General / Off-Topic Applying For Jobs Is Annoying...

[Asp Explorer]

That's somewhat unfeasable unless you know a lot about the topic and have a very good PC designed to mine bitcoins, ethereum, etc.

You're not wrong, but if I were basically completely skint, confined to a house, with no immediate prospects of gainful employment and wandering outside a definite no-no, it'd be one of the first things I'd investigate.

Brewing my own beer would be the very first, of course

 

[Zeeman]

OP, I'm sorry for what I've done to this thread.

I'm just so desperate to be "normal" that I got carried away with emotion on the subject of jobs.

Really, all I want is a reason to wake up in the morning, go to work, do exactly what I'm told in the most clinical of manners, and get a small wage at the end of the week that I actually earned.

OK, tough love, may cross a line, but here goes anyway...

To quote the great ocean going philosopher, Cpt. Jack Sparrow:
"'The problem is not the problem. The problem is your attitude about the problem"

Firstly, I understand that I can never understand your situation. I've been down and out, too, but certainly not due to any sort of mental or physical issue.

Having said that, you have one life, we all have to take what we're given, and I'd rather be alive than dead. Nothing is nothing, and even people who suffer most of their lives get the odd bit of joy.

Not everyone is going to be as intolerant as those you have encountered. I'd not be surprised if your situation requires you to be housed in an area where certain stereotypes prevail, to your detriment.

Clearly, you need to do *something*, whatever that is, it needs to be something you kinda enjoy, works with your circumstances, and takes into account your situation. Whatever that *something* is, it will give you a purpose - something we all need.

Let me share an example...

My grandfather passed at the ripe old age of 101 years old. He was still climbing the walnut tree on his farm at 95 to shake the walnuts out of the tree. At 95!!! He was still using a hoe to turn the earth, still planting, picking... He loved it, it was his life, and his purpose.

My father, aunties, uncles... They all badgered him to stop working, that he was old, and he should rest. What they did not understand, is that the farm work was what kept him alive and happy. At 96, he slipped on the wet floor on the deck, and broke his hip. He never fully recovered and could no longer walk, take himself to the bathroom, move around etc...

The decline was near instantaneous to see. He basically gave up on life, and I am amazed he made it to 101. I was fortunate enough to be at his 100th birthday.

Another example, is a family friend in her late 80's. She volunteers, and delivers food to the elderly (!!!) for Meals on Wheels. the "elderly" are often younger than she is, some by over a decade. The difference?

after retirement, the ones getting the food delivered decided to just do nothing, sit in front of the telly and "relax".

She needed purpose, and it keeps her going. She enjoys it, yes, it's work, but she loves helping people, she loves the social aspect. It gives her life purpose and meaning, despite those telling her to stop, because she is old and needs to rest.

In the same way, you need something to keep you going, a purpose, something that makes you feel like you have contributed.

You mentioned you've tried your hand at learning to code. Keep going - don't stop! Use your skills to make apps that help other players in ED, for example, or Android/iOS apps.

Heck, build the worlds best RNG...

As I said, I know I'll never be able to truly understand your position, short of contracting some from of disorder myself, though I've been through some tough stuff, too, as have most others, I bet. Don't give up, make the most of what you've been given. Remember, there is always someone worse off than you.

Z...

 

[Jon flint]

So I've been trying to find a new job for yonks. I currently work as a delivery driver for Tesco.com.
It's long hours and low paid. Brilliant!

Anyhoo, my brother works for Network Rail, and he's a supervisor. He reckons I'd make an excellent signaller, so recommended I apply for signalling roles around the west midlands.
That was 2 years ago.

I've been applying for jobs non stop, and I've only managed to get 1 interview. Lol
They have a signalling assessment test you need to complete in order to be a signaller, I was one of the highest scoring in the group.
Yet I didn't get one of the 10 jobs, out of 20 applicants.
(And you say RNG in Elite is cruel. Lol)

Anyhoo, I've kept applying, but I never get to the interview stage anymore.

When applying online, you also need a pass a small 40 question test in 8 minutes.
The first time I did this, I struggled to even finish the 40 questions, yet I passed.
I've done this test about 10 times, and it never changes, and last time I applied for a job, I'm certain I got 40/40 with time to spare.

