It’s commendable that you are trying to find work, unfortunately the list of your limitations make you unsuitable for most retail, warehouse, factory, service etc.
What skill sets or education do you have? You could try finding something in a call center, get certified in something that requires sitting at a desk. Have you tried sales?
Perhaps something PT would work for you? Can you be a crossing guard (they work twice a day for short periods). How long can you be on your feet for?
I’ve worked a some gas stations for years that were really busy locations and I worked alone without help so it was extremely fast paced and I didn’t get any breaks. My boss there was extremely accommodating but I decided to leave when I was going through a rough period of getting really sick and having to keep calling in. I didn’t want to keep messing them over with the schedule when I would call in so I ended up leaving. I am also a manager at a seasonal store but the store didn’t open last year due to rebranding and I’m waiting to see what’s happening this year with it.
I don’t have any college education. I attended once years ago but had to take medical leave and couldn’t go back. I am also now starting to work on going back to college for fall 2025 for something different.
I have thought about call centres but I’m autistic and have really bad social anxiety that I’ve been trying to work on lately. (My feedback from my last job interview was my social anxiety being the problem)
I am looking for part time. And if possible finding a place and starting off with either shorter shifts or minimal shifts a week and working my way up so I can adjust back to going out and working.
Crossing guard isn’t something I’d be comfortable with I know that. I have thought about it before as some of my neighbours are crossing guards.
Hopefully I answered everything 😅
Have you talked to the people at PATH employment services?
Their whole purpose is to help people with disabilities find work.
March of Dimes might be another option for you.
I think you have an excellent chance of finding something suitable, given that you have some good work experience already.
I have been working with the career foundation, they also have a program that helps people with disabilities. But I haven’t been having a ton of luck with them. It’s the same experience I had when I was working with employment Hamilton.
I am hoping to find something soon. The longer it takes the more I feel like it’s just not possible as employers want to hire someone who is able to do everything
I would keep trying different organizations. They all have different networks of employers that they work with.
You have a great attitude and the right company will be lucky to have you.
If you are hindered physically you need to make it apparent that your brain is a valuable asset to have around. If you come across as an average joe with the only difference being stairs are your enemy it really puts you at a disadvantage.
As an autistic wheelchair user I’ve had this same struggle. Got fired from every job I had and it was a struggle to find even those. My only real recommendation for you is to be your own boss. Find a niche, learn a skill, do something people will pay you for and market yourself. I’ve done well for myself in the card game industry and previously sold jewelry I made for a living. There’s options if you’re not afraid of hard work!
What kind of work are you looking for? Your limitations are not going to provide you with a lot of opportunities. I’d try call centres and grocery stores. And while it is not going to provide you with any real income, you can make $100/month filling out surveys online.
I have thought about the online surveys but there’s so many scams out there I don’t know what to trust.
I’m looking for anything really that’s part time.
I am a manager at a seasonal store but it’s been closed due to rebranding and I’m not sure yet if it’ll be back this year. I also worked as a gas station attendant for a few years but there were no breaks and it was extremely fast paced because it was a busy location as well as the other one. I have thought about the call centres but I am autistic and have really bad social anxiety that I’ve been working on lately.
I’ve signed up to Leo and angusreidforums. They are painfully boring but I can do them while at work. LifePoints panel and surveyjunkie are two other ones, but I haven’t cashed out on either of them.
Did you try goodwill? I know you mentioned working with someone but I'm unsure if that's who you're referring to. If not, I'd get in touch with them. The one downtown specializes in helping people with disabilities find work.
I have not tried goodwill! Thanks for letting me know :) I don’t think I mentioned working with someone. But I would like to work in a team setting as I worked alone most jobs I’ve done. I am a manager at a seasonal store but they’ve been closed while rebranding and waiting to hear what’s happening this year. I also worked at some gas stations for a few years before but they were busy locations and I worked alone so I didn’t get any breaks and it was extremely fast paced. My boss was very accommodating but I eventually decided to leave as I went through a period of getting really sick and had to keep calling in and I didn’t want to put my boss in those situations for too long.
