Jobs for those with ADHD | ADHD Information

A lot of people asked about careers for those with adult ADHD, and I found a helpful list on Spark. I got curious and started researching for myself.

http://www.spark.org.sg/faq/faq_28.html

How funny, my current job is one that is not good for AD/HDers. No wonder I am bored. Ha Ha

Me too. Mine is the deskbound accounting job with minute details. 8( I screwed up Friday too 8( I was doing so well but always screw up at least 1 item every time I run my reports.

[QUOTE=lost at 40]I have tried to write a screenplay to only give up. [/QUOTE]

Don't feel bad about that. I am a reformed wannabe screenwriter and if you're over 25, you're too old, anyway. It's extremely hard to write a good screenplay and even if you can, it's almost impossible to break in unless you're young enough to be willing to put up with a "student" residence, eat raman noodles, and wait tables until you either catch a lucky break or throw the towel in and go do something more practical.

Go get an indie movie called Dopamine (pretty decent writing) and watch the director's voiceover following the movie to find out the level of commitment required.

As for the rest, I wish you much luck, my friend!

sachetm38516.7504398148I read the list of jobs that are suitable for people with ADHD.
I found it very interesting considering that at one time
many of them were of an interest to me. I have just given
up on them and thought I wish I had the mind set to just be
a bricklayer.(not that there is anything wrong with that career
they make good money.) I have studied fashion and graphic design
in school. Joined the army and was a part time police officer for seven
years. I now work for a transit company and feel stuck. I have tried to
write a screenplay to only give up. All the above was explained to my
doctor and now I am on a drug that is great if I want to run a marathon
and entered a bodybuilding competition. I have not been this ripped
since the army. So now only time will tellRight now I am currently working as a delivery driver for a local pizza place. This is something that I started in April part time till I can get my career started. I have been working towards a career in Real Estate for the last couple of years now. I originally started on this in August of 2003. I had paid for the homestudy part of the course and was in the process of working on that while working a full time job. Well once I was finished with the home study, I was to get signed up for the classes and than proceed to get my agent license. Well here it is in almost year 2 now and still not a real estate agent. I just recently lost my full time job in February and I decided at that time, that I was not going to do anything else but get my real estate agent license. Well that did not work out as planned, since I did not have the money for the classes and the agent license and test fee. The next class is not until October now, so now I have to wait until than before I can get my license. That will give me a few months to save up some money for the rest of the class, test fees, and license fees. I almost 30 years old, and I have known for the last 2 years on what I want to do, before that I was always job hopping around when I was younger, because the job was boring. The longest job that I have ever held was just short of 3 years working as a computer technician for a major computer company at the time. I found that job very exciting and it was something different everday for the most part. That is why I want a career in real estate, I cannot see everday being the same, the challenge of trying to sell a house to make money to live, and the fact that I am my own independent person working on my schedule or the clients schedule. Well I will let everyone know in a few months how that is going to turn out. Sachetm

I have come here to hopefully find out more about myself.
What bothers me is why I can't finish what I started.
If it is the lack of confidence then I am truly screwed. But
I don't think it is that. I just get frustrated I can't seem to
get it from my head onto the paper. I get distracted
and frustrated. When I work out I see the results
right away I get pumped, I feel good, When I moutain bike I finish the trail
and I feel good.

It is the creative side of me that gets all messed up and
multitasking at work. I really don't care about other people
who think that their sh*t has no smell. If I never sell a screenplay
I don't care I just want to finish it. I would never let my age
hold me back. There was a Creative Screenwriter issue that did an article
on first time writers over 50. Walt Disney and ABC just hired 3
first time writers over 35 this year. It is not people stopping me
It is me stopping me. If this ADHD is true then maybe there is
hope. So you are not a wannabe sreenwriter, you just have
writers block.

[QUOTE=lost at 40]Sachetm

I have come here to hopefully find out more about myself.
What bothers me is why I can't finish what I started.
If it is the lack of confidence then I am truly screwed. But
I don't think it is that. I just get frustrated I can't seem to
get it from my head onto the paper. I get distracted
and frustrated. When I work out I see the results
right away I get pumped, I feel good, When I moutain bike I finish the trail
and I feel good.

