You’re Hired! Now What?

Excerpt from Working While Autistic

You’ve got the job. Congratulations! Now what?

Well, the obvious answer is, do the job. This means you put into daily practice everything you’ve learned along the road. If you want to succeed in whatever career you choose, you’ll need to remember these four Ps: be Punctual, be Professional, be Prepared, and be Positive. Here’s a summary of each one, excerpted from Working While Autistic by Wendela Whitcomb Marsh.

Ø  Be Punctual

Punctuality is important in any career. You’re paid to be on the job on time. If it’s hard for you to get out of bed in the morning, there are things you can do. Don’t continue to rely on a parent to get you out the door. Now that you’re an adult, that responsibility is yours. Here are four tips to prioritize punctuality. I’ve listed them here, but the book goes into detail with ideas for each tip.

• Punctuality Tip #1: Set multiple alarms.
• Punctuality Tip #2: Get plenty of sleep the night before.
• Punctuality Tip #3: Make a rule for yourself.
• Punctuality Tip #4: Reward yourself.

Ø  Be Professional

For your interview, you probably dressed up. Once you have the job, the dress code may (or may not) be more relaxed. Notice how other people at your level of employment dress. Present yourself professionally at a level commensurate with or slightly above your position. You can find clothing that looks professional but still feels comfortable. Find what’s best for you.

Ø  Be Prepared

If you’ve been given a work assignment and it’s time to present your results to your boss, make sure you’ve done your homework and prepared everything in advance. Being prepared means you know what’s expected, and you’ve got the deadlines on your calendar. Prepare properly, and you won’t be caught off guard.

Ø  Be Positive

The optimistic employee whose glass is half full will be appreciated. The negative one who’s overly critical may find that people avoid them. People who complain excessively may even be passed over for promotions. Don’t be that guy!

When you’re punctual, professional, prepared, and positive, you’re on the road to success in your new job. These are brief summaries of the ideas in the book. If you’d like to read more, check out Working While Autistic: Thrive in a Career You Love by Wendela Whitcomb Marsh at your local library, bookstore, or online, available in June of 2025.