whats your career/job and age? | ADHD Information

I'm 39 and a physio. I'm really struggling. There is just so much to try to stay focused on. I have to be focused all day on everything. If not I could make a mistake that could be detrimental to patient care. It's exhausting and I only work 5 hours a day 4 days a week!!!

I'm still trying to find the right environment for me and my ADD. I am convinced that there is an environment/job that will be great for me, and that I just haven't found it yet (I'm 30, but was only diagnosed 2 years ago). I am not medicating because I still have faith that there is a niche I can thrive in without meds.

Another year of floundering, though, and I'll go on meds.

I think I need to move to a ski town where the culture is more focused on outdoor adventure, natural/physical beauty, and fun.

I'm in my early 30's and getting my PhD in geology. I've been teaching
college courses for a little more than 6 years and I have to say the
flexibility of higher education has its advantages.

Good things:
-flexibility: you need to get work done, but exactly WHEN and WHERE you
do the work is not as important (save for deadlines for teaching, grants,
journal articles, etc.)
-Opportunity to juggle many balls at once. I know this is sometimes a
no-no, but I work best when I have at least two things to work on. That
way, if I get bored with one item, I can switch to the other and so on. I
often end up getting two things done in the time it would take me to do
one thing otherwise (of course I have to be careful not to get distracted
and not finish ANY of them - that's what the kitchen timer on my desk is
for).
-Ability to think outside the box. I don't have to conform to exactly one
way of doing/thinking things. I can explore and experiment.
-Opportunity to think big, complex, and important thoughts. I am smart
enough that most "simple" jobs would bore me to tears (although the
idea of getting a "grunt" job and playing mind games with my superiors
does sound like fun for a short while).

There are plenty of challenges too:
-I have to be able to meet specific deadlines (the NSF is not going to let
you turn in your grant proposal a day later because you forgot your
computer at home).
-The obverse side of the multiple-ball coin is that you have to be able to
stay on task enough to get them DONE.
-Reading scientific articles is capital-BEE B-O-R-I-N-G!! I spend at least
twice as long as most of my peers reading articles because I miss tiny,
important details due to my jumping around and not reading it through.
-Writing - getting thoughts down in a sequential order that someone else
understands is tough. Have to take extra time and write more drafts than
most folks around me.

I also understand what you're talking about when it comes to not feeling
"worthy" of any job. I often thought of myself as a fake, and that when
push came to shove, I wouldn't make it. I ended up sabotaging a few
projects with that sort of attitude. Metis's advice about finding out what
you NEED is really good. If you can meet your NEEDS with regards to
ADHD, you will find yourself capable, and (relatively) happy with your
job(s). A discussion with a career councilor might help you figure that
out. Also many colleges have learning centers that cater to LD and ADHD
students that might help, if you haven't gone there already.

good luck!
-pFirst off--you can't take jobs because of what tomorrow will bring. As an ADHD'er you're setting yourself up to blow it.

The best idea is to sit down and honestly assess what ENVIRONMENT [not job] you need to be in, to manage yourself.

Do you need to be able to move physically?
Do you need some freedom to think it through?
Do you need some control over your time?
Do you crave excitement?

ETC ETC.

When you figure THAT out--then you can do any job, low paid or educated that fits your personal quirks.

For example I need:
Flexibility around meetings [hate 'em]Ability to move around physicallySome control over deadlines or no deadlines
Lots of actionJobs I've had that fit that description
short order cookhigh risk securitydog trainingsocial work--outreach and harm reduction
private investigationsself-employment

I work 2 jobs in human services. I direct 3 houses for the developmentally disabled and then work partime job coaching mentally ill and developmentally diasbled adults on competative jobs. I'm 52 and only been diagnosed for a little more than two years. roly poly39456.9003472222

I am 30 years old and coming off of maternity leave looking for a new job that I can LIKE. Most of my jobs have been office jobs and I liked what I did in all of them... it was the people that made them miserable. I don't get along with bossy people at all and there are ALOT of those in the office environment.

I'm looking for some sort of environment I can tolerate. I wish I could get to know the people I would work with before taking a job because that is what makes it fun or horrible.

You sound like Me!! I always wanted to work in advertising but keep only being offered reception work because I can't face another refusal of low end jobs and i can't study any more because I feel so flat when I can't do my work so don't make the grade.

I now work in an unsuitable coorporate environment and I get panic attacks because of my underachievement. I've lost jobs 3 times beacuse of 'redundency' when they actually mean its because they think I'm lazy/bad at my job. I know this because they hire people to do my job a few days later!

I'm 23 and a receptionist :(

What, me? Bitter?!?!

eatmytry39419.0695949074

I have a home daycare. It's great because we don't do any one thing for more than 15 minutes, but it's a very structured environment (which I need). It's also highly stimulating and with 5 kids under 5 there's always something new. I'll admit that I get distracted sometimes if more than one one of them is asking for something, but kids are great at reminding you if you forget - they also don't hold it against you, nor does it come up at any sort of performance review.

The "business" side of things sucks- taxes, licensing, etc., but I get through it.

Hey guys Im a 20 year old college student with adhd going through my general studies becoming more and more unmotivated. Im a broadcast journalism-Public Relations major at the time but I really dont know what I want to do with my life. I really wanna work for a major league baseball team somehow but thats really competitve and my grades arent excellent. Anyway I'm just wondering what everyone does because as an ADHDer I really dont see myself enjoying or being very capable of most careers. Thanks I'm 36, and just got my official diagnosis 2 days ago from my
psychologist, and meds the same day from my PCP. I've suspected for
YEARS, especially with school performance, work performance, and
relational issues related to inattentiveness.