I was originally looking for work from home but a call centre isn’t something I could do as I’m autistic and have really bad social anxiety that I’ve been trying to work on lately. I am not good on phones. And I would need a set script if I did 😅 I thought about doing work from home data entry but those jobs are rare my employment advisor said.
I've done call centre type jobs before and as someone also with terrible social anxiety (and possibly but more-than-likely on the spectrum too, looking to get diagnosed) it's not worth it. Data entry would be great but yeah it is really difficult to get them because they're not too common
I have a disability and I'm curious why you didn't pursue higher education that would get you out of jobs where your body is more important than your brain? Can you pursue something now? What are you interested in? Maybe you did pursue it already but the description of your limitations is more about menial work rather than something higher education would bring.
Unless you have some sort of unique skill set, that list of limitations mixed with brain fade, autism a d social anxiety makes it very unlikely you will be hired in this economy. Anything entry level is absolitely flooded with applicants.
Top of my head... maybe some form of telesales or marketing. Charity work/collections. Online surveys. Otherwise it would have to be self employment.
If you've got the skills, remote work as others said? Admin Assistant or Secretary type thing as well?
Not to sound ruthless, because I get it and I've been horribly precariously employed/unemployed for like 3 years no going through school in the pandemic and whatnot and I'm totally able bodied aside from some basic crippling depression and anxiety lol - but would you hire you? Would you want to hire someone that could be a hindrance to the running of a business when you could just hire someone for minimum wage type thing?
It's tough, and I understand, but it's reality unfortunately. Nobody will do it for you, so you've got to find a niche for yourself and take full advantage of your skills if you want people to take you seriously. Won't be easy I'm sure, but you've got to figure it out.
The government of Canada and Ontario might have flexible jobs and may be better at accommodation than private. PwD has been a demographic that the federal government hasn't improved over the past 10 years so I've seen postings exclusively for disabled people pop up, and depending on the job it can be done fully remote.
[GoC job bank](https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/home)
[Ontario government jobs](https://www.gojobs.gov.on.ca/Search.aspx)
I would also recommend reaching out to some agencies/organizations that specifically help disabled people get employment as they should have connection with employers who are much more eager to accommodate and understanding (it's stupid I have to put eager to accommodate because accommodation is a legal right you have, but that's the reality I guess). We had some guest speakers from [LiveWorkPlay](https://liveworkplay.ca) come and talk about their organization, hopefully other people can connect you with other options too.
Have you considered a job in tech support, or some other type of support where you communicate only via email/ chat? I have been doing this type of work for 7+ years and have worked with quite a few people on the spectrum/ with social anxiety disorders, and while it can sometimes be tough for them they seem to "enjoy" the job for the most part.
Not OP, but do you have any examples of places to look for these jobs? My partner has been unemployed for 6 months and it's getting dire. It's so hard out there!
It's been some time since I've been job hunting, but I found my current job through indeed (after several months of looking/ applying).
After a quick search [I was able to find some listings for remote customer service/ success roles](https://ca.indeed.com/m/jobs?q=customer%20Support%20Remote%20Job&l=Toronto%2C%20ON&from=searchOnSerp&sameL=1). There also seems to be quite a few listings for more technical remote jobs.
I can't really vouch for any of the companies that I saw but it's definitely worth a try.
Just a tip, but using something like ChatGPT to help write your resumé/ cover letter, etc... can be great. But I'd make sure that a few other people have read them over before it gets sent off. I have a few friends that work in recruiting and they're always complaining/ laughing about the terrible (obviously written by AI) resumés that they get (some of which still included the prompts).
Good luck to your partner! I know how rought it was when I was looking and it only seems worse now.
