Hi everyone,

I got a later start than many people due to mental health issues and Autism. I was on disability from the ages of 18 and 26, and have had 13 psychiatric hospitalizations total. I finally was able to finish my college diploma at 27, and recently graduated at 31 with a bachelors degree.

After 3 months of hard searching, I found my first full-time position, where I'll be working with a nonprofit organization. I start in March and I'm very excited, but also very nervous. It does not pay a lot ($45,000 per year), but it's a start and I'm very grateful for the opportunity.

My past work experience has all been part-time, and I have struggled before with calling in sick to work on bad mental health days. I absolutely cannot afford to do this, and need to be an exemplary employee especially for the 3 month probationary period.

I worry about regressing, failing. I never want to go back to how my life was at 18. I grew up very poor and have always told myself I'd like to end the cycle of poverty that has been in my family for generations.

I guess I'm asking for any advice you may have to succeed in my first full-time job. Particularly for those who work and have mental health issues: how do you force yourself to go to work on those especially bad mental health days? I understand that financial need would be a big motivator (duh), but do you have any coping strategies that you use?

I am already feeling like I've gotten a very late start compared to my peers, and I just want to feel like I've succeeded at something for once.