The never ending job search

[LonArcvarden]

In the 1980s, I was diagnosed with what was then known as Minimal Brain Dysfunction, now known as PDD-NOS. I finished school, went to university where I graduated with a Master's in Cultural Anthropology (2004) but have been struggling to secure job interviews. This is one of the reasons why I took up on an offer to pursue a PhD in Sociological Studies (part-time), graduating in 2013. Nevertheless, I still struggled to secure job interviews.


Through an Autism Employment Bureau, I finally landed a job with a university, mainly doing due diligence on proposed donations. I can do the work but it is a far cry from my research interests. In addition, the due diligence has started to weigh down on me because a big chunk of the work is looking for any negative that could harm the university's reputation.


Over the last 5 years, I have been applying for jobs in the same areas as my Master's and PhD research. I do mention my autism on the Equal Opportunities form, and where possible I opt into the Disability Confident Scheme. The career service at my university helps me with my applications but still, no interviews and no way to get other feedback than "we had a lot of applications and no feedback can be given".


What can I do or where can I go to get job interviews? Or should I just accept that the Disability Confident Scheme doesn't work for people like me, and stick with my current job until the inevitable mental breakdown?

[Oreganus]

You might find it easier to pivot into a completely different role. I recently explored entry-level phlebotomy jobs for my own restart and found it surprisingly accessible with short training. Discovering a practical path eased my stress, because it offered a clear next step instead of endless waiting.