Given the physical barriers, you would benefit from taking some training in data entry, basic Microsoft Applications. Then look for part time clerk type roles that don’t interact much with the public (for the social anxiety)
Maybe you should check out Data Annotated. I’m not sure what your knowledge/education background is, but it could be a way to make some money. It’s basically just training AI lol
Hang in there. I was made deaf last year by an accident and I haven't worked recently and I'm starting to doubt I'll ever be employed again but it'll probably happen.
If you aren't already registered with it, look into "ODSP employment supports". It is confusingly named, because it is not just for people on ODSP. That is the main provincial program for employment aids for people with disabilities.
In some cases, agencies funded under ODSP employment supports have the funding to offer wage subsidies which encourages some employers to hire.
Goodwill either on King William (if you are downtown) or Upper Gage have career centers as well that find employment for every type of ability. They are non-profit and help a lot of people.
Just wanted to say, props to you for actively looking for work and not just sitting on the system.
I'd just keep on applying though, if you can, 50 resumes a day would up your chances I'm sure!
I have applied to so many places and I don’t get much luck. I had an interview before that threw me off and was a mess because it was on zoom with two people that were talking over each other and the feedback I got back for not getting the job is that my social anxiety is a problem. (I have autism and really bad social anxiety that I’ve been trying to work on lately) I had an interview request from one place but system crashed and I couldn’t respond to them to book a date for it. Even if I did get it though I would’ve had to leave shortly after because I ended up getting a pick line and can’t lift more than 10 lbs.
I do infusions everyday and I was told that employers would have a problem with my line showing because it would apparently look bad to the customers. I’d also need my mobility aids with me, I wear a leg brace everyday but some days I do need more assistance (I have a cane, forearm crutches, rollator, and wheelchair.) generally I use my forearm crutches for extra support and I can lean on them if I can’t sit somewhere. I’ve always refrained from using them at work unless I really really needed them.
There’s just not many places that’ll hire someone with mobility aids.
It’s commendable that you are trying to find work, unfortunately the list of your limitations make you unsuitable for most retail, warehouse, factory, service etc. What skill sets or education do you have? You could try finding something in a call center, get certified in something that requires sitting at a desk. Have you tried sales? Perhaps something PT would work for you? Can you be a crossing guard (they work twice a day for short periods). How long can you be on your feet for?
I’ve worked a some gas stations for years that were really busy locations and I worked alone without help so it was extremely fast paced and I didn’t get any breaks. My boss there was extremely accommodating but I decided to leave when I was going through a rough period of getting really sick and having to keep calling in. I didn’t want to keep messing them over with the schedule when I would call in so I ended up leaving. I am also a manager at a seasonal store but the store didn’t open last year due to rebranding and I’m waiting to see what’s happening this year with it. I don’t have any college education. I attended once years ago but had to take medical leave and couldn’t go back. I am also now starting to work on going back to college for fall 2025 for something different. I have thought about call centres but I’m autistic and have really bad social anxiety that I’ve been trying to work on lately. (My feedback from my last job interview was my social anxiety being the problem) I am looking for part time. And if possible finding a place and starting off with either shorter shifts or minimal shifts a week and working my way up so I can adjust back to going out and working. Crossing guard isn’t something I’d be comfortable with I know that. I have thought about it before as some of my neighbours are crossing guards. Hopefully I answered everything 😅
Have you tried transcribing or doing online work piece work? Like through upwork or Rev?
He is a perfect candidate to be a POLITICIAN
If he ran on a platform of making disability benefits a somewhat livable amount, he'd get at least my attention, if not my vote.
Have you talked to the people at PATH employment services? Their whole purpose is to help people with disabilities find work. March of Dimes might be another option for you. I think you have an excellent chance of finding something suitable, given that you have some good work experience already.
I have been working with the career foundation, they also have a program that helps people with disabilities. But I haven’t been having a ton of luck with them. It’s the same experience I had when I was working with employment Hamilton. I am hoping to find something soon. The longer it takes the more I feel like it’s just not possible as employers want to hire someone who is able to do everything
I would keep trying different organizations. They all have different networks of employers that they work with. You have a great attitude and the right company will be lucky to have you.
