I am very grateful that I have always held down a job. However, many jobs that I have had over the years have not fully utilised my skills.

I had worked for many years as an instrumental music teacher. My qualifications are to teach students one-to-one, the flute and the piano. I couldn’t cope with teaching music in classrooms; it would be too much for me, so this was the best option. I loved teaching students and sharing my skills. However, many instrumental music teachers have moved towards online teaching, which is a place I have not explored yet. The only issue is I would have to go back to working in the evenings, and I would prefer to work during the day.

Having my daughter has given me this change of heart. I also feel I am at my best during the day, especially in the mornings. When my daughter is at school, I can work, and I have time to focus on her after school. So, this is the reason I want to create an alternative career path.

I have many qualifications, such as science, administration, languages, music, two degrees, one in philosophy and creative writing, and the other in English language. I am searching for what I want to do, but I am a little lost at the moment. There is so much out there, and I am not sure how to go about it.

I work in a cleaning job at the moment, which is not my permanent career. It was only supposed to be temporary. Job interviews are very difficult for me. Social skills are required to convince an employer you have the skills for the job.

Low self-esteem is also a factor as I don’t have a lot of confidence in myself. This is an area I am working on. I know I can improve this by trying these strategies:

• Creating a group of friends who support me.
• Recognising what I am good at.
• Spending time in nature.
• Being grateful for what I have.
• Not comparing myself to others.
• Recognising the small achievements as well as the big.
• Eating healthier to improve my wellbeing (I am a chocoholic).

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

Supporting the autistic community into work is essential, as it prevents unemployment and underemployment. I want to be part of society. I need support for job interviews, and I feel I have so much to give. Not providing me support keeps me poor and works against the rest of society, as I cannot contribute as much as I could.

The autistic community has many useful skills. Mine are:

• A different way of thinking, which creates unique ideas.
• Logical thinking,
• Making decisions without my emotions getting in the way.
• Attention to detail,
• Deep focus on activities I enjoy.
• Spotting patterns,
• Creativity,
• Determination,
• Loyalty.

Everyone has and deserves a place in this world. There is a lack of understanding of the skills that people with autism have and how much they can contribute, along with giving them the support they need. I deserve to do a job that I can utilise my skills. It is a waste if I cannot do this, not just for me, but for the rest of society too.

For more information

• New shocking data highlights the Autism Employment Gap Available at: https://www.autism.org.uk/what-we-do/news/new-data-on-the-autism-employment-gap (Accessed: 25 July 2025).