Finding My 'Why'
Up until the last year or so, I would say I've had a pretty normal career and life. Went to school, went to university, and did plenty of stupid things (in hindsight at least!). Got a job, met a great girl, got married, had kids and anchored myself with enough debt to make my eyes water.
Looking back, it feels like for most of that journey I've been either following what I thought was expected of me or I was drifting along the winds of fate. I can't complain, it's been a great ride and I certainly have no regrets.
But now, and maybe it's just the slow slide into middle age, I'd have to say that for much of the time I've spent awake it's felt like I've been marching to the beat of someone else's drum. Career wise, I have worked with many great people and learned much. I have worked across multiple fields from accounting and finance, strategy & planning, operations management, project management and managing project portfolios.
A few years ago now, I joined a non-profit organisation focused on supporting people with Aspergers. Joining this organisation was driven by a personal connection to this neurological condition, with someone close to me being diagnosed.
However, my intention to utilise my 'powers' of accounting and finance for the forces of good quickly opened my eyes to a new world. A world full of amazing people with unique gifts and capabilities. Though this world is equally full of people who struggle to make friends in 'normal' circumstances and are grossly underrepresented in the workforce. I was astounded to discover that nearly 60-70% are unemployed. In Victoria alone, that is apparently something like 10,000 people!
What was eye opening for me was that the primary reason these people don't have work - and it's not for lack of trying or capability as many of these people are some of the smartest and most capable around - is due to the attitudes and expectations of the rest of us. Having said that, there are plenty who are able to work within society's tolerance levels and many are quite successful. That's not to say they don't have issues to deal with as a result.
It's the barriers that everyone else puts in their way, especially when it comes to interviewing for jobs. For many that get through interviews, the social environment of the workplace can be a real minefield - again created by the expectations of those around them.
I started working alongside some more progressive organisations that understand the problem and challenges and are working towards doing something about it. It has been this experience that lead to my own realisation of what it is I really want to do now. It has been this experience that has helped me to see that my 'Why' is not a 'What' as I had always felt it was, but is in fact a 'Who'.
Every year there will be hundreds of kids with Aspergers and other neurodivergent conditions (ADHD, Dyslexia etc) leaving school and university and starting their career journeys. I want to be there to help make that transition smoother, more focused and something they don't have to feel alone in. I want to see them find their confidence and showcase their talents to employers.
However, there is also a role for employers and prospective colleagues of this group of job candidates to play. That is around curiosity, understanding and tolerance. Remember there is nothing 'wrong' or 'broken' about them and that you could find your next great employee, workmate or even friend.
So, if like me you feel like there is something more you could do, perhaps as part of your job, on the side or in replacement, that would make you feel a little more fulfilled and motivated - consider if your 'Why' is more likely to be a 'Who'?
