Johnny Profane ÂûYou know what NEVER shows up on lists like "7 Habits of Fast Track #Autistic Career Professionals"?
Sex. This thread is one incident that screwed with my career. Check out the full article for more...
And my lack of Corporate Sex Education? Confused the Hell out of #AutisticAF dot me. Well into my 50s.
I entered the workforce with this "boy genius" vision of myself in my head.
#ActuallyAutistic #Neurodivergent #ADHD #Neurodiversity #AutisticAdults
And an unshakeable faith that intelligence, talent, creativity... and superior work... would automatically lead to advancement.
But I actually *performed* as a young autistic adult. With all the social differences that implies.
Needs for autonomy.
Clarity.
Structure.
Direct communication.
*Knowing what fuck is REALLY going on...*
I dunno how, but...
I was pretty convincing playing the role. I guess. At least a couple of Silicon Valley investors backed my play as a magazine publisher.
But Truth? I had no business experience. I was cosplaying.
The full story is in the article...
I was Masking... as autistics do... but in a specific "learned role."
Based on all the 20th century fiction this hyperlexic kid had been reading since 3rd grade. Comedy movies like *How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying.*
The only mention of sex I remember from Hollywood?
*The Apartment.* About shameful, secretive office romances.
That always end up badly.
But nothing like *my* reality.
Which was...
I'm 30.
Just promoted to publisher of a small business computer magazine. A HUGE, probably unwarranted promotion.
My first job I report to a Board.
I'm on Cloud 9. Traveling at the forbidden Warp 10...
But literally I'm new *kid* on the block.
Almost immediately I hit a wall with the company controller. Who's reporting HUGE losses on my first few issues as publisher. Directly to the Board. Without going into detail, keeping it a secret.
From only... me.
I'm furious. I call the controller on it.
Who laughs. Says it was an "executive decision." Dump all the losses up front...
Which... info dump... had been racked up by the publisher who just go *fired.*
Which is why I had just got the miracle promotion...
Controller decides to "Get it over with..." Without consulting me. Or even a heads-up.
"Really. It's the best for you in the end. You're gonna look like a hero in six months... give or take. The Board will understand."
I jump o the the horn to two board members I know.
Ummm... THEY don't laugh.
More sinister, they try to calm me down. Imply I'm young. New to business. Don't really understand the financials.
Fair enough...
But WHY do I feel like I'm headed into that closet in a horror movie?
The one where the audience gasps. Then screams, "Don't go in there!"
Long story already-too-long-to-be short...
I picked two board members to confide in who... ahem, were rather deeply involved with the controller.
As was the president I reported to.
And me, a neurodivergent?
Who thought "close" relationships were for... love?
And so did everybody?
An Aro Ace?
Let's say...
I left the workforce wiser...
Sex? Drugs? Religion? Politics? Things inspiring career best-sellers never mention?
Coins of the realm, my neurodivergent friends. Coins of the Majoritarian Realm.
Wonder what else they don't tell us? Check out the full article.
I hope you've found this thread helpful.
Follow me @johnnyprofane1 for more.
Like/Repost the quote below if you can. It really helps neurodivergent voices to break through the typical algorithm: