Career Advice

Is anyone out there successful and happy in their career? If so, what type of work do you do?

I am on the verge of losing my job (I usually change jobs before I am fired). I seem to have no trouble getting great jobs, but I don't seem to be able to follow through and eventually it catches up with me.

I think there may be some types of work that fit the ADD profile better than what I am doing now.

I am in business software sales. So I am managing multiple sales cycles with various clients. I have to return calls, research information, contact multiple people in my company as resources, organize and plan sales presentations. and in general be very organized and be able to handle multiple projects at once.

I was only able to get in this line of work because I could hyperfocus long enough to learn the technical stuff and I seem to be able to present myself well in interviews. But actually doing the job is really really tough.

Any ideas?

I have been working for a credit bureau for 3 years now - set up customers to access credit reports, tenant screening, criminal background checks, mortgage reports,.... The job is too much with running the office by myself, billing, accounts receivable, sales, customer service, tech support... I can't stay foucused at all.

Though when it comes to helping businesses and consumers with reporting problems I have found my nitch and my love - I want to stay in this industry for sure! It has helped me so much on being in control of my finances and driving my hunger for learning like no other area.

I am in a position where I have to constantly repeat given subjects on a regular basis over and over and over - so it has a lasting affect to stick with me. Also I ran into the message boards online covering credit, and I have been living online the last year or so further assisting consumers and advancing my learning skills.

Prior to this, I switched jobs and occupations every 1 to 3 years:

Security Guard - which is about as easy as you can get if you don't mind walking around, occassionally writing up incident reports, taking calls and such... most times I worked the 3rd shift and just did not interact with people at all.

Part Time live in, though at the end I was burned out on this job, the lady was backwards on her hours and it was causing me problems with hardly any sleep.

Janitorial work, another job off from interacting with people, just go in at night and clean offices.

Data entry, I like this, no thinking to it, just type what you see, but the pay is low.

CDL License, I only went out a few weeks after getting my license... conflict of personality with the lady training me. I have thought again about the work, but think I would very much miss home time with my husband.

Appliance Store, most likely cost the owner a lot of money explaining to people that they were better off paying in cash or going 13 week rent to own instead of 74 weeks!  Was a rip off, under paid anyway for all the stuff it took to keep up with this job -

Telemarketing, I just absoulutely hate trying to talk people into spending money, though I like the one job I had giving cigarette surveys over the phone - being a smoker myself I would walk the right them right through.

Also has a short period in school trying to get my certificate for Auto Mechanics, wanted to work alignment or something like that. I not very strong, and only 5 ft tall, lol So it was not to realistic I know.

[quote]But as I've stated in other posts I feel like a real fake sometimes.[/quote]

I feel the same way quite often, that I am living above my calling in life and have a constant conflict with what I feel I deserve to have, and my hunger for learning / advancing.

GettingaGrip - "But as I've stated in other posts I feel like a real fake sometimes."

GettingaGrip & NightStar:

Man, do I understand this!  I've always "felt" my way through my career, with little or no foundation.  In essense, I fake my way through.  I just tend to eventually understand it, get it done and learn on-the-fly.  Though I can answer specific questions and help colleagues with particular issues, I find that it is often difficult for me to explain or instruct on something that is over generalized, hypothetical, or even my reasoning behind my approach to an issue.  The reason being, I have no reasoning for my approaches!   I just kinda feel my way through.  Similar to a blind man who cannot see or even visually related to the enviornment around him, but with his kane and keen sense of sound and smell, he is still able to adapt and no longer has a need for sight.

-JA

LOL, I over explain things, and most of my work is on the internet so I will make samples of what exactly I am talking about all the time.

Sometimes I confuse myself and within what I am writing circle around arguing with my self on the other side of the matter...

I usually have to re-edit, delete and start over - so it can take me for ever sometimes to decide on how I want to communicate information.

Hey Lizzy,

That is interesting. I spent some time in the military and always seemed to be on my game when we were sliding down ropes out of a helicopter, low-crawling under live fire, or any of the other crazy things they had us do. My only weakness was when it came time make our bunks or clean the latrine well!

I have read that many ADDers tend do handle themselves very well in emergency situations. It is like we can hyperfocus and get into the moment without losing our cool.  

I *love* my job. I work in an ER as an EMT. Nothing beats the rush of a good code who went into asystole and was brought back because of a combined effort between you, a nurse and an MD. I'm totally on top of my game when adreneline is highest. I'm monitoring the patient's sats, heart rhythm, color and making sure that I'm bagging them at an approprate rate for their size and not causing abd. distention. On top of that I'm explaining to the nurse where the extra trauma shears are (I do all the ordering/stocking in the ER, I know where EVERYTHNIG is) and I'm watching for bilateral chest rise to make sure that I haven't accidently shoved the ET tube down into one bronchi or the other because the MD can't find the tape to tape it in place, and naturally he wants a different tape, other than the stuff I have in my pocket. And I LOVE IT! Isn't it crazy?

That would definitely scare the wits out of me - nope nope no excitement here, don't eve like watching scary movies the kind that all of a sudden makes you feel like your heart is going to come right up out of your chest kind of excitement.

I definitely am in awe of your ability to work that kind of job.

Chaz-

I've heard that too, I 've also heard that nurses with ADD gravitate to the ER for just that reason. I love it there. The more patients he merrier! We just had a crazy busy night tonight and I think it must be the adreneline that works like natural stimulants because I could tell the doctor the sex, age, condition and tests being performed on each patient in the ER at any given point. We're a small rural hospital with one doctor, 2 nurses and an EMT (me) running the ER, so 10 patients overwhelms us. Especially this evening where everyone came in having chest pain, and one SERIOUSLY drunk guy who tried to bite me! Did I mention I love my job?

How did you do in the military? Do you think that it made it a better experience or worse having ADD? What were you really good at? And I forgot, what do you do now??? Do you like it?

Happy in their career? Ha! Try finding that among "average" people let alone an ADD person. I seem to crash when I first get into the job but when I finally get my bearings I do really well. Still not very happy with it, though. I get taken advantage of by co workers a lot because my ADD hinders my verbal communication.

Cheekydeeky

Hey, ja_add2004

That is interesting. before I started in software sales, I was an AS/400 system adminstrator and actually liked that quite a bit. I had occasional applicaton development projects (small point-solution apps), end -user training, and end-user support that all kept it interesting. I always did seem to be able to learn new technologies very quickly by just "tinkering".

But I also really do love the variety and freedom I have in sales. I like the job and and enjoy working with prospects and customers. I just have a tough time staying organized and multi-tasking.  Gotta go, how do you stay organized? Yu must have to make callbacks, keep track of the properties you have, remember what people have alredy looked at and what they liked and did not like, etc. How do you keep it all together?

I'm actually happy in my career.  I've been working in the computer field for the past 7 years.  I now do software testing and network R&D for my company's networking products.  Previously I did various IT and Network Administration type work.  Before I fell into the computer field (I say fell, because it was quite by accident), I was a warehouse worker for 5 1/2 years and I was miserable!!  I used to get worked like a dog!  I hated my work, I hated my life and I felt like a absolute and complete failure.

So, to answer your question.  I have heard that many people with ADD (many people who post to this news group, in fact) tend to find work that is somehow related to computers.  Because of our "Global" way of thinking, we tend to pick up skills and knoweldge with computers very intuitively.  When I found out that ADD is hereditary, everything made sense.  My dad was a TV repairman from the 50's to the 1980's.  Before he made a profession out of it, most of what he learned was from tinkering.

I don't think of ADD as a disorder anymore.  It can't be that simple.  Many of us have never even had a problem with hyperactivity.  Yet, that's the first thing that comes to mind when people say ADD/ADHD.  We think differently and sometimes have problems controlling the speed of our own minds.  Once we harness it...we can do a lot.

Find another job to pay your bills.  When you're back on solid ground, find a career that stimulates your mind.

I've work for myself most of my life in different types of businesses.  I used to allways go through the day, week, month trying to figure out what I could do to make tons of money so I could retire and wouldn't have to put up with this BS all of the time.  I think I was kind'a thinkin "If I had money this life would be easier."  Or I just hated what I was doing.

What i'm doing now is selling realestate.  This is like I died and went to heaven.  I love it.  There are enough thing to do to keep you going in different directions.  But enough flexability to move on to another task when you get tired of something.

I never think of quitting,  or retireing.  I simply love my work NOW!

It takes a while to get going but I love it.

It just works for me

[QUOTE=Ms Hg]
DOES ANYONE ON THIS LIST WORK IN SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY?   How about PHYSICIANS?  or NURSES?  or other fields in which you must perform diagnostic assessments, write reports, prescribe treatment plans, comply with third-party payor demands, and work under a strict and comprehensive set of professional codes?  (Speech Language Pathologists are licensed health care providers.)
[/QUOTE]

Ms Hg- I hold a position in the medical field where I am required to make decisions on my own, carry out my plan, deligate tasks and write (very) extensive reports. It can be tough sometimes! My meds make the world of difference. Jumping through hoops is hard. I just remember to do my best and know why I'm doing something. Always be prepared to back up your decisions with solid reasoning. Just know that you ahve to jump through the hoops to get to where you want to be!

That is to funny.  One of the lines on my resume states that I work well under pressure (but I leave out that it is about the only way I work).

I don't really know why I have a resume but every once in awhile I think I'm going to apply for a different job.  The problem is that FAKE feeling.  I'm afraid if I did take a job somewhere else I'd be found out.

I love it! You work well under pressure, but that is the only way you work!

Man, I can really relate to that one!!!

I started a new job about 9 months ago. I had easily 6 months to build a sales pipeline and get several accounts lined up. It seemed like such a long time. But as you can imagine, the time just slipped away. So now my back is against the wall and I need to close virtually every little tiny deal I am working on. If i make one little slip I could be gone. I am pounding the phones frantically cold-calling and trying to do everything I can to generate some business.

I only recently got up to my full dose of meds and they are just now starting to really kick in. Its like waking up to find the house on fire.

I hope I can break this vicious cycle!

I too have changed careers a few times.  For about 5 years i waitressed in either the food industry or in a bar.  Then I took a admisnitrative class, started wroking for the provincial governement, switched 3 departments.  Did books for a freiend of mine, then back to the gov't.  Took a leave from there and moved 16 hours away, took 3 years off to hang out with my kids and new hubby.  Now I am working for a cable internet company doing technical support.

Still am in the middle of taking acoc**ting classes by correspondence, just finished business management by correspondence.  And am thinking of starting a tax program by correspondence.  And in there, spending time looking for another accounting job since at least they challenge my mind....

Hi Lizzy:

I never did answer your questions (and i wonder why I cannot keep friends). I did well in the military. Authority structure was obviously very clear. They were not interested in innuendo or subtle body language or office politics. The objectives were also always very clear.

What I was best at was being able to jump. By that I mean we would have to load up and head out to different places. Sometimes it was out to a training area, or maybe to a different country. the excitement was great for my ADD. It was also great that although things changed often, we generally did one thing at a time. It would require total dedication and 100% effort (hyperfocus?). I was what they called "highly motivated". So one week we would be studying military history, the next week doing hand-to-hand combat training. So I could dive into each new thing pretty easily.

It is important to note that I was never in combat. I do not know how well I would have done hanging out of those helicopters if I had someone shooting at me. I may have hyperfocused on going AWOL.

After the service I got a degree in Accounting but ended up working in the computer field. I now am a sales rep for a computer software company selling to businesses. I really like the work. But I have a very difficult time staying organized and juggling all the accounts, people, phone calls, etc.  

