want work that is solitary, quiet, and repetitive.

It's a stim for me to listen to music and type. Just pure stim.

I would suggest getting in contact with your state's vocational rehabilitation, they can help with training and maybe even job placement plus they know their way around SSI. They won't put you in a situation to fail and would be accommodating than doing it on your own obviously. A+ level isn't too hard to reach and I think almost anybody can learn it if given the time and if you screw around on the computer all day anyways then you'll find yourself to be a quick learner and probably knowing a lot of it already.

Sounds like a plan, Sweetleaf. One thing to consider is whether you're going to be OK starting at 40 hours a week. If you can work a short shift or two, a couple times a week, you'll be less exhausted and less stressed. Then you can work up to full time if/when you really feel ready.

Temp agencies are good places to work, I've done that and enjoyed going to different assignments, never staying at any job very long.

if you get a part-time job first, you can keep your medicaid and disabled status. the first $85 you make is free and clear, after that, they take $1 of your SSI back for every $2 you make.

i'm not sure of the exact amount data entry pays, but my ex-brother-in- law has survived on it alone for years. he doesn't have a car, but is doing okay.

the following link may give you some idea about compensation: http://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job ... ourly_Rate

Data entry is a great job; it's relatively low-stress, low-interaction and makes use of typical aspie traits (attention to detail, closed-off working), and it doesn't pay too badly either.
Many NTs can't do data entry for longer times as they find it boring, for the same reasons that make it great for aspies; for that reason, even getting a part-time function is relatively easy to get into, businesses are happy to see someone volunteer for these positions

Another option is an internship, paid or unpaid. There are lots of ways to go about the transition to paid work. I would encourage you to move ahead. Always remember though, it will be new and different, so please give yourself some down time and freedom from self-blame while you are undertaking this.

I've "come back" to paid employment after being out of the workplace a while. I started with part-time phone customer service during holiday rush (phones might not be your cup of tea, but better than retail clerk!). I increased my hours till finally working 40/week, but eventually that was too much and now I'm maintaining ok at 35.

If you are able to type 50 words a minute, it doesn't matter if you do it with 2 or 10 fingers.