Sydney man’s job search on Employable Me is heartwarming

SYDNEY man Tim can’t handle being touched, shaking hands or leaving home. His search for a job will leave you in tears.

A GROUP of unemployed Australians have shown exactly how brutal the job market can be in the search for work.

And while it’s fair to say landing a job can be competitive in any industry, it’s even harder for nine young Australians whose stories are featured in new ABC documentary Employable Me.

The group, who have Neuro diverse conditions such as Autism, OCD and Tourette syndrome are filmed along the way as part of the three-part series which went to air last night.

And while their stories are all heartwarming and at times sad, it was Sydney man Tim’s experience that left many viewers in tears.

Tim is asked to do a test as part of his assessment interview with Michael Tozer, CEO Of Xceptional Testing. Picture: ABC

The 28-year-old’s autism and severe social anxiety mean leaving the house is, to him, literally torture.

He doesn’t like being touched, hates loud noises and dreads shaking hands which means job interviews are almost impossible.

The show follows Tim’s journey as he heads from his home south of Sydney into the CBD to try his hand at games testing.

While he manages the work, he is unable to speak to his supervisors about the bugs he finds, leaving him staring awkwardly and unable to talk.

When he is offered a job after proving his worth, he is forced to turn it down as the travel is unbearable.

The journey into work is unbearable for Tim. Picture: ABC

Fortunately for Tim, his CV finds its way to Michael Tozer, the CEO Of Xceptional Testing, who brings him in for an assessment.

Impressed by Tim’s skills, Mr Tozer not only offers Tim a job but one he can do from home.

Tim’s story earnt him praise and fans on social media, with many sympathetic to his cause.

Oh Tim, you've been so brave. I just lost it when he couldn't face the transit needed for that job #EmployableMe

— Holly Byrnes (@byrnesh) April 3, 2018

If anyone needs me I’ll be openly weeping on the couch at Tim’s success. This show is wonderful. #EmployableMe

— Lucy Carter (@lucethoughts) April 3, 2018

me cheering at my tv for Tim #EmployableMe pic.twitter.com/9aLPA6VpZD

— penny ✨ (@haikcutie) April 3, 2018

Tim smiling in the job interview. Made my heart melt. #EmployableMe @ABCTV

— flashblak (@flashblak) April 3, 2018

The spark in Tim’s eyes when he nailed the challenge & was offered the job just shows how much it means. Go Tim! #employableme

— Dale (@daleamtsberg) April 3, 2018

What an amazing group of young people and their families who give them security and support to challenge their disabilities and go outside their comfort zones. When Tim shyly smiled after getting his job it made me shed a tear. BRAVO #ABC #EmployableMe

— Sue (@giveitaburl) April 3, 2018

Others praised the show for highlighting how difficult it can be for some people to get work, especially those with disabilities.

#employableme on @ABCaustralia is brilliant viewing. Highlights the importance of being an inclusive society and the extraordinary skills that people with neurological conditions have.

— Corrie Barclay (@CorrieB) April 3, 2018

Rohan reminds me of my 10yo & Tim more like my 5yo. So relatable. I hope employers will be open to hiring people with autism when my boys are entering the workforce. #EmployableMe @ABCTV

— flashblak (@flashblak) April 3, 2018

Thanks @ABCTV, #EmployableMe was bloody brilliant! All members of Australia's political class need to watch this, to gain an appreciation of the real struggles faced by the hundreds of thousands of Australians who face employment barriers due to stigma & discrimination. #AUSpol

— Lorde de Voterati (@OzEquitist) April 3, 2018

#EmployableMe is only just starting and I’m already emotional

— SorryNotSorry (@SincerelyTBC) April 3, 2018

@carlyfindlay This is proper reality TV #EmployableMe

— Dan (@corr64) April 3, 2018

The show also followed Kayla, whose rare form of Tourette syndrome sees her have uncontrollable movements and tics.

Her repetitive body movements and gestures are challenging enough.

Kayla suffers uncontrollable tics and swearing which worsen during times of stress and anxiety. Picture: ABC

However it’s her uncontrolled outbursts of swearing and inappropriate obscenities which make searching for a job even harder.

A musician at heart, Kayla is desperate to find someone to give her a chance and finally lands a casual job as a stage hand.

However her journey isn’t easy and she breaks out in a series of tics even before setting out of the house, leaving her twitching, swearing and jerking.

Kayla begins suffering severe tics as she prepares for her job trial. Picture: ABC

The 21-year-old learns she has just got a trial for a job as a stage hand. Picture: ABC

The show also features Rohan, who is outgoing and intelligent, but like Tim, is on the autism spectrum, which means he often misses social cues or says inappropriate things.

With an amazing memory and eye for detail, all he wants is for someone to give him a chance to become independent.

“I fear I may be a basement dweller, a 40-year-old virgin living in my parent’s house… I don’t want to do that; I want my own life,” he said.

Rohan lands some work experience but is still searching for a job.

Rohan gets ready for job hunting. Picture: ABC

Employable Me, airs next Tuesday 10 April, and 17 April, at 8.30pm on ABC.

Catch up on last night’s episode on ABC iView.

Continue the conversation at @ABCTV | @NewsComHQ#EmployableMe

Originally published as Sydney man’s job search on Employable Me is heartwarming