Is it ever justifiable for a smart, talented, and skilled person to be jobless just because their social skills suck?

[ForevrLonely29]

I am a software engineer skilled in a wide array of technologies. My manager told me my skills were "off the charts" when he hired me. He combed through applicants for a year before he found me.

Sadly, this same manager just fired me today only being at the company for 9 months. I produced results, submitted my projects in a timely manner, and I was always eager to finish my tasks and ask for more. I didn't even take my first official paid time off day until I was with the company for 90 days.

They could never form a very clear answer as to why they fired me, except "I didn't ask my questions correctly."

Thing is, I have never held down a single job for more than 11 months. I have held more than 20-something jobs since I ever started working. I am on the Autistic Spectrum and have mental illness, including bipolar.

Statistics show 80% of those with ASD cannot hold full time employment. Ironically, many of these people are gifted and skilled.

[CupcakeTheDestroyer]

It is entirely justified for a company to let someone go based on an inability to communicate. It’s harsh, I get it, I’m on the autism spectrum myself, but you have to learn to speak to people in a way they can understand and they’re in the right to say “we can’t continue working with you” if you have trouble communicating your needs and understanding theirs. It can take a minute to learn, and it can be exhausting, but that’s what you have to do sometimes.

[andreasderjuengere]

Yes it is justifiable in cases where necessary team work just doesn't happen.

[ForevrLonely29]

Define "necessary team work". I reach out and communicate often. My colleagues were annoyed I asked too many unnecessary questions and felt I needed more coaching than they originally thought.

[andreasderjuengere]

To define - from my point of view: the emotional/cooperative interaction in a work group.
In our own office we recently outed two persons with ''skills'':
- an Indian who was just too much Indian (sneaky, opportunistic, self-pitying)
- a rogue hyper-activist who would just not accept that what he wants to do and what he is meant to do are two different things.
We kept two other low-performers.
Some people just don't fit into a specific group to make the entire group's output a gain.
As you mention that you had ''difficulties'' before, it may be a good idea to analyze each case for yourself and to find the triggers that made you loose these jobs. Next, train yourself up to not ''publish'' these triggers - even if you are right.

[DrPepper12]

You might have ADA protections. Check with a labor atty

[DishLady]

No. You can build your social skills.

[jahaims]

They aren't smart if they can't fake social skills