Being autistic in the workplace

It's not very often that I feel like I have an actual disability, but work will really do it for me.

I haven't Bern able to find a job that isn't overstimulating at some point. I constantly feel overwhelmed and on the verge of a breakdown, but I'm expected to suck it up and keep working because I'm an adult and this is my job.

I've gotten used to being miserable and finding ways to cope in sucky situations, but now I have a new issue.

I recently got prompted, and during one of my reviews, my boss told me that some people find me too direct. He made it clear that being liked is very important in order to move up, and no matter how good I am at my job, I will be limited if I can't relate to people.

I do see where he is coming from. They don't want people at the top that aren't well liked.

But I spend all day feeling like I'm overly nice, almost sickly sweet. I don't like anyone I work with, and it takes effort to be kind to everyone, even just in passing. I've worked here for 2 years, and I thought all my hard work was paying off and that people, for the most part, like me.

Turns out, I still come across like a major jerk, and I don't know what to do.

How do I not be direct? Does everyone just lie to each other? I feel like I'm back in high school, constantly feeling like I'm an outside observer and not able to find my own place here.

My career is peaking because I'm autistic, and there's not stupid accommodations that can fix the fact that no one likes or that I'm too weird to be a manager.

I don't know what jobs I can actually grow and have a career at.

I feel so stunted and discouraged.