What to expect when starting an office job?

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I'm supposed to start an office job next Thursday. I'm really nervous about it, as I've never had an in-person job before. The job is for a document specialist, and the recruiter told me that it shouldn't have a lot of interaction with customers. Still, I'm worried that I won't be able to fit in with my coworkers.

Another thing I'm worried about is that I may have to work 30+ hours a week. Since I plan to keep my telecommute job (which requires at least 10 hours a week), I'd end up working full time hours overall. And in terms of time management, I don't know if I could handle that. I worry that my sleep will suffer, and that I won't have time for exercise or a social life. And I know from experience that my mental health will likely deteriorate if I don't have time for that stuff.

I'm also worried about learning the ropes of the job. I learn best through reading how to do something, not through observation or listening to someone instruct me what to do. I just worry I'll be confused about what I'm supposed to be doing, and end up getting terminated as a result.

So I'm wondering if anyone here has advice on how to handle their first in-person job? How do you handle the social aspects of the job, and how do you make sure you still have time for other things? Thanks for reading.

It will of course be a major change to your routine. One thing that isn't emphasized enough about autistics is that we're very good at rapidly establishing new routines when our routines are changed. That's my opinion anyway.

Give it a chance. I don't do well with people trying to verbally explain new things to me, especially if they have multiple steps. My suggestion for you is to buy a notebook and with every person training you on anything, tell him up front that you're a "step by step" person and you learn by writing down each step, even if it seems basic and using that as your guide while you learn. Then take notes and use them as your guide in what you do. Have your notebook with you all the time when you're training. I was in management for years and believe me, I was far more impressed by trainees who took careful notes even if it meant my training was slower because I'd have to pause. Why was I impressed? A trainee taking notes and then being able to use those to do the job is FAR better than someone who doesn't take any notes at all, doesn't listen or misses some of the steps and then stupidly comes to waste your time and ask you things that you already told them about.

It's a like a waiter or waitress in some hipster restaurant who doesn't write down your order at all like you're supposed to be impressed by that and they end up getting the order wrong. Totally and completely lame.

My autism therapist suggested I read the book titled: "Don't Burp In The Boardroom" by Rosalinda Oropeza Randall. I recommend this for anyone who isn't neurotypical but is going to work in an office environment. The book gives great tips on interacting with coworkers, management, etc.

It sounds like you have your own life established outside of work, which is good. While it's important to be cordial with coworkers, do not feel obligated to try to make your coworkers your friends. Conversely, don't feel anxiety if it seems your coworkers are friends even outside of work and you don't seem to becoming friends with them. That's great if you want that and you're successful at it, but no one says your coworkers also need to be your friends. Focus on doing the best job you can.

On your work hours: If you find that the thirty hours plus your ten hours is too much for you, could you give up your ten hour at home job? I work 32 hours per week now after 31 years of working at least 40 hours per week and developing massive autistic burnout. 32 hours gets me full benefits and for me, it's perfection.

Perhaps I'm a trendsetter: I read last week that Finland is looking at adopting a four day six hour per day work week...

Good luck and congratulations on your new job.

I looked up on the Internet the duties of a Documentation Special:

A Documentation Specialist is an individual responsible for the writing, distribution, collection, storage, and maintenance of this documentation.

They can be responsible for implementing new storage systems or working to optimize the efficiency of the system already in place. They must make sure that all documentation is stored securely and can be accessed quickly and accurately at any time.

The specific tasks of any one role might vary but examples of typical tasks carried out by a Documentation Specialist include:

* Creates documentation that meets the regulatory requirements before distributing through the company to implement
* Working closely with colleagues across other departments to ensure that everyone is completing and submitting the necessary documentation
* Acting as a point of contact for retrieval of specific documentation as required
* Write, review and update the SOPs relating to documentation collection and storage
* Keeps up-to-date with the regulatory requirements around documentation and implements changes if necessary
* Analysis of data submitted via documentation
* Compilation of reports
* Deal with long-term storage of information and data protection
* Participation in internal audits and external regulatory inspections
* Training of colleagues on the requirements around documentation
* Revising outdated documents and ensuring that all staff are using the correct version

So it sounds like your recruiter was right. You probably will not have a lot of interactions with customers. The job will revolve around documents, storage and retrieval of document (normally computers), etc.

Aspies tend to develop our own way of learning. And if we can get excited about our work, we can expend great amounts of energy to achieve our goals and become subject matter experts in time.

One important thing about fitting in with co-workers in an office is do not allow yourself to be dragged into people's conflicts. The offices I have worked in have been full of gossip, drama, and affairs. People have complex, constantly shifting alliances with one another and it is very easy to make mistakes.

Be pleasant and polite to everyone, avoid talking too much about yourself, and ask people superficial questions to keep up a conversation. If someone tells you gossip, do not repeat it. If one co-worker complains about another and asks your opinion, it's a trap - be neutral and avoid saying anything bad about anyone.

It's not all bad, some people will be genuinely friendly - just be cautious until you're certain about them. In the beginning focus on learning and doing the best job you can. Good luck!