Understand yourself and how toyou can overcome Stargardts via personality types

Recently I've been reading  about the BCTI personality types as part of a self discovery process.  Going through this process, it made me realize that although trauma comes in many forms, different personalities may deal with it in  differing methods.

Although I'm still trying to understanding  how each personality affects the way we overcome  our own psychological mindset.  (16 types in total)  As an ENFP (extroverted, intuitive, feeling, perceiver)  I have an innate optimistic view that is built within my nature.  In addition, it makes it much easier for me to look at this in a bigger picture sense and by contemplating questions and constant self development, I have the ability to work through coping with life with Stargardts and the associated psychological impacts it had in my life.

N types
All intuitive types have a much stronger ability to rationalize or work through their own logic/feeling and finding balance within their lives.  It would be most likely be a question of when and how but not if they can or not.  It is a part of the intuition characteristic to be able to rationalize and see beyond the present.

S Types,
This is a more grounded type of personality type who focuses on the present.  I've yet to fully explore how this type work through their own identity and doubts that is brought on by considerations such as Stargardt's.   I suspect that this group of people may need outside help and structure in order to help them cope with the damages and disappointments brought on by having Stargardt's.

One things for sure, there are different ways of being at peace with oneself.    Perhaps it might be worthwhile looking at what kind of personality type you or your child are and  think about how you can utilize your best traits  to help you become more comfortable in your own skin.

This is also particularly helpful when trying to understand what may be your strongest characteristic and how you can use that to your advantage and utilize your best traits to help find your place in a sighted world.

Your Future: job stability and security

Growing up in a traditional white collar family, I was taught to look for security above all else.  Traditional Asians think being a doctor, engineer, government worker or banker/acountant are the idea and secure ways to live your life and making a living.  My parents simply hope I would get a job and settle for the rest of my life.

Except I beg to differ.

Settling only makes them happy but to me its torture.  I hate inefficiencies, I hate lack of creativity，　I hate stupidity and mundane work, and I can't bring myself to become one of those people who can't wait until the weekend because they hate their job and can't wait to retire or quit.

THERE'S NO REASON WHY YOU CAN'T DO WAHT YOU LOVE!

I always believe in the fact that if you are doing something you love, you will find a way to make money.  There's no reason why you have to settle even if you are visually impaired.    Being successful has nothing to do with physical disability but has everything to do with your mental attitude.  If you feel you can't, then you will never achieve what it is you want.    If anything, being visually impaired helps you cope with the hardships you face when chasing a dream. 

I've failed many times.  Been rejected from jobs, and even put down by people of position.  But all of that has made me a stronger person, a smarter thinker, and a committed lifelong learner.   

As parents or family members, please don't force your kid of loved ones to settle for anything less than their real dreams.  It's not going to be an easy road, but  what they need is not discouragement  and your fears. Believe it or not, your fears will transfer into their behaviours, your doubt and disbelief in their abilities will become the foundation of their self doubt.

I've spent 20 years trying to un-lesrn all the education taught to me from people who fear their own future.  If anything, it takes so much more energy  to erase those negative thoughts than to just simply follow you dreams.

If you are a parent, encourage your kids passion.  Help them achieve their dreams, and believe in them like you would want them to believe in themselves.  Installing your fears will hinder their true potential.  After all, do you really want to be the people who made them unhappy?  Who was the one that influenced them to give up on life and dreams?

Life is more than just about settling.  So security and safety will come if you're in something you love to do.  All you need to do is believe.

Advice on going into an interview.

There's no absolute answer but this is what I've done in the past. Normally I don't disclose my condition until the very end of the process. However, I do indicate that I can't look straight to let the interviewer know I'm not avoiding eye contact. I mean this may lose some points with people but if that's the case there's not much that can be done. Ultimately, it comes down to the person seeing your ability or seeing your disability.

When I first graduated and tried to look for a job, I usually do let them know before hiring me so that they ahve a clear understanding of what I can and cannot do. As I've grown in my career, I seldom disclose the extent of my disability during an interview since I often find it irrelevant to my ability in getting the job done. Generally, I try to look for a job that I can use computer to do much of the work which then enables me to enlarge and still work like any seeing persons. However, if it might effect your performance and ability to do your job, I think it's only fir for you to disclose partially so that the employer would be more accomadating to your needs.

Reality is, discrimination will always happen whether its in the open or not. Some people will openly discriminate you and others will simply cross you off the list assuming you are incapable. However, once in while you will meet a person who sees your value, if you're lucky enough to find that boss, do your best and that will take care of the rest.

We can't avoid discrimination and it is a fct we are at a disadvantage o other seeing persons when it comes to general office admin work. Thus its crucial that you find something that sets you apart, it would be something that regardless of visually impaired or not, you would not be replaceable.

In my experience, patience and persistence is key. Some people find a great environment to stay in on their first try, others like me go from job to job looking still. Sometimes it can be depressing but I think if I can find the one right opportunity, all the other bad jobs would just be a bad dreams.

It's not easy, and I don't really think it will ever really be easy. But you'll adapt like all other things in life. Finding the right job is not easy for anyone (seeing or not). So don't sweat it, let things take its course, prepare yourself the best you can in building your skill sets and keep trying until you find someone who can appreciate your talents.