Chaz- Sounds cool! I envy the fact that you got to do those things. What a neat expirence!!! I thought about Air Force for about 3 minutes after high school. I would love the excitement but I would end up punching my senior officer for something or another, (probably for not allowing me to get enough sleep)!   I'm an 8 hour a night beauty rest kinda gal...

I have great respect for those who have served their country. Just because you did not see combat does/did not make you any less valuable or your service less honorable. Thank you for the time you put in!!!

I am in the same boat. I am just not happy with my job.

I was diagnosed with ADHD during my freshman year of college when I was having trouble coping with the transition. Now, it seems kind of obvious that I had it throughout my life. I was constantly disorganized, and would constantly forget assignments  and lose things. I think my teachers didn't think it was possible for someone to have ADHD and be gifted at the same time

I went on through university and excelled..graduated with a 3.81 overall in spite of constantly losing things.  I  haveworked in auto finance and insurance. Now I am very bored with my job, and I hate going to work every day. I am not trying to toot my own horn, but I am too smart for my current job. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to handle auto claims. I am a high energy individual who likes to be challenged all the time. The days drag on, and I absolutely can't stand performing simple administrative tasks.

I am at the point that I am considering moving back home and finding myself. I just turned 26, and I don't want to be unhappy for the rest of my life. Something needs to change. Anyone have any suggestions as to career paths which I may find interesting?

I actually like what I do (sales). It is just really difficult for me to be successful due to the organization, multi-tasking, and time management demands.

This creates a lot of extra stress.

Is anyone out there successful and happy in their career? If so, what type of work do you do?
[/QUOTE]

Consider taking the Strong Interest Inventory.  It costs some $$ but it will show you what careers people who share your interests tend to pursue.  It's very detailed and complex and perhaps knowing more about what you're well-suited to might help you find a stimulating career you'll be able to commit yourself to. 

I was only able to get in this line of work because I could hyperfocus long enough to learn the technical stuff and I seem to be able to present myself well in interviews. But actually doing the job is really really tough.
[/QUOTE]

Do you think that if you were more invested in the tasks you had to do, it would help?  Maybe the fact that you don't really get anything out of it (i.e., you're working for the man, no personal fulfillment) is part of why it doesn't get done?

Hi Ms. HG

Since we tend to be intuitive, creative, and caring people, you should be able to help others in this new profession. However, it sounds like much of the necessary detail work is very tough for an ADDer. If this is like many other professions, actuallly working with the client os probably very engaging and exciting. And probably for every hour you spend doing that you have 2-3 hours of very boring paperwork! My job is that way, I am in sales and I sell business intelligence software to companies. I love going on sales calls and answering the tough questions, etc. But then I have all the paperwork to fill out, I have to write follow-up letters, remember to call people back, etc.

First of all, are you recieving treatment? That is always step one I believe. Medications and counseling can be a big help. Past that, my best thinking is to find a good ADD coach. They can help you with strategies for handling paperwork and other necessary tasks on and off the job. I know it used to be a major challenge to get my suits to and from the dry cleaners. So I found any increase in organization at home helped me on the job also. I did much better on the road in the hotel when I did not have to start my day by washing socks in the sink and trying to dry them with the hair dryer.

Hey James,

Sitting at a desk processing paperwork sounds like a bad fit to me. What was your major in college?

I never knew I had ADD and I got my degree in Accounting. I loved it in school, but the actual job was another story. Accounting was a disaster for me. I moved from one job to another leaving a trail of auditing nightmares behind me. Finally I started doing a lot of computer work for the accounting department. Computer technology changes so quickly, what was important was being able to learn something new all the time. That led to doing computer work in the HR department. I eventually ended up working for a computer software company that sold accounting and HR software. I now sell business intelligence software to companies and teach an accounting class in the evenings at a local community college. So the accounting degree paid off even though I could never make it as an accountant!