It is the creative side of me that gets all messed up and
multitasking at work. I really don't care about other people
who think that their sh*t has no smell. If I never sell a screenplay
I don't care I just want to finish it. I would never let my age
hold me back. There was a Creative Screenwriter issue that did an article
on first time writers over 50. Walt Disney and ABC just hired 3
first time writers over 35 this year. It is not people stopping me
It is me stopping me. If this ADHD is true then maybe there is
hope. So you are not a wannabe sreenwriter, you just have
writers block. [/QUOTE]

Ah, I see the context of what you're saying now. I was just trying to help you feel better about it. I have completed two screenplays. Although I have tons of ideas for more, the characters in these two almost willed me to tell their story. If you're having trouble completing one it may not be so much a matter of your ADHD at all--it may be that the idea isn't sufficiently compelling for you to tell the story and your characters aren't "real" enough for you to serve as their mode of expression. In a sense, writing (fiction, in particular) is a living thing. You may be lumping your lack of completing this as just another symptom of your ADHD when it's actually something very different. Just a thought.

I was being "cute" when I explained my own experience w/ screenwriting. Truth of the matter is that after obsessing over it and reading just about every book written on how to and not to do it, I came to the conclusion that I didn't have the talent, naturally, and wasn't willing to put forth the effort to develop it. While I think my current level exceeds that of the majority of stuff one sees on the screen, it would take an extended period of inspiration to come up with something like Good Will Hunting. I've communicated with Ben Affleck and that screenplay was no fluke. I wish he'd focused more on writing and less on acting. Nor was I willing to make the sacrifices a person has to make (unless they're just lucky) to break in. I even have some connections in Hollywood (besides Affleck) and that wasn't close to enough.

All that said, I did find that what I learned about screenwriting has translated beautifully (also unexpectedly) into expository, factual writing which is what I do most of and am best at. I can even be brief when I put my mind to it! And my dissertation research is an outgrowth of my screenwriting interests. I always wanted to know WHY you should do some things and not others, so now I'll be studying how the brain functions during a "story" vs. a "non-story" experience via brain scanning.

You might want to think of it this way. A person can either have the ability to generate new ideas or to execute existing ones. Very few people have both. Non-ADHD people tend to be better at the latter while ADHD folks tend to be better at the former. Perhaps the trick is to team up with someone whose strengths lie in the areas where you are weaker.

I had a (remote) writing partner for a while and we worked fantastically together despite being different sexes and a 30-year gap in our ages; we just got along really well and complemented each other beautifully. However, that ended when he decided to join the Air Force and went off to who knows where. If you find the right partner, it can be a real joy!

If you're serious about wanting to jump back into your screenplay, I'll try to help you with resources. There are tons of them on the net and I know a LOT of aspiring screenwriters.

sachetm38517.2788541667

I work at a Goodwill store where I live. It's my first job, it sucks right now. But I love to draw. I'm hoping to become an illustrator of some sort. I'm hoping to post some of my artwork online sometime. I don't have a webpage yet. I love drawing!!

Loving something is an excellent place to start. The feeling you have related to it and when you do it may be your mind's way of signaling you, "hey, buddy, here, here!"

I'm becoming more and more convinced that for most people, and especially ADHDers, that finding their special gifts and employing them is key to living a fulfilling, satisfying life!

I'd love to see your drawings! I'm a painter but except for portraits (weird), drawing is intimidating to me so I use my camera rather than my pencil! You can use a free MSN community as a way to post graphics. Just scan your drawings in, put them in an album and voila!

sachetm,

Write On!

Your writing is fascinating to me. I can see why you do so well in school. I don't think you sound snotty at all and I think your research about replicating the effects of drugs in the brain naturally (using motivation) is something I would definitely want to hear more about.

I'm 40 and am having problems with drugs too. My reactions are getting more severe--seems my body is just getting more sensitive in general. I think I'm going to need to make a job change because, as much as I like it, I am dropping balls all over the place.

I had an experience this year that has been allowing me to see that I actually am motivated by some interests that don't require me to take drugs. I took care of my elderly father for 6 mo. It was hard, but the physicalness of it worked for me.

I also took care of his dog that was completely untrained. I have a knack for training dogs. She is 9 years old and set in her ways (I thought). I managed to housebreak her, stop her from begging and barking at the table, complete obedience training, and some tricks. My dad loves the dog so much but I had to put him in a home where he couldn't keep her. I knew it would break his heart.