This morning I received an email saying "I failed to meet the benchmark criteria"...lol

What's worse is, I didn't get the job as a signaller, because I lacked signalling experience.

So in order to get a job as a signaller at Network Rail, you need to do better than 40/40 on a test, and already be a signaller at Network Rail.
And my brother is of no help, because all hiring is done via a hiring centre he doesn't work at. Lol

Time to look elsewhere...

Air Traffic Controller sounds good. Lol

CMDR Cosmic Spacehead

Have you considered other jobs in the field you're already working in? You may find it easier since you already have the experience, I understand it may not be your dream career, but money is money! I currently work for a rival supermarket as a home shop trading manager (although they like to play musical chairs with managers so that might change!). Our drivers are constantly leaving after a 3-6 months for better paid jobs at Ocado/Amazon/Dpd etc... The supermarket level of home delivery is a good stepping stone to other things, and you'd be shocked how much less you're currently being paid compared to people doing the exact same job for other companies.

I certainly wouldn't recommend getting into rail transport right now (unless it's as infrastructure maintenance), everyone from signallers to drivers is at serious risk of loosing their jobs to automation in the next decade or so.

 

[Winterwalker]

Really, all I want is a reason to wake up in the morning, go to work, do exactly what I'm told in the most clinical of manners, and get a small wage at the end of the week that I actually earned.

It's something you might want to double check on but I'd be very surprised if an employer is allowed to discriminate against you for an asperger's diagnosis. Assuming you have skills enough to carry out the task (and qualify for the job) unless the condition puts your co-workers in any kind of danger then you also have a right of medical confidentiality.

If you fear giving yourself away, then you might be looking for a role with reduced human to human interaction? Let's say one that doesn't rely on it? Might be a job where you're fairly autonomous, freelance or can work as an individual. You mention learning code for instance, there's a massive skills shortage in that field and a company would be looking for someone who can code - first. You might find there's slightly fewer roles you can fulfil but I also don't think it has to mean there's nothing for you if you can sniff it out.

I suppose the hardest part of job hunting is the inevitable rejection letters you always, always get. Important to remember that while you weren't right for them, that doesn't mean you're not right for someone. In other words, although it feels like it is, it's highly unlikely it's anything personal and it's very useful to see every 'failure' as learning experience. Way I see it, if we learn through our mistakes then it surely follows that it's important to make, as many mistakes as possible!

Giood luck o7

 

[Patrick_68000]

Every hour worked must be paid. Internship or no internship. Unimaginable in a civilized country to work for free

 

[StiTch]

Really, all I want is a reason to wake up in the morning, go to work, do exactly what I'm told in the most clinical of manners, and get a small wage at the end of the week that I actually earned.

Mate, that novelty wears off in about...a week.

Feeling like a number doesn't do wonders for anyone.

 

[Alien]

Last night I went to the toilet and saw there was mail for me that had probably been sitting there all day, I just hadn't looked. I went to the front door and picked up the letter. It had a logo from my employers last year, and I opened it. I have been invited to return for this year.

The job I do is a seasonal contract. This is because I live in a tourist economy town. Between Easter and November there is a lot of work available, but between November and Easter most of the working people in the town are unemployed. I am one of them.

I spent last year working as a tram conductor, and like I said, come November, I became unemployed. As it was my first season, I was unsure if I'd be invited back again, but I have been, so I am really happy that I could potentially have work every year now between Easter and November (don't mistake that for job security, it isn't, but it's better than having no job security).

I am 45, and have spent 30 years looking for work at various times, so I do understand how much it can suck. I sympathise with anyone in that position.

 

[Stinja]

So I've been trying to find a new job for yonks.

It's not all about test scores and experience though, having been an interviewer, it's also important a candidate has soft skills and will fit in the existing team.
So even if someone is good on paper, the style of their CV, the tone from telephone conversations, and an interview may all send a message that this person wouldn't fit in the team dynamic, or has the wrong personality type.

