How to Find Advice That Actually Works for Queer Neurodivergent Job Seekers

Written by: Nicole

Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta (aka Lady Gaga) once wisely proclaimed: “There can be 100 people in a room and 99 of them don’t believe in you, but all it takes is one and it just changes your whole life”. For Lady Gaga, that one person was Bradley Cooper. For those entrenched in the job hunt, that one person is the hiring manager. But until you get a call from your Bradley Cooper, you’re stuck in an exhausting and discouraging cycle.

As queer neurodivergent folks intimately understand, the job search can be a big hurdle. Between the high demand on your executive function, rejection sensitivity dysphoria triggers, and gender-related bias in the hiring process, it can be a super isolating experience. It doesn’t exactly help that most of the advice on the World Wide Web is geared towards the neurotypical experience.

So what do you do when none of the resources you have at your fingertips fail to consider a diverse perspective? Make your own rules, I guess?!

You are not alone. Here are a few tips to consider as a NeuroQueer person looking for a job:

Find someone with similar lived experience!

This one can be a little tough to do in a more corporate-forward environment since many folks don't disclose their queerness or neurodivergence. But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible! LinkedIn can be an excellent resource for finding people who are open about their lived experience.

We also encourage having open conversations with your friends about your experiences at work.

Ask questions like:

• “How has your neurodivergence/queerness impacted your work experience?”

• “Are there other neurodivergent/queer folks in your org? (that you know of)”

• “Do you feel represented?”

• “Do you feel heard? Do you feel supported and accommodated?”

• “Do you feel the leaders in your workplace are open to feedback around these topics?”

Actively seek out a community of folks in the same boat as you are.

Whether it be in-person or virtual, there are communities who are ready to support you.

Queer-owned local businesses are an excellent place to find community. Everywhere Is Queer is an incredible resource to find queer-owned businesses near you. Check out your local library for any meet-ups geared towards neurodivergent and/or queer folks.

Online communities exist in droves, specifically on platforms that we all know and love like Reddit and/or Discord. If you’re feeling spicy, you can hit up Lex and see if you can connect virtually with queer neurodivergent folks close by.

Best of all - we have a thriving community right here at Colorful Futures that is filled with people just like you. Our CF Community has been built from the ground up through programs like Claim Your Career. If you’d like to observe quietly and unperceived (sighs in deep relief) sign up for our mailing list and we’ll let you know when community events and programs pop up.

Be nicer to yourself!

Listen, I know this isn’t exactly the most productive piece of advice. But let’s leave the idea of productivity at the door for one second. Being kind to yourself is just as important as sending out those InMails. The world is not exactly kind to folks who don’t fit the exact picture of heteronormative neurotypicality.  You may not do things like everyone else, but your uniqueness is your strength. Thank yourself often and hold space for that uniqueness just as you hold space for the lyrics of “Defying Gravity”.

Look for someone who truly appreciates and understands how your brain works!

It’s incredibly helpful to find support with someone who really understands how your brain works and has been exactly where you are now. They can be your cheerleader and your guide each step of the way. They have vetted tools that you can use to work with your brain instead of against it. This is our bread n’ buttah at Colorful Futures.

If you wanna to get in touch for a vibe check, we’ve got you. If you’re ready to dive right in, check out our career coaching options for something that fits your needs.

Don’t worry - we have resources for all budgets.

We help you break it all down step-by-step so it isn’t so overwhelming.

Final Thoughts

Listen y’all, it is okay to be a little overwhelmed as a NeuroQueer job seeker. Remember that you don’t have to do this alone! Keep leaning into community, kindness, and the tools that work for you - you’ve got this!