The way to alleviate anxiety is to willingly approach the thing that makes you anxious. Do it in small enough increments that you don’t overwhelm yourself.

As a person with autism (like me) you likely have lower than average working memory. You can expand your working memory by playing Follow That Frog on Lumosity for 60 minutes straight without taking a break.

People will say that Lumosity has no effect but the procedure I described is not the same one they used in the study that concluded Lumosity doesn’t work. Other studies which have used procedures similar to the one I described (60 mins, same game on repeat, no breaks) have shown efficacy.

Be warned that for two or three days after your working memory training session everything will be worse, not better. But once you recover, everything will be better.

In the U.S. staffing agencies exist for some industries that do most of the application process for you. Is that an option in Sweden for the industries that you are qualified for?

I’m kind of in the same boat. In my 30’s. I feel like I spent half of my adult life looking for work instead of actually working.

I kind of hit a breaking point when I realized I was playing someone else’s (figurative) game; this person (figuratively) held all the cards and I lost each and every time.

So I stopped playing their game. I’ve found I’m very good at coming across as disarming. Once people meet me face-to-face (even over a video call or phone call) any preconceived notions they had go out the window and I have the opportunity to flip the power dynamic because I earn their trust quickly.

So recently I decided to build my own chess board (again, figuratively). I stopped applying for jobs. Instead, I focused on connecting with people first. So then I applied for work only as a housekeeping step once the employer/client and I are in agreement that I’ll be on board for a certain position or role. Obviously in 99% of cases organizations don’t like this. They want to funnel me into a system. Well, sucks for them. If they set aside their corporate ego and start a conversation I’d be able to help them.

I hope this perspective helps.

I’m a man, so I’m sure as a woman you’re going to come against a lot of backlash as far as appearing too aggressive. I’d actually see this as a good thing since it means you’re standing on your own and not taking s***t.

My advice, for what it’s worth…pay attention to what’s causing the anxiety. You have the power to change it, but (as a fellow neurodivergent) you might have to step on some toes to do so (correction–you will have to step on some toes). Keep steadying on!

Can’t give you much career advice because not sure about industry and don’t know what could be happening in your interview.

For mental health, my advice is not put yourself down in spite of the rejections. Easier said than done I know. Humans want to be accepted and rejection deteriorates our self-confidence. It’s understandable your mental health will be affected.

With that said, anxiety and worry won’t help you ace these interviews rather it would make you feel powerless. Anxiety is like self-protection and we may try to protect ourselves from disappointment and disaster. What the main focus would be is to prepare for these interviews, and try not to expect you got the job. Don’t even think about what ifs. After the interview, move on to the next job application. Try to keep your mind busy. This mindset takes practice for people who give a shit basically.

This worked for me, maybe it can work for you: Try applying to places you’re not worried about losing a job at, and then working your way up to the job you want. I know it sounds silly, but try walmart or mcdonald’s for a little bit, keep reminding yourself it’s not that serious, it’s just money in your pocket. Hopefully that helps. Little steps still move you forward. I struggle with the same thing. Sending positive vibes.