I did my degree in Communication Arts/Theater, and spent a year in
Korea teaching English, 5+ years in higher ed doing video production,
graphics, and A/V, and a year in management at a call center (GACK!). I
also spent a year as a realtor. NOT the right job for ADHD, at least for
me.

I'm now a professional actor, and part time caregiver for my father who is
on hospice. Acting is great. I have the talent, for one thing, and it's a
bunch of individual one-shot jobs, usually short, with lots of
reinforcement. And you have someone telling you what they want from
you.

What I've found works best for me is to NOT be my own boss. I need
tasks with a definite beginning/end, and preferably a deadline. For some
reason I work much better under pressure.I'm 27 and a mom all the time (haha), a musician and a nanny. I went to college for music and psychology, and someday I hope to become a child/adolescent psychologist. I'm 39 and an elementary school teacher. Juggling this job and being the mother of 6 is NOT easy. I feel like I am drowning in things that need to be done all the time. Just got diagnosed and started meds so we'll see if things start to improve. [QUOTE=bethanne]I'm 39 and an elementary school teacher. Juggling this job and being the mother of 6 is NOT easy. I feel like I am drowning in things that need to be done all the time. Just got diagnosed and started meds so we'll see if things start to improve. [/QUOTE]

Um, bethanne... while I'm not questioning your adhd, with all you have on your plate...I think that maybe you ARE just drowning in things that need to be done all the time! I can't imagine what your days are like! Remember to take care of yourself, because a frazzled, fried, mom/teacher won't be much help to anyone. Now if I could only practice what I preach. Hope the meds help!
I agree with Zillah! Sheesh, I think I'd be hiding under the covers if I had all of that on my plate! I don't think I can complain about my stress anymore! 35 year old mom of four, working high end part time in a job I can tolerate, but isn't good for me physically (repetitive motion) and doesn't pay enough to warrant the 40 mile one way trip... but hey, did I mention I can tolerate it? With me, that stands for quite a bit! Starting back to school for the SECOND time, to try and make something more of myself. Looking at graphic design/web design. Hoping this will quench my need for creativity, internet access (i'm a total addict), more creativity and offer me the opportunity to sometimes "work" in my pajamas! There was so much more I had to say, but after a two hour hiatus from this message to eat, try and sort my husbands computer problems out, watch tv, and read endless articles about the tiger attack in S.F., I forgot what it was!

I'm in my 30s and work in the performing arts profession. I am very blessed and have worked very hard to do what I love. You can view my creative portfolio and list of jobs here:

http://www.creativeconnectionarts.com/index.php?option=com_c ontent&task=view&id=51&Itemid=1

twirly1

Wow twirly, you've done a lot!! Thanks for sharing. Where did you go to college?

Hi, Wow, you are all in such professional and admirable jobs! I am a mother of three boy's- ages:18,14,13. I am a Marketing Executive and a Business Coach from home.

I also work outside the home part time as a Health Technician.

I just got the news a week ago i had ADHD so i am adjusting to this new's ( I aready knew in my heart and mind). I am waiting on my phyc to send over the paer work to my physician so i can get an appt.to see what meds i am starting with. Then the real fun begins!! Adjusting to a medicated life! I am looking forward to it really. I am really hoping and believing this will improve my life and enable me to be more productive, (have alittle motivation to clean my house and office, paper work ) more capacity to do finish tasks I start, and get my "old"projects finished.

Hi Everyone:

I am a college professor. The flexibility of the schedule and the ability to do my research from home helps a great deal. Most schools have good disability services for students. They make the necessary accommodations so students can succeed. The biggest part is registering for the services.

I still get accommodations on the job. It is a recognized disability and there are lots of folks who can help. I have been dealing with this since childhood. It can be done.

I'm 35, and a pharmacy technician. I've been taking strattera since november of 05.

Hi P:

It began with an accommodation plan. I spoke with the disabilities dorector on campus. We worked out what were the biggest obstacles to my "success". They are the little things, like filing, getting grades entered into the gradebook. Prioritizing all the mail/email that comes in, and getting my planner in order.

I have an assistant assigned to me. They do the basic stuff, leaving me to focus on the big picture, my research, teaching, and going to committee meetings.

The hardest part was asking for help. Now, I am so glad I did. I have the assistant who helps me reach my full potential. It still is a struggle some days but my assistant really helps. I had tried time management workshops/stress reduction classes/lots and lots of planners and of course my PDA. All required that I keep up with all the info that come my way. It just didn't work.

I work at a small university in Pennsylvania. Larger schools are better prepared for accommodations but the small ones will work with you.

Ya I'm my own boss right now- I started my own personal training studio. It hasn't worked at all and we (my family and I) have lost a lot of money.

It's OK though- it is a lesson learned and I know more about what I need in order to thrive and bring out the best in myself (and my ADD).

[QUOTE=sandyship]

I still get accommodations on the job.� It is a
recognized disability and there are lots of folks who can help.� I have been
dealing with this since childhood.��It can be done.�

[/QUOTE]

Sandyship,
What kinds of accommodations are available for faculty where you are?
-p