I finally got a job and I’m still letting it sink In
By Eli Mercer on
If you’re on the autism spectrum, you probably understand how hard the job search can be in ways that aren’t always visible. For me, it wasn’t just about qualifications, it was the interviews, the unspoken expectations, the “sell yourself” part that always felt unnatural. I’ve had moments where I walked out of interviews replaying every word I said, wondering what I missed, what I did “wrong,” or why being honest never seemed to be enough.
There were stretches where I applied to dozens of jobs and heard nothing back. Other times I’d get my hopes up, only to be told they were “going in another direction.” It messes with your confidence after a while. You start questioning your abilities, even when you know you’re capable.
But this week, it finally happened.
I’m nervous, of course. New routines, new people, new sensory stuff to adjust to. But I’m also proud of myself. Not just for getting the job, but for sticking through the process when it would’ve been easier to give up.
If you’re still searching, I want you to hear this: it’s not that you’re unemployable or broken. The system isn’t built with us in mind, and that makes the process harder but not impossible. There are roles and workplaces where our skills are valued, even if it takes time to find them.