Aspie employability

I've read that only 20% of Aspergers are employed, and as I'm now one of the 80% that worries me.

This raises many questions, not all of which can probably be answered by me, but I'll have a go from my own point of view.

Are Aspies employable?  (generally speaking)
I would say I'm employable based on my technical ability, but it would only work in an Aspie-friendly workplace where I can get away with being quiet/distant.  I've been bullied in every job I've had, from day 1 pretty much - I just stand out as abnormal without even trying, as I usually try very hard to look normal to avoid bad first impressions.  I guess people easily see through the mask.
I guess most employers will say Aspies are not employable, as too much allowance has to be made for them - and they may never 'fit in'.

Are 80% of Aspies work-shy, or just plain unemployable?
I can't say, obviously - but I know from my own experience that its hard to contemplate work when you know from experience that most colleagues take exception to you in one way or another, and some outright bully you (usually with the others siding with the bully).  Its actually quite scary in some situations, because you never know how far some people will go - sometimes your life feels at risk!  How can you work, and enjoy it, with that kind of crap going on?  Obviously some Aspies will just struggle with the whole idea of getting to work in the first place.

Do the 20% feel safe, and valued at work?
When I was working I never felt that safe, anxious usually - not that I was always at risk physically, just aware of mental bullying that I couldn't do anything about.  I've felt valued at times, but that quickly evaporates when you are undermined or ridiculed.  It was hard for me to be confident about myself, or my abilities.

How long, on average, do the 20% work for?
My first two jobs lasted 7 years, and 6 years, respectively - don't ask me how, every day was painful, including bullying and embarrassment!  After that I had a long period of not working, then found a job delivering leaflets which I coped with for 3 months until a recurring injury forced me to stop - there was some bullying involved, including pressure to deliver more than was feasible in one day.  I then tried a data admin job and only last 5 days, I was bullied/ribbed from day 1 and struggled to communicate.  I then tried sorting mail, but that lasted two days as I was bullied/ribbed because I didn't speak much.  Its very hard for me to imagine working long-term at any company, it would need a sympathic bunch of colleagues which I've yet to encounter.

Should we force employers to take on Aspies?
No, thats not fair on the employer or the Aspie.  The employer needs to be aware of the Aspies difficulties, and able to work with them to minimise difficulties and bullying.  Helping employers to be Aspie aware is a good thing, but it won't guarantee long-term success for either party.

What jobs are the 20% doing?  And could the other 80% do the same jobs, if given the task?
I would be very interested in knowing what kind of jobs the 20% are doing, as there may be job types I haven't considered, and may be better suited to than jobs I've done or thought about before.  Maybe they are doing jobs that involve things they love?   Maybe the 80% haven't got talents/interests that are  useful to employers, or do but aren't confident about them.

Can the 20% who do work give any advice to the 80%'ers?
It would be good if there was some kind of mentoring from successful working Aspies, even if it was just via online forums.  I've not found much online support for Aspies, especially work related, and any local support group is some distance away which makes it difficult for me to attend.  It would be good if there was an online support group where working Aspies could help non-workers with tips and advice on job types, application and interview issues, coping with colleagues, etc.  I would love to set something up if there isn't already such a site.

I guess my final question is are the 80%'ers 'written off' by most employers for life?  Not that that is a bad thing necessarily, Aspies shouldn't feel they need to work to feel part of society - any more than any other disability group.  This is the danger of government policy of trying to integrate autistic people with NT's - it assumes all/most autistic people can actually be integrated, and that it is a painless process.

I think more work needs to be done to identify why some Aspies can successfully work, whilst most can't or struggle to do so.  It may just come down to motivation, confidence, self-esteem, and mental toughness.