After Being Rejected From Jobs, Man With Autism Opens Own Coffee Shop As ‘A Beacon Of Hope’

For many people, getting a job is something that they need to do in order to take care of themselves and pay for their necessities. Whether it be part-time or full-time, having a job can help bring in extra income and hopefully provide a sense of security to working individuals.

Unfortunately, not everyone is able to work or is able to get a job. Sadly, many people who have disabilities have been unable to find work because a lot of companies are unwilling to hire them. However, this could also depend on the company’s policies.

According to the United States Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics, 19.1% of people with a disability were employed in 2021, which was up from 17.9% in 2020. For people without disabilities, 63.7% were employed in 2021, which also went up from 61.8% in 2020.

Still, some people struggle to find employment and find companies that are willing to give them a chance. This was the case for Michael Coyne. He began searching for jobs when he was 21 years old but had no luck. He was constantly rejected by employers who were unwilling to hire him seemingly because he has a disability.

Rather than let the wave of rejection get Michael down, he persevered and decided to take matters into his own hands. The 21-year-old took a chance and decided that if no one else would hire him, then he would hire himself, leading to him opening up his own business – a coffee shop – in Rhode Island in 2019.

Michael has autism, but he didn't let the rejections from employers bring him down. In fact, it must have given him the inspiration to take his destiny into his own hands because he decided to start his own business. He and his mother founded a coffee shop in North Smithfield, Rhode Island called Red, White & Brew.