The lousy employee

Perhaps it’s just my ego, and nothing to do with Asperger’s, but before I started working for myself I always felt I ended up in dead-end jobs that were beneath my skill level. And I always thought it was simply because my social skills sucked.

My managers never understood my personality and I would resent them for being more stupid and higher paid than me. I didn’t fit in and I didn’t feel appreciated, so pretty soon I’d lose my motivation and move to another job in another company. I never climbed the ladder, although I did occasionally try.

This mismatch made me a lousy employee. I didn’t respect my boss or find satisfaction in my work. Part of me feels this was unprofessional, but shouldn’t respect be earned? Shouldn’t work be rewarding only if it’s interesting and challenging enough?

As a freelancer I get to work with some companies whose managing directors I respect and admire. I’ve also worked with a few who didn’t impress me. The work tends to be more interesting because I can mostly set my own agenda. Why is it so hard to find a normal job that fits the bill? Am I just not cut out for ‘normal’ employment?

I’d be interested to hear from other Aspies on this – especially if any of you are employed, part-time or full-time.