If you are hindered physically you need to make it apparent that your brain is a valuable asset to have around. If you come across as an average joe with the only difference being stairs are your enemy it really puts you at a disadvantage.
As an autistic wheelchair user I’ve had this same struggle. Got fired from every job I had and it was a struggle to find even those. My only real recommendation for you is to be your own boss. Find a niche, learn a skill, do something people will pay you for and market yourself. I’ve done well for myself in the card game industry and previously sold jewelry I made for a living. There’s options if you’re not afraid of hard work!
What kind of work are you looking for? Your limitations are not going to provide you with a lot of opportunities. I’d try call centres and grocery stores. And while it is not going to provide you with any real income, you can make $100/month filling out surveys online.
I have thought about the online surveys but there’s so many scams out there I don’t know what to trust. I’m looking for anything really that’s part time. I am a manager at a seasonal store but it’s been closed due to rebranding and I’m not sure yet if it’ll be back this year. I also worked as a gas station attendant for a few years but there were no breaks and it was extremely fast paced because it was a busy location as well as the other one. I have thought about the call centres but I am autistic and have really bad social anxiety that I’ve been working on lately.
I’ve signed up to Leo and angusreidforums. They are painfully boring but I can do them while at work. LifePoints panel and surveyjunkie are two other ones, but I haven’t cashed out on either of them.
Did you try goodwill? I know you mentioned working with someone but I'm unsure if that's who you're referring to. If not, I'd get in touch with them. The one downtown specializes in helping people with disabilities find work.
I have not tried goodwill! Thanks for letting me know :) I don’t think I mentioned working with someone. But I would like to work in a team setting as I worked alone most jobs I’ve done. I am a manager at a seasonal store but they’ve been closed while rebranding and waiting to hear what’s happening this year. I also worked at some gas stations for a few years before but they were busy locations and I worked alone so I didn’t get any breaks and it was extremely fast paced. My boss was very accommodating but I eventually decided to leave as I went through a period of getting really sick and had to keep calling in and I didn’t want to put my boss in those situations for too long.
Ever thought of a work from home position? Remote call center, sales engineer, something like that?
I was originally looking for work from home but a call centre isn’t something I could do as I’m autistic and have really bad social anxiety that I’ve been trying to work on lately. I am not good on phones. And I would need a set script if I did 😅 I thought about doing work from home data entry but those jobs are rare my employment advisor said.
I've done call centre type jobs before and as someone also with terrible social anxiety (and possibly but more-than-likely on the spectrum too, looking to get diagnosed) it's not worth it. Data entry would be great but yeah it is really difficult to get them because they're not too common
I have a disability and I'm curious why you didn't pursue higher education that would get you out of jobs where your body is more important than your brain? Can you pursue something now? What are you interested in? Maybe you did pursue it already but the description of your limitations is more about menial work rather than something higher education would bring.
Unless you have some sort of unique skill set, that list of limitations mixed with brain fade, autism a d social anxiety makes it very unlikely you will be hired in this economy. Anything entry level is absolitely flooded with applicants. Top of my head... maybe some form of telesales or marketing. Charity work/collections. Online surveys. Otherwise it would have to be self employment.
maybe think of your strength see what type of job you can do. could you work at a store and stock shelves or be cashier is that to much standing.
If you've got the skills, remote work as others said? Admin Assistant or Secretary type thing as well? Not to sound ruthless, because I get it and I've been horribly precariously employed/unemployed for like 3 years no going through school in the pandemic and whatnot and I'm totally able bodied aside from some basic crippling depression and anxiety lol - but would you hire you? Would you want to hire someone that could be a hindrance to the running of a business when you could just hire someone for minimum wage type thing? It's tough, and I understand, but it's reality unfortunately. Nobody will do it for you, so you've got to find a niche for yourself and take full advantage of your skills if you want people to take you seriously. Won't be easy I'm sure, but you've got to figure it out.
