Autism and underemployment

I previously wrote how a late diagnosis meant that that I was unable to access a number of programmes which help people with Autism get into work. This blog is about underemployment – working in a role for which I am overqualified.

Personally, I struggle with interviews in large part as I am not as expressive as most people and therefore don’t come across as interested enough in the role. As I’ve not passed most interviews, I’ve worked a lot as a temp and I’ve never earnt a huge amount, despite the fact that my earning power should be at least in line with the national average salary given my background and skillset. I have had permanent roles, but one contract was zero hours and didn’t provide much work, and another place I worked for closed down. I have a permanent job but it doesn’t provide me with as many hours as I’d like.