It can be hard to believe that I have been working for over 14 years now. Albeit it can be hard to keep the spirit up and keep going to work when there can be so much negativity brewing in my head about why I should not fight the thoughts and just stay at home and ruminate or eat continuously. I know that it is important to be out there being a contributing member of society earning a little extra income when the costs of living independently are on the rise.

I am genuinely blessed to have the opportunity to work where I am. While things have changed over the years, there is the continuous feeling that I am my talents are seen as a valued asset to the team that I am on and that my needs are accommodated. Through the many struggles I have had in the past few years, one thing has been certain is that my job has always been there for me.

And while I am being a contributor to society, it is also knowing that even living in an income-based apartment does not mean that having disability benefits alone or any other government assistance will help in making sure I am at ends meet. There are things that I like to do and having a part-time job provides me the opportunity to do things that otherwise would not have been possible without working.

When I was offered the job through my day services, I was not even looking for a job, but it was a family friend that took a chance on me and adamantly wanted to have me as part of their team. Even though those early years were a struggle, I kept through it, while being supported by everyone in the workplace along the way. In the past few years there have been multiple changes to things including my family friend retiring a few months ago, but I am still there and am doing well with the right supports, many of which they put in place, and I am excelling because I know that I have a job that is always going to be there for me.

I know that not everyone in the autistic community can work or can have the same opportunities that I have and that is why I never take them for granted. But during those times when it is hard to think how I am going to make it from day to day in good financial health, it is knowing that I have the financial backing of my job and that while it wasn’t all about earning a paycheck in the beginning, it is very much a benefactor in giving me a reason to work and keep on keeping on.

There are times when it gets hard to get up and go to work, but the promise of an upcoming paycheck and the opportunity to get out of the house gives me the opportunity to have encouragement and the willingness to do what I need to do to stay well and enjoy life as I can flourish and be the asset that I have become known to be. People are grateful for the opportunity for me to be doing the work that I do because I am seasoned and knowledgeable at what I do. It makes me feel good that I have kept it going all this time and have the promise that there will be a paycheck to support my personal endeavors.