It was a longshot, but I found an organization that certifies "therapy dogs." One of the requirements is that the dog is certified by a professional trainer that she is obedience trained and temperament tested. I chose a police dog training company to evaluate her. She had only learned how to "stay" the week before, so I wasn't sure she would be able to pull this off. I was floored when she passed her tests like Seabiscuit...a true sleeper turned champion. Wow. Now I am working with the home where he lives to officially bring her for resident visits. She's a working girl and my dad is so proud.

Anyhow, this work doesn't require motivation for me. I have other things that are the same way for me that I am going to explore for making a living in a more sane way that helps my health vs. taking a huge toll on me and results in a seemingly neverending stream of people who are angry with me. <sigh>

Funny enough...when I was a kid, I would answer "dog trainer" and "writer" when asked what I intended to be when I grew up. If you count this, I am both. My parents were even more open minded..."How about an ice skating, trumpet playing, dog trainer who teaches and writes?" At 86 (and entirely ADHD himself), my dad is still imploring me to follow this path.

bb

I have noticed how many ADD'ers like myself, have a huuuuge creative streak. Probly because our minds have grown trying to get the job done! Anyways, I was wondering if ADD meds significantly has helped anyone to harness their creativity better? Has anyone for example, been able to finish a screenplay or large project with ease with the help of meds? Im considering switching to Aderall since the concerta isnt working.

Thanks

I don't think ANYONE--AD(H)D or not finishes any big project with ease. I get As in a doctoral program with confidence although don't think I'd say "ease." I still have to put in the time and effort but feel confident I'll end up at the top of the heap. It's not too hard doing that but at the expense of building relationships with many classmates. I do, however, end up much closer w/ most of my instructors, though, and a few students who function at higher, more motivated levels. Motivation is such a huge part.

I'm not on any meds (not for my ADD--heart toxicity issues that don't mix well w/ chemo). But I'm also 59 and have learned a few things over the years. I don't plan much but finishing school has always been one I have.

I think it may be a matter of working myself up to be motivated about something and using that motivation to carry me forward. Not sure but that sounds right. I'm guessing that motivation has a similar neurological effect as the ADD drugs, but haven't gotten that far in my neurobiology. Drugs don't do anything the brain isn't capable of doing on its own--they just facilitate it so that the new neuron firing patterns become more readily ingrained. I've found that along with the imperatives of supporting the survival of the individual and the species, the other driver for the brain seems to be maximum efficiency, which is why change--especially unaided change--is so difficult and generally takes a lot of practice and time. (BTW, appreciate it if you'd let me know if you found this info interesting or boring. It's the former for me but not sure how others respond when I get off on it. And please feel free to be honest. I can use the feedback!)

Hope I don't sound too snotty here. Sure don't mean to. It's just that the level of thinking most classmates use is the "just to get by and get the degree" kind and that level bores me to tears. Have found that the more interestED I get, the more interestING it gets. True of work tasks, too. Found this one by happenstance but it sure is a useful discovery!

Hope some pieces of this babbling may have been useful.

You guys are all great.

The last few days of reading your responses to each other
has truly been worth the time it took me to find this site.

Well, now that you have found us you might want to change you log in name!

Thank you for YOUR inspirational response!

Well, great minds think alike? Or, maybe just birds of a feather...? I have had practically identical thoughts. Tell you what...instead of telling my plans, how about if I just report them as I make them happen? I need to do this more!

Yes, let's keep talking.

I know exactly what you mean by it being a godsend learning about ADHD...a thousand times over, "me too." And, I have read "Driven to Distraction" and "Answers to Distraction" both (as well as some others) - excellent books in my opinion.

I'm truly sorry to hear that you have breast cancer and that you have to go through a treatment plan. If I could wave a magic wand, I certainly would. I hope you continue to feel ok and get better as soon as possible.

Sounds like you have some good ideas of your own. Have you heard of the book "Freakonomics"? It's a current book that I'm reading. He is an economist that loves doing unconventional research. It is very interesting to read. An ADHD researcher would probably come up with some great stuff.

What I accomplished toward my goal today...took dog to vet to obtain detailed health exam for organization I"m working with. Sent to organization. Worked on more training for her. (Also let her wildly chase a squirrel on our walk...oh well, hee hee, she had a blast and it cracked me up. Squirrel was never in any danger, believe me.

) Requested a date for her debut. Will do follow up tomorrow.

Oh, it makes me so happy to hear that--all of it! On top of my cancer, my surviving dog (lost one only a few weeks ago--a black Lab at 16--to old age. Broke my heart) has metastatic breast cancer. I also have 7 kitties, so am obviously an animal lover. I seem to motivate them to live long lives, but obedient behavior? That's a good one!