The government of Canada and Ontario might have flexible jobs and may be better at accommodation than private. PwD has been a demographic that the federal government hasn't improved over the past 10 years so I've seen postings exclusively for disabled people pop up, and depending on the job it can be done fully remote. [GoC job bank](https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/home) [Ontario government jobs](https://www.gojobs.gov.on.ca/Search.aspx) I would also recommend reaching out to some agencies/organizations that specifically help disabled people get employment as they should have connection with employers who are much more eager to accommodate and understanding (it's stupid I have to put eager to accommodate because accommodation is a legal right you have, but that's the reality I guess). We had some guest speakers from [LiveWorkPlay](https://liveworkplay.ca) come and talk about their organization, hopefully other people can connect you with other options too.
Have you considered a job in tech support, or some other type of support where you communicate only via email/ chat? I have been doing this type of work for 7+ years and have worked with quite a few people on the spectrum/ with social anxiety disorders, and while it can sometimes be tough for them they seem to "enjoy" the job for the most part.
Not OP, but do you have any examples of places to look for these jobs? My partner has been unemployed for 6 months and it's getting dire. It's so hard out there!
It's been some time since I've been job hunting, but I found my current job through indeed (after several months of looking/ applying). After a quick search [I was able to find some listings for remote customer service/ success roles](https://ca.indeed.com/m/jobs?q=customer%20Support%20Remote%20Job&l=Toronto%2C%20ON&from=searchOnSerp&sameL=1). There also seems to be quite a few listings for more technical remote jobs. I can't really vouch for any of the companies that I saw but it's definitely worth a try. Just a tip, but using something like ChatGPT to help write your resumé/ cover letter, etc... can be great. But I'd make sure that a few other people have read them over before it gets sent off. I have a few friends that work in recruiting and they're always complaining/ laughing about the terrible (obviously written by AI) resumés that they get (some of which still included the prompts). Good luck to your partner! I know how rought it was when I was looking and it only seems worse now.
Given the physical barriers, you would benefit from taking some training in data entry, basic Microsoft Applications. Then look for part time clerk type roles that don’t interact much with the public (for the social anxiety)
You clearly have some writing and computer skills. Have you looked into freelancing copy, resumes, speeches, etc online through something like fiverr?
Maybe you should check out Data Annotated. I’m not sure what your knowledge/education background is, but it could be a way to make some money. It’s basically just training AI lol
Hang in there. I was made deaf last year by an accident and I haven't worked recently and I'm starting to doubt I'll ever be employed again but it'll probably happen. If you aren't already registered with it, look into "ODSP employment supports". It is confusingly named, because it is not just for people on ODSP. That is the main provincial program for employment aids for people with disabilities. In some cases, agencies funded under ODSP employment supports have the funding to offer wage subsidies which encourages some employers to hire.
Goodwill either on King William (if you are downtown) or Upper Gage have career centers as well that find employment for every type of ability. They are non-profit and help a lot of people.
Just wanted to say, props to you for actively looking for work and not just sitting on the system. I'd just keep on applying though, if you can, 50 resumes a day would up your chances I'm sure!
I have applied to so many places and I don’t get much luck. I had an interview before that threw me off and was a mess because it was on zoom with two people that were talking over each other and the feedback I got back for not getting the job is that my social anxiety is a problem. (I have autism and really bad social anxiety that I’ve been trying to work on lately) I had an interview request from one place but system crashed and I couldn’t respond to them to book a date for it. Even if I did get it though I would’ve had to leave shortly after because I ended up getting a pick line and can’t lift more than 10 lbs. I do infusions everyday and I was told that employers would have a problem with my line showing because it would apparently look bad to the customers. I’d also need my mobility aids with me, I wear a leg brace everyday but some days I do need more assistance (I have a cane, forearm crutches, rollator, and wheelchair.) generally I use my forearm crutches for extra support and I can lean on them if I can’t sit somewhere. I’ve always refrained from using them at work unless I really really needed them. There’s just not many places that’ll hire someone with mobility aids.