It depends on what exactly you're applying for, but danger signs are things like:
- overly informal habits (don't scratch your balls in an interview for example)
- written text-speak ("LoL", "ur", "b4" are all no)
- personal hygiene (shower, breath-check etc)
- stable personality (describing how you murderhobo newbies in a videogame may not be wise )
- appropriate presentation (clothing, hairstyle, take out piercings)

But yeah, it can be tough. You may be competent, but if there's 10 others just slightly more competent you end up never getting that interview.
Stiff upper lip, best of luck!


EDIT: just saw this comment:

In my experience, the vast majority of people are grossly intolerant of the autistic spectrum. You get arrested for being a racist.

Being on the spectrum leads to the same level of abuse as people get for having a different skin colour.

Sounds like you've come across some terrible employers then. Pretty sure such discrimination is technically illegal, mental disorders fall under other disabilities.

At our firm we get regular diversity and inclusion training, and discrimination is not allowed for anything such as: race or racial group (colour, nationality or ethnic origins); sex (marital status, pregnancy, mat/paternity); sexual orientation; gender identity (including expression or gender reassignment); religion or belief; age; disability; part/full time status.
We've certain regulatory bodies that do not take kindly to infractions.

One of the guys in my team is on the autistic spectrum, and very good at what he does, and we support an autism network which places work experience students in business: again we get extra training beforehand on traits to be sensitive to.
Just saying some employers are understanding, and recognition of better working practices around diversity and inclusion is being pushed heavily in the private sector.

 

[lysan]

No advice can actually be given, we all walk in different shoes and if we were walking in someones elses shoe we would not be us, but them.

Basically life socks, you get it new and fresh and soon it's stinky and need a good cleaning.

I did my cleaning years ago, 180 completely. However for someone to replicate that would be nearly impossible because they also need the opportunities i got at the time I got them.

Get out of the cities if you can, they are rat traps, sure there is a lot of great things you can do, but in the end you're not free to do what you want. That is my personal opinion, someone else would probably have a different one.

I learned a few thing in my many years in the army,

Don't trust anyone, expect they all want to get your stuff...
Learn to be self sustainable in as many things as possible, mom is not here...
Stay focused, set a goal and do it...
Don't be drunk all the time

 

[Deleted member 110222]

I know it's illegal to discriminate mental ailments. But as we all know, people break the law anyway.

I don't know. I'm in a right mess and I don't know how to get out of it, because all I know of the outside world is hate.

 

[lysan]

I know it's illegal to discriminate mental ailments. But as we all know, people break the law anyway.

I don't know. I'm in a right mess and I don't know how to get out of it, because all I know of the outside world is hate.

Sorry to hear that, however it's not true, you just didn't meet the right people yet.

 

[Avago Earo]

I know it's illegal to discriminate mental ailments. But as we all know, people break the law anyway.

I don't know. I'm in a right mess and I don't know how to get out of it, because all I know of the outside world is hate.

Last year, after a medical with the private American firm; Maximus (in a hospital, may has well have been on a park bench), I was informed that I was not ill enough so they docked £60 from my fortnightly payment and I was put on work related ESA. There is no training available, as the government has dropped support. On the meetings I've been well enough to attend (about six in the last year), it was just a chat. So far, three of my 'advisers' have left the job. They tell me the scheme is designed to help ease people with illnesses back into work, though discussing various routes into employment (except for training, as I mentioned). So I am ill then, just not ill enough. I've just received another 'Capability For Work Questionnaire', so the whole process, including hospital 'interview' (not a medical examination, more of an interpretation) will start all over again and I have to lie awake all night thinking about what they want to do to me next.

 

[Deleted member 110222]

Sorry to hear that, however it's not true, you just didn't meet the right people yet.

Maybe. But I'm sick of only meeting the wrong people.

 

[Arry]

Last year, after a medical with the private American firm; Maximus (in a hospital, may has well have been on a park bench), I was informed that I was not ill enough so they docked £60 from my fortnightly payment and I was put on work related ESA. There is no training available, as the government has dropped support. On the meetings I've been well enough to attend (about six in the last year), it was just a chat. So far, three of my 'advisers' have left the job. They tell me the scheme is designed to help ease people with illnesses back into work, though discussing various routes into employment (except for training, as I mentioned). So I am ill then, just not ill enough. I've just received another 'Capability For Work Questionnaire', so the whole process, including hospital 'interview' (not a medical examination, more of an interpretation) will start all over again and I have to lie awake all night thinking about what they want to do to me next.

