Education & work

cloudbound

Active member
I havent been a member long but I have lurked for a little while and (forgive me if this is ignorant) something I have noticed is that a lot of people are having problems within work and school. Me, I dropped out of school at 14 and avoided everything I possibly could, that means I didn't go to college and I have never worked (I know, shameful). Is this the case for anybody else? I was told avoidance is very common with sp, but after reading these forums, it seems like I have avoided things to a ridiculous level and it makes my recovery seem even more daunting.
 

dyingtolive

Well-known member
there were times when i had to take time off school, already being a bit old at that time. in those times, i just forced myself to do the things that i loved, learn the things that i loved (that i wouldnt have the chance to otherwise do if i didnt have the free time).. like learn about philosophy, reading, writing, guitar/music/composition, working out.. u can do anything u want, follow ur dreams atleast thats a start! :) And no pressure
 
I dropped out as well. My first year of 9th grade was absolutely horrid. I'd go to school, watch as people stare at me (they could sense my fear), no friends, bad teachers, ended up getting 1 credit that whole semester, and that was gym class.
I ended up failing my first year of 9th and had to do it over, so I moved in with my dad. New surroundings, new school, new friends.
That went MUCH better, but start of 10th grade he kicked me out and I had to move back. 10th grade I just skipped so much until I dropped out.
Tried to take college classes, but was too afraid there too.

I feel your pain cloud, and it certainly doesn't get easier the more time passes and you just lose the skills necessary for even a smidgeon of independence.

Every time you try to make a huge change, it backfires. You end up where you started. Over and over again.
 

Nanita

Well-known member
I did pretty well until I was about 18, then I started having problems with everything about education and work... I kept trying, forcing myself to different jobs and educations.. I realized I´m special and sensitive and I can´t force myself anylonger, I had too many breakdowns during those years af trying and trying to fit in, be normal, be disciplined. Right now I´m taking a break and will probably start some kind of parttime job or internship soon, and I will begin with just a few hours per week - I´m getting help from a social worker with that.
 

cloudbound

Active member
I dropped out as well. My first year of 9th grade was absolutely horrid. I'd go to school, watch as people stare at me (they could sense my fear), no friends, bad teachers, ended up getting 1 credit that whole semester, and that was gym class.
I ended up failing my first year of 9th and had to do it over, so I moved in with my dad. New surroundings, new school, new friends.
That went MUCH better, but start of 10th grade he kicked me out and I had to move back. 10th grade I just skipped so much until I dropped out.
Tried to take college classes, but was too afraid there too.

I feel your pain cloud, and it certainly doesn't get easier the more time passes and you just lose the skills necessary for even a smidgeon of independence.

Every time you try to make a huge change, it backfires. You end up where you started. Over and over again.
9th grade for me too, or year 9 as it is here in the uk. I was getting bullied and I just didnt go back after the summer holidays so I got put in a "special" school. I applied for college but at my interview they told me that because of my state of mind it wasn't a good idea. Id like to know how they came to that conclusion, since they were cookery teachers not mental health experts but w/e. It still was my choice, but I didn't feel comfortable there after that.

And like you says, you just gradually loose the skills you need. Like I don't even know how I am supposed to act anymore.


I find I am unmotivated to do most things, but I do love makeup so that is something I am trying to "master" I guess, and something that I waste a lot of my spare time doing. :)
 
I find I am unmotivated to do most things, but I do love makeup so that is something I am trying to "master" I guess, and something that I waste a lot of my spare time doing. :)

Yeah, I just saw your pic. Haha I complimented your eye liner before I read this. I love it. It really adds art.
I am pretty unmotivated as well, but I do at least try to keep my mind occupied while I'm stuck at home, doing things like learning new music and doing some weight lifting to keep me at least a little sane.
Good luck. I'd probably let you put makeup on me too cause I'm weird like that. It's always a good laugh anyway lol.
 

Lanciao37

Active member
Dont like saying this and wasnt going to, But you changed my mind.
I too left school at year 9, I was 13. I dont know If I passed GCSE's or not? I am pretty sure I never did any A levels? Or maybey I did, I just dont know!!? I have never worked for money either, But I have done voluntary work every day since I was 15 and I want to get a real job,But no one wants me, Some people think I have mental problems and not safe to employ,Others say I have no skills,Even though I've done the same thing voluntary for something like 200,000 hours! which is more than most people who are 22. Others say I have dont have a good enough eductation and I need 3- A levels in Math,english ect.. WTF? To cut grass? I even tried to get a job as a bin man and they said no.
I gave up at age 19,I am on benefits now and I hate it, I feel like Im stealing money from someone who really needs it, But I really do need it also! as I have no job.
I hate the UK right now. I wish I could emmigrate!
 

Minty

Well-known member
I have AvPD and my parents had to really push me to graduate. I was a decent student, mostly A's. The only challenge I had was with presentations and my school required a 15 minute presentation to a panel of parents and other volunteers from our community in order to graduate. I spent the entire year in agony thinking about that presentation. I was so depressed. I got through it though because my fear of disappointing my parents was worse.

I'm still in college even though I'm 23 and should have graduated a long time ago because I drop classes that make me anxious. I go out on occasion but it doesn't really count as facing my fears because I don't talk to anyone. I don't know how I will get a job. The idea of having a job interview terrifies me to pieces. And I can't even make a phone call.

I seriously need help but since I can't make a phone call that's not going to happen any time soon and I don't have any money to speak of.
 

Social_Monstrosity

Well-known member
I BARELY finished high school. Having skipped so many days and unnecessarily enrolling in AP classes took its toll on me. Since I graduated in 2009 I haven't done anything with my life education-wise...I hope that can change within a year or two.

As for work? Hell no. Every place I apply to already asks for some work experience and of course I don't even have that. I'm 20 years old and haven't worked a day in my life. How pathetic is that? :/
 
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