Feel bad because I didn't do multiple jobs
I've been working in a paid job for 7 years and I am still there and I feel like I maybe do enjoy the work there and it has given me a mindset of making an effort and heightens my self esteem and makes me feel good that I earn my own money and so on. But I can't help but have these thoughts of feeling that I ''should" have been working in other jobs before I was over 25, even though I did do voluntary work in a couple of charity shops at 21 but at 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 and 25 I wasn't in any paid work until 26. I feel as though I should feel bad and ashamed for not having a paid job during that time even though I had a number of job interviews which turned me down and a few offered me work but turned it down because they were in an area I wasn't familiar to and never grew up in. I do remember at the time feeling quite picky, wouldn't work in any fast food restaurants and places like that. My attitude has changed since working and has made me feel good that I am working in a place with nice and friendly colleagues, pays good money, has everybody coming in for books, toys, arts and crafts, stationery etc.
Commonly cited statistics for autistic folk and employment in the UK, state that about 70% of autistic are unemployed, with only 20% of the remaining 30% in full time work.
The fact that you have a job is statistically unlikely for someone in the UK, and you have had it for 7 years, so I say, be proud of your achievements. ![]()
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“I was ashamed of myself when I realized life was a costume party and I attended with my real face” - Franz Kafka
