Our top 5 mantras for starting work with dyslexia!

It’s the start of school! All over the world, a new cohort of students with dyslexia are headed into the classroom ready to take on new excitement and challenges. But what about the other end of the spectrum? There’s another set of dyslexic learners out there right now, too— those who are just leaving school, and heading into the world of work.

By now, we know the score: ask for the Reasonable Adjustments you need, play to your dyslexic strengths, and don’t be afraid to advocate for your needs— the law is on your side. But there’s an emotional side to the process too, in the form of an annoying little voice in the back of your mind that keeps on saying what if you just can’t do it? Or what if I make a mistake?

This week, we’re looking at five of the things it’s healthy to repeat and remember on your first week of work, to help you beat that little voice and hit the ground running! 🏃♂️

1.      Tackle impostor syndrome head-on. Congrats, you got the job! First off: you’re not here on anybody’s goodwill. That’s just not how business works, and companies are just looking for who they think is the best candidate for the role. You’ve been given this role because whoever was hiring thought you were the best fit for the job, and you can be happy, grateful, and excited for the chance— but never feel like you’re the poor old dyslexic candidate there on sympathy, because someone felt sorry for you or there was a quota to meet. Your skills are valid, and they’ve got you here.

2.      Mistakes aren’t as bad as you think they are, we promise. Sent an email with a spelling mistake in it? Got your office days confused? Deleted a record? Mistakes happen, and your managers know that you’re new to all of this. Nobody’s getting let go for a few stumbles in their first week, so just breathe, make a note of it so it doesn’t happen again, and carry on regardless. 

3.      Nobody gets their blend of supports right the first time. Maybe you’ve had some adjustments sorted out in your first week and you’re currently wondering if they’re enough. Or maybe you thought you were fine, but now you’ve decided you’d really benefit from printed paper copies and a work-secure reading pen, or some screen reader software. Either way, don’t be afraid to ask for more just because you’ve asked before: support needs evolve, as do your understandings of what works best for you. Keep at it until it’s right, and you’re feeling comfortable enough to achieve.

4.      They’re so not expecting you to be a specialist yet. If you’ve submitted a CV that says this is your first real job, then it’s very likely your manager isn’t expecting a specialist to walk through the office doors on Monday morning. You’ve applied for this role as a fresh education leaver, and when they take you on, they know that there’s going to be an element of training involved. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or say you don’t know how to do something yet: it’s all good experience for further on down the road, and broadening your skill set is part of what first jobs are about.

5.      Doors are always opening and closing, so be ready. Some jobs just won’t be the right fit, and it’s perfectly valid to move on if you’re unhappy or not going to end up in the place you want to be. Sometimes you just need to move along to something new, and don’t be ashamed to do it— you’ve got an incredible skill set, and there’s a right role out there for you somewhere. Check out dyslexia-friendly jobs boards at Exceptional Individuals for a head start!

Just setting out on your workplace journey? Subscribe to Succeed With Dyslexia Digest for the latest insights on working, living and thriving with dyslexia! 🩵