I recently started reflecting on my situation as a level 1 autistic individual. While I receive $1,202 in benefits monthly and plan to retire in my late 40s with my special needs trust, I find myself yearning for a part-time job. I don't care about the pay; I just want to feel productive and less like a failure. My high school teachers pushed the traditional path of college and a 9 to 5 job, but that just isn't realistic for me. I often feel like a loser because I can't handle that kind of pressure. I remember one teacher even suggested I could be a famous writer based on a short story I wrote, but that feels so far from my reality. When I share my struggles with people, they often respond with inspirational comments about other autistic individuals achieving great things. But honestly, I'd prefer a simple job like being a warehouse picker or shelf stocker, which aligns better with my capabilities. I'm considering reaching out to local stores for part-time opportunities, as I think it could help me feel more fulfilled.