I like the sound of that book and will check it out. I do have to get "into the club" first, though and that means pretty conventional dissertation research. That's okay; probably good practice. Remember that Picasso learned to draw "conventionally" before he took off and did his own thing.

I decided I want to win the Nobel Prize. Only problem is there's no field they give it in that's anywhere close to mine. I might have a shot at medicine/physiology but that would sure be a stretch. What a trip that would be, eh? Then again, everyone loves a good "turn around" story!

I will be pleased to hear about your progress. And think of the educational impact you could have, too--in terms of ignorance that results in so many problems for animals (people, too).

You go, girl/boyfriend! (I don't know what sex you are. Not that I give a hoot.)

Ha! I have been a computer tech/professional for years, So it's no surprise to me that it's metioned so many times throughout the list.

[QUOTE=ZORG]Ha! I have been a computer tech/professional for years, So it's no surprise to me that it's metioned so many times throughout the list. [/QUOTE]

Did you know that there's a high positive correlation between computing and being a musician? I once worked in a group (I was the training person) of programmers and every single one of us was also a musician (of some variety).

I've also done a fair share of programming (especially for an educator) and boy do I ever hyperfocus on it. That and filmmaking, in particular. Now school. Me like hyperfocusing. Me not like forgetting to do all the stuff I forget to do!

[QUOTE=sachetm]

[QUOTE=ZORG]Ha! I have been a computer tech/professional for years, So it's no surprise to me that it's metioned so many times throughout the list. [/QUOTE]

Did you know that there's a high positive correlation between computing and being a musician?

[/QUOTE]

Being a musician? or being musically inclined? Using my computer, I have done much digital music editing for athletic people who perform to music......Figure skaters and modern dancers. However, I use pre-existing music. I sample - cut/paste and alter the pre existing music to fit the needs of the performer.

Does that count?

[QUOTE=ZORG]

Does that count?
[/QUOTE]

Yep, that's close enough. Editing is just another form of composing, anyway. In filmmaking, it's also another form of screenwriting.

Bluebird, your post was truly inspiring! It would also make an outstanding story for one of the TV news magazines since it covers a gambit of issues the public likes: 1) positive stories about animals, 2) loving kindness to a parent, 3) ways to positively deal with a current (and "hot") disability. If this idea resonates with you, let's all brainstorm a bit about it and see if anyone has connections. Offhand, I'm thinking of any of the TV news maganzines, talk shows like Oprah or Dr. Phil, or even a local news station (might get picked up easier). Wouldn't it be nice if one of us was in media/advertising and knew how to go about this! This, of course, assumes you like the idea. From my perspective, I'd just like more people to have a chance to hear it and think it's got all the ingredients that would appeal to these types of shows, assuming one can get through their screening process.

Here's what I envision for you if I had my druthers. You take and train shelter dogs scheduled to be put down and train them. (How you'd finance this would require much creative thinking, but is doable). You'd create a program to do this (and maybe train them as rescue, adoptable companion dogs, and/or working dogs for the physically impaired). You also write a colume for one of the pet-oriented publications as a freelance writer.

How's the motivation coming as you read this? I just found something from one of the seminal books on adult ADD (Gabor Mate, Hallowell, and Ratey, authors of "Driven to Distraction." They contend that adult ADD (often the H lessens or goes away for adults) have high goals in terms of contributions they want to make and often get depressed when they find themselves not meeting them. Sure true of me!

Right now, I'm seeing myself as an academic researcher (I am extremely prolific when it comes to academic-type stuff and can juggle many balls, simultaneously and see the connections between them. Brevity and summary are a real challenge though!). Business, I've concluded, is a bad fit for me since they don't value the stuff I am good at and do value the stuff I suck at. Also, thinking of giving some related entrepreneurial stuff a try with a (non-ADD) colleague since I work best as a team w/ savvy people I get along with. I'm really tired of being broke and there really shouldn't be any reason for it. I've just got to start being smart about it. Figuing out I have ADD, was a true godsend. Now if I can just deal w/ this damned breast cancer. (Had my first treatment today and so far, knock on wood, so good.)

Let's keep talking, shall we? I think we may be able to help each other. At least if you like my vision (or a spin off from it) for you!

[QUOTE=sachetm]You