Put in AIBU as this crosses several topics - just looking for perspective/ advice to move on in life.
- I was recently diagnosed with Adhd and autism
- I'm late 40's
- I'm both academic and practical. I'm currently completing a phd. It's creative so no clear career path.
- my background is in marketing
- I haven't had a 'proper' job for over a decade. I have done lots of stuff but no career.
- I have tried to get back into the workplace with no success - even minimum wage jobs. I mask well so outwardly I appear confident but deep down I regard myself as unemployable.
- I enjoy the PhD and will no doubt pass but it has exposed my weaknesses and shattered what little confidence I had. I felt as if it was my last chance and at my age I can't rebuild that confidence or any semblance of career.
- I'm married and have children at home. We are a happy family but the marriage died many years ago. I'm not desperately unhappy but I need to know that there is a future of some kind out there.
AIBU to want a future with something more? If so what and how? The key seems to be employment. My neurodiversity may be a bit of a red herring as I interview well and I'm competent and organised. I grasp concepts quickly. I struggle with desk bound routine, too much scrutiny and networking - I can do both professional and friendly, the in between baffles me. Nevertheless communication is my strength, public speaking and so on. I enjoy helping people and working with the public but not personal type care - sensory issues! I cannot pay for any further education or training. I have qualifications coming out of my ears!
I good at many things, those that know me would struggle to accept that I can't get a job, yet all those skills added together in me seem to add up to nothing useful. 🫤