Ben9h ago

If, like me, you've been actively seeking a job recently, you will likely be aware of the impact Ai has had on the job market. Virtually every other day is a msm news story about qualified and/or experienced people making hundreds of applications without getting anywhere.

Personally, although I've had a few interviews that didn't quite land (one I didn't really have enough experience, the others were pulled or lost funding), I've now applied for over 300 jobs over the past year. At this stage I'm quite philosophical about it and recognise it's not a reflection of my value.

Along with all the other current crises, there is now a looming employment and skills crisis. This is being framed as a benefits culture led by overdiagnosis of neurodivergence. Which makes me so very very cross it's difficult to put into words. I know that's not true. You know that's not true. *They* know that's not true. It's just a convenient demographic to throw under the bus to detract from the catastrophic damage being wrought by this new gold rush.

Urgh.

I've started typing this out a few times recently and always deleted. It's not something I feel very comfortable talking about. But I am really struggling with this and I figure that if I am there might be others. And I believe in visibility and not suffering in silence - been there and it was awful.

I know things will change at some point. And I know I've spoken to some of you separately irl about this (and thank you so much for your support), but just wanted to fire a beam out across Fedi to anyone else in this shitty situation. You are not alone. Always happy to chat offline if this is kicking your ass as much as it is mine! X

#jobs
#employment

Show threadJ. L. Yocum9h ago

@TheBreadmonkey Curious what you mean when you say it’s “framed as a benefits culture led by overdiagnosis of neurodivergence.”

Do neurodivergent people actually get *benefits* where you live?! Like, monetary benefits sizable enough they can decide not to work?!

I am an autistic guy in the U.S. And I’m in a benefits-heavy region of my country (New York State). I can assure you that neurodivergent people do not get one measly freaking dime in pay-outs, not in this neck of the woods.

Show threadAutiste à 🌊 #woke7h ago
@jlyocum @TheBreadmonkey Oh boy! Now I feel particularly priviledged to live in Switzerland! It was a taugh time getting financial benefits as an autistic person going throuth a serious burn-out and depression, thus being unable to work (it took me 3 years, I got in debts and was signaled at the debt regional office for months), but once I finally was accepted by the invalidity insurrance, things got much better. I'm not rich at all, but at least, all my basic needs are covered.
Show threadAutiste à 🌊 #woke
@jlyocum @TheBreadmonkey These benefits come at a cost: you loose bank and medical secrecy, your case is reviewed every 2 years and the paper work is quite complexe (you actually need the help from a social worker to make it through) and you are constantly distrusted as a potential social benefit abuser by everyone who doesn't know what it entails and right-wing politics who waste no opportunity to blame you for all your ills and those of others, but the whole thing has been holding steadfastly.
1:57pmWeb
Show threadJ. L. Yocum7h ago
@ariane @TheBreadmonkey And I thought I had it bad at my last workplace when all I was going for was workplace accommodations like "Please let me wear headphones while I work" and "Can I please work in a room without overhead lighting." The hoops I had to jump through...
Show threadAutiste à 🌊 #woke5h ago
@jlyocum @TheBreadmonkey Well, it seems you have it bad, since it seems nearly impossible for you to find public/state assistance with your present situation. In Switzerland, this kind of help is not easily accessible, you need the help of social workers and your doctors to find your way through the bureaucracy maze, but when you get the benefits, the institution is fairly solid.
Show threadAutiste à 🌊 #woke5h ago

@jlyocum @TheBreadmonkey

However, because of these bureaucratic hurdles and sometimes also humiliations (you're really forced to get administratively naked), about 30% of those who would legitimately have a right to it don't request this assistance. I'm privileged in this instance, as I'm pretty well-articulate, both in written and oral form, have a good command of digital tools and have the support of my family. For others, it is a lot tougher.

Show threadJ. L. Yocum4h ago
@ariane I'm definitely privileged myself — I managed to 'white knuckle' it through 45 years of life on earth before getting diagnosed with autism, through a combination of luck, supportive parents and sheer willpower. But I had to find a doctor to diagnose me as a middle-aged man just to get my aforementioned workplace accommodations, which was no small feat in the health-coverage desert that is the United States.
Show threadJ. L. Yocum4h ago
@ariane All of that just so I could wear headphones and tinted glasses at my desk, which is its own kind of corporate idiocy. (Interestingly, @TheBreadmonkey — this was at one of those U.K.-based employers I mentioned earlier!)