Working With a DCC
While everyone's experience having a DCC and working, or trying to work, is unique, this is my story. You know, it’s kind of wild how each person’s journey can be so different, yet we all share some common threads. I've touched on some of my past jobs in other posts, but let me tell you, every single job I ever landed came with its own set of challenges. I was always pretty good at selling myself during the interview process—like, I could charm the socks off anyone! But when it came to actually keeping the job, well, that was a whole different ball game. For me, working while being disabled was a real struggle, like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole. I could never quite figure out how to make it work smoothly. It felt like I was constantly battling against the odds, and honestly, it was exhausting. There were days when I felt like I was on top of the world, but then there were those other days where just getting through the workday felt like climbing a mountain. It’s been a journey filled with ups and downs, and I’m here to share the messy, real side of it all.
Barriers and Hoops
I was a mess trying to read the emotions and social cues of my coworkers while also needing to be flexible and adapt to changing situations. I always did well in jobs that were repetitive and didn't involve much social interaction. It wasn't so much about having a knack for the job as it was about making sure my needs were covered while I worked.
Before I got diagnosed, I honestly had no clue what I really needed.
Eventually, I ended up on disability, and going back to work just wasn't an option. Vocational Rehab can be helpful in some areas, but in my case, they were more focused on getting you a job than helping you keep it.
My Best Job
The best gig I had was working as a customer service contractor for Live Ops. I got to work
from home and choose my own hours. I even made it to the front page of the business section of a newspaper because I did so well. But, dealing with the whole management social scene got to me, so I ended up leaving.
Given what I know about having ACC and being diagnosed with ASD, I might be able to try working, but I'm still unsure if I'd get the support I need. If I had a job coach, I could probably stick with a job, but getting one is another issue. A job coach helps with communication between the employee, co-workers, and management and stays with the person until they feel confident on their own.
Now that I'm in my 60s and just dealing with everyday life, I realize those days are behind me. It takes so much mental and emotional effort to just going through my day and having my basic daily needs met I couldn't imagine working. After many dozens of job attempts I'm just spent
The Next Generation of DCCers
I applaud the younger generation of DCCers. Armed with the knowledge of what they can and can't do; having parental support and confidence, they are out there working. It's honestly so inspiring to see these young folks diving into the world of work with such enthusiasm and determination. They’ve got this fresh perspective that’s shaking things up, and it's clear they know how to leverage the resources available to them. With their parents cheering them on and providing guidance, they’re not just sitting back and waiting for opportunities to come to them; they’re actively seeking them out. Whether it’s collaborating on projects, experimenting with new ideas, or simply sharing their experiences online, they’re making their mark and showing us all what the future of people with a DCC looks like.
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