Transitions are hard, but not impossible
By Real Ray C on
I wanted to share my story in case it helps someone who’s in the same place I once was. A few years ago, I was in a really tough spot. I’m autistic, and I’ve dealt with social anxiety for as long as I can remember. Right after high school, everyone around me kept telling me it was time to get a job, start paying for things, “grow up,” all of that. It felt like the ground was shifting under me, and I had no idea how to handle it.
The problem was that the things people called “normal steps” felt terrifying for me. Crowded places drained me. Talking to strangers made my heart race. Being in unfamiliar environments felt unsafe, even if nothing was actually wrong. And the pressure to hold it together only made my anxiety and anger issues worse. I honestly thought there was no way I would survive in the workplace.
But the truth is: transitions are hard for autistic people, and they take time. What changed everything for me was starting small and being honest with myself about what I could handle.
My first job wasn’t glamorous. I worked early mornings stocking shelves at a small grocery store. No crowds, no constant talking, no fast pace. It wasn’t easy at first, I still struggled to make eye contact, I froze when customers asked questions, and I went home exhausted every day. But I pushed through one small step at a time.
What helped me most during that transition was learning the structure of the job. Once I knew the routine, the anxiety started to shrink. I also found one coworker I felt comfortable with, and that made the environment feel less threatening. Over time, I got better at communicating, better at handling the stress, and better at knowing when I needed to step outside for a breather instead of melting down.
Eventually, I moved to a different job that fit me even better. The changes weren’t easy, but I learned that I could adapt if I gave myself time and didn’t compare my pace to everyone else’s.
If you’re scared right now, I get it. Transitioning into work with autism and social anxiety is overwhelming. But it’s not impossible. Look for jobs with predictable routines, low social demands, or quieter environments. Start part-time if you can. And remind yourself that being autistic doesn’t mean you can’t handle change, it just means you handle it differently.
You’re not alone. And you’re capable of more than you think.