Under the Tories, the whole system is designed; not to pay out and be seen to reduce the numbers of those registered as not working, for what ever reason. There is the blame game and the attempts at public humiliation, that discourages those in real need, for applying for any form of benefits. It is sickening that bankers and politicians and the like, can milk the public purse for 1,000s and 1,000s of pounds and be applauded and encouraged by the Tories, because they haven't broken any laws. Yet, the poor, the disadvantaged, the disabled and even the elderly are going hungry, feeling the cold and being evicted; often for the need of what amounts too, less than £50 per week.

I came up with a solution to the NHS issues the other day. We have ambulances queuing 3 and 4 deep outside A&Es. We have people on trolleys; waiting to go into A&E. We have A&Es constantly full and a massive waiting lists for hospital beds in other departments. The solution is simple. The first part of triage; maybe even at the point of the call to the emergency services. One question to be asked: What party did you vote for and if the answer is Tory, then forward them to the private sector and refuse treatment in the public sector; because they helped cause the current problems.

 

[Arry]

Maybe. But I'm sick of only meeting the wrong people.

Psychologically, there is something called the 'Victim Profile'. This is where someone constantly finds themselves as the victim and this is because they are seen, or viewed, as the victim type; by aggressors etc.. Most of these 'signals' are hard to define or explain and only studying the individual, can the individuals signals be pointed out to them. A prime example: Watch how someone walks down the street, not just the body language and posture; but where on the pavement they are. Those who keep close to houses, or hedgerows; often walking at a slower pace, are those basically, walking in fear and so will become an easy target for the bully etc.. Plus the more victimised they are, the worse the 'hugging the far side of the pavement' becomes; until they no longer leave their safe zones, like home.

 

[Winterwalker]

Maybe. But I'm sick of only meeting the wrong people.

Maybe if you come to feel like you're not the only one?

You might also be able to help, charities like this .. by sharing your experiences with them?
https://www.time-to-change.org.uk/get-involved/tackle-stigma-workplace/support-employees
If nothing else you'll probably find more scientifically arrived at coping strategies - on those pages.

Mind is another charity worth a look up.

 

[Deleted member 110222]

Psychologically, there is something called the 'Victim Profile'. This is where someone constantly finds themselves as the victim and this is because they are seen, or viewed, as the victim type; by aggressors etc.. Most of these 'signals' are hard to define or explain and only studying the individual, can the individuals signals be pointed out to them. A prime example: Watch how someone walks down the street, not just the body language and posture; but where on the pavement they are. Those who keep close to houses, or hedgerows; often walking at a slower pace, are those basically, walking in fear and so will become an easy target for the bully etc.. Plus the more victimised they are, the worse the 'hugging the far side of the pavement' becomes; until they no longer leave their safe zones, like home.

Interesting. I'll have to see if I can find some papers on that. Thanks for pointing it out. I won't deny that I immediately see some of myself in what you just said there.

 

[lysan]

Interesting. I'll have to see if I can find some papers on that. Thanks for pointing it out. I won't deny that I immediately see some of myself in what you just said there.

Many studies has been made regarding this, walking with a raised head looking forward and in a steady pace is regarded as
a dominating behaviour, yeah it sounds stupid but that is what they say.

 

[Arry]

Many studies has been made regarding this, walking with a raised head looking forward and in a steady pace is regarded as
a dominating behaviour, yeah it sounds stupid but that is what they say.

It is strange; but I walk like this most of the time and find I never have to divert my direction to accommodate people coming to other way. Strange because; I am less then 5'8" tall. Idiots glued to there mobile phones, are another matter.

 

[Deleted member 110222]

Many studies has been made regarding this, walking with a raised head looking forward and in a steady pace is regarded as
a dominating behaviour, yeah it sounds stupid but that is what they say.

I agree though. That matches the walking patterns of my bullies. Me though... Head down, hood up, really unstable walk that constantly changes pace.