Posted by alexandra_k on January 1, 2014, at 17:27:49
In reply to Re: Account for all Periods of Unemployment Past 10 yr » alexandra_k, posted by Poet on January 1, 2014, at 15:47:46
> My therapist doesn't think it would be wise for me to "play the crazy card" and try to get a job through a mental health organization. She thinks that because I get interviews, but no offers that I have trouble reading facial expressions and so I don't respond appropriately to them.
Okay. I guess my thought was that "playing the crazy card" might be what helps potential employers understand what is going on in the interview.
I'm trying to come to terms at the moment... But the Autistic Spectrum thing is really making a lot of sense of a lot of stuff for me. Perhaps... Something like that might be going on for you?
Do you have trouble looking people in the eyes and processing what they are saying at the same time? I can't do both. I look down a lot - but then I start to feel embarrassed, sometimes. Because it seems sort of submissive. So I started to look sideways instead thinking that at least it was hierarchy neutral. But then I got informed that doing that makes people think I'm shifty / untrustworthy. But the truth of it is: I'm doing my best to really listen and think about what they are saying in order to respond appropriately. And I can't do that and look at the same time.
And... I'm actually quite good at following instructions because of this. So it isn't really such a disability... So much as a difference.
I don't know if your interview stuff might be stuff like this?
And the answer isn't social skills training (pretending to be different from what you are on interview) so much as assistance with your communicating to your employer what you can provide that is different / what they need to do different in order for you to come to the party in a way that is mutually understood...
I'm still thinking on this...
I guess I need to figure a way to tell the Med people that I'm on the spectrum before the interview and be willing for it to come up as a subject of conversation in the interview. Because... If I don't do this they simply will get warning alarms 'something is a bit off about her' in the interview.
Maybe something similar is going on with you.
> Sorry, if I'm ranting. I just have reached the breaking point and am going to talk to my therapist about the crazy card if I don't get something soon. Dr. Clueless is gone for the month of January and I'm going to talk to her, too. Two interviews next week. Maybe 2014 will break my failure streak. Maybe.
You aren't ranting. My heart goes out to you that you have had such trouble finding meaningful employment over the last however many years... Especially when you are obviously intelligent and willing to work etc etc. Hugs (if safe). Has anyone suggested to you that you might be on the spectrum?
poster:alexandra_k
thread:1057211
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20131211/msgs/1057418.html