Accommodations

I read a bit ago about how parents of children on the autism spectrum usually take jobs that allow them to be flexible to accommodate their children's needs. I fully agree.

I'm not saying I'm better than anyone, because I know I am not. I'm aware of where I stand and what my place is. However, I have minimal college, and believe I'm quite skilled as far as office procedures and things of that nature.

Over the years - since 2004, when I finally returned to work after my two youngest were born - I went job searching. Not 'career searching'. I needed flexibility to work around not only my husband's schedule, but my children's needs. I began working nights at Walmart. Not my dream job. Who in their right mind says when I grow up, I wanna work at Walmart and get crapped on? No one.

But I did it. And I was good at my job. I showed up, did my work to the best of my ability, and sometimes above and beyond, punched out and went home. 7 hours a night, 5 days a week. I had a routine that all the kids could handle.

After awhile, management actually took a liking to me and offered me 40 hours a week. Instead of working 4-11, I'd be working 2-11. Couldn't happen. They said they'd work around my schedule. Still, wasn't happening. Didn't need that kind of stress. I'm not polite when confronted by angry customers. As a cashier, I can bite my tongue and call a supervisor to handle the rest. As that supervisor, there is no way I can keep my temper from erupting.

I tried going back to 'normal' 9-5 hours working for the county's labor department. It was a new position and they didn't know what to do with me. I was BORED! Most people would love to sit and get paid to do nothing. Not me. I liked being busy. The time flies and you feel accomplished. That lasted all of 2 months, especially after considering summer daycare costs.

Worked as a cashier again, but if I was scheduled for 8 hours a week, I was lucky. That 8 hour paycheck would have union fees/dues subtracted and barely paid my gas for the trip. I also found that if called to come on to work on a scheduled day off and I refused, my hours were shorted the following week, sort of as a 'punishment'.

Finally, I got a job at my kids' school! Sadly, it was in the cafeteria, but the hours were perfect! I could get them off to school and be out of work when they were dismissed. Snow days and such...no problem! Mama's here. My only issue was the staff I worked with. Oh, I couldn't stand it! Small towns breed small minds. The lack of acceptance of others who are different sickened me. I kept to myself, did my work, and went home. I was never invited to go bowling or out to a bar. Not that I'd go, but at least give me the chance to say 'no, but thank you anyway.'

I was at my wit's end and decided to attempt to make a change. I applied for the open Teacher's Assistant position, but was turned down because the other applicant had more experience. However, because they promoted a Teacher's Aide, it was perfect for me! And yes! I got it!

That enthusiasm was short-lived when I realized that I would always be looked at as the 'lunch lady' and not someone who was attempting to make an actual career choice - I wanted to teach. I needed help, guidance and encouragement. I got none of those from my superiors. Five short months after I began, I was given notice that due to budget cuts, my position was terminated as of the following June. This news was during my mother's stay in the hospital - she had a heart attack and hit her head as she fell. I heard the news about my job, but didn't give a damn. Luckily, I'm employed at a school that assists students with varying disabilities. This has helped me so much with my boys. It's a bit trying some days, but I'm back to planning what I originally planned...maybe get my degree and move forward. Sometimes, it works out after all.