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

@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.

@jlyocum @TheBreadmonkey

You're letting reality get in the way of the narrative that the people firing employees left and right to save a dime are trying to push

@gbargoud @jlyocum @TheBreadmonkey I've got a paper in the works because I've been collecting data since I got laid off.

Disclose... Anything, really: Rejected within 48 hours.

Don't disclose anything: Rejected within 15 days (with a couple of three and four month outliers at the far end).

@drwho @gbargoud @TheBreadmonkey Oh I don't disclose ANYTHING until I'm on the payroll and showing up to work already. At which point I document everything.

I have become an expert on employment law related to the Americans with Disabilities Act, which I have had to do for mere survival...

@jlyocum @gbargoud @TheBreadmonkey If you'll be at HOPE in August, I might need your help.

@drwho I will not be at HOPE (I assume you mean hope.net?).

I dabble in tech-related stuff, but I am a mere hobbyist, and would be quite out of my depth at such a gathering.

I do, however, live a mere nine miles from the hotel where it will be held.

@jlyocum I do, yes.

You might, you might not. HOPE has always been a very open and welcoming kind of con, and the abN culture is still there. I think you'd fit right in.

@drwho Oh I'm sure I'd enjoy it!

If it were free, I'd be there with bells on and zero hesitation.

But the $250 ticket cost is a bit steep. :)