stuttering & job

[Burt]

OK, I'm trying to launch a discussion. But hold on, I am no writer, so don't expect me to be very original.

I'd be interested to know whether you all have the feeling that the stutter has affected (or will affect) your career/study choice. As I said in my profile, I've being working a lot on acceptance (sort of), and part of this is to get to the realisation of how the stutter has impacted my choices. Despite this, I still believe my choices in these respect were the result of a free personal decision, but maybe this is denial from my part.

[Burt]

Hey R.M.
Precisely, I have the feeling that the stutter did not interfere in my carreer. Maybe this is because I studied fields which are not talk driven (music & science). Interviews, obviously I don't like them, but for so many purposes that I cannot pinpoint stuttering as the main factor. Plus, anyway, when I interview I am just like "on the stage" before the interviewer and often they would not even realise the stutter. I guess it is more difficult for people who stutter more severely (what about you by the way?)
I think your realisation is very good. Let it not interefere, and, more than anything, do not start from the assumption it will interfere. This way, not only you will be less anxious, but then, also, the stutter will effectively interfere less. Ooops, what I just wrote was quite confusing. Too long sentences, they always tell me: Burt, don't always write long sentences.

[Burt]

I understand that you are frustrated by your stuter being noticeable. That's annoying, whatever the level of acceptace one reaches. But the overarching element for your future career/studies is that you don't stutter that much in most circumstances. This means that technically the stutter has no reason to stop you, whereas it can be more troublesome for severe stutterer because sometimes it is difficult to even understand what they are trying to say.

In reply to you question, no I would't characterise me as a stuttering badly. Rather mildly, and it is defeintly getting better and better. I'm lucky, I know, but I also work on it.

You seem to be doing well too: I am impressed that you even accepted to read this poem in the auditorium. Was it a decision of yours? And would you do it again now (or do even more) ?

[Burt]

I see you are really courageaous. That's very good and I don't think anything will stop you on this basis.
About the other kid you know, I must say it is quite exceptional for a stutterer to actually know another one. Somehow you are lucky. Does he know you stutter too?
I think males stutter more than females on average, so it is not so surprising that he has it harder than you.

[Burt]

But then if you find him awkward because of the stutter how can you ensure than people don't find you awkward too for the same reason (although less because you stutter less)?

[Burt]

But has anyone ever found you akward because of your stutter?

[Neem]

Im glad you posted this topic!

Im still young but do have dreams and a successful career was something I always wanted.
In the past I believed ther was no other option for me than to go for a job that didnt involve speaking much, I even typed up "jobs that dont need strong communication skills" in google once, I dont think I found anything I was interested in though.

However, now Ive realised you can do anything, the negative thoughts and looking around for a career that wouldnt involve talking was before I didnt some research on stuttering because when I did eventually accept it and started browsing the net I discovered theres teachers, lecturers, nurses, speech therapists even, who also did stutter or still do!
I believe we should aim for what we truly want, challenge yourself!

Thats my opinion.

[ya zhang]

Hello, Burt
I have been reading your discussion since i joined the group. Because much the agony I suffer is from the pressure I feel from my job. I teach English at a college, I stutter mildly and my teaching is ok. Sometimes i just feel my stuttering bonds me tight and prevents me from achieving anything more significant. I lost chances for promotions because I did poor presentations, which reduces my confidence further. I feel puzzled about my situation.And don't know if I should hold on in this or just consider a job change, which is really hard for me now. How would you choose if you were in my situation?

[Adrian Oberholzer]

Hi Guys

My job is being a building site manager on multi-million pound projects in London. Believe me, some days it is really challenging! I have to spend a lot of my time on the phone, participating in meetings and generally instruct people on site as to what to do. My stammer is severe and on bad days I feel as if I am being engulfed by a black wave of despair and negativity. I just want to run away and hide in a dark corner.

But then I find a spot to sit alone for a few minutes, regain my composure and I have to remind myself that people have the confidence in me to put me in this responsible position and that they know I can do it. I then make the concious effort to focus on the positive and go out and fight the world! Nobody can hurt me, nobody can upset me!

Never let your speech limit your employment options- that would be admitting defeat- go out and do what you want to do. People like us are special and we need to show the world that we can do anything they can, even better!

[thaddeus]

This is a really good topic I did a blog on this on my site feel free to check it out.Stuttering for me has accepted my current job choice but actually at work i dont stutter I dont even think anyone know i stutter, Ive been put in charge multiple times now with no problem.As for my future goals stuttering isnt going to stop me from becoming an entrepreneur.Ive accepted my stutter and always do my best.
http://stuttterblog.com

[Nature's Communication Center]

I think it does affect you...even when you don't know it does. One of my best friend’s sayings are, "I stutter and I brush my teeth." This has always amazed me because she defines/lives/believes it is just something that she does every day, so irrelevant like brushing her teeth. She is 68 and has lived through it all but how amazing to be open and accepting of her stutter. I push all my clients to strive for this awareness level. Don't get me wrong, she has worked every day on it her whole life...so it will be challenging.
My 2 cents: Nothing is set in stone. If you choose one direction and work a career for awhile you can always change your mind. Nothing is set in stone. You will change and develop over the years...you might surprise yourself with a different choice. Nothing is set in stone. The average American changes professions 6 times throughout their life. Nothing is set in stone.
Go with where you are and keep growing. When you are ready for a change make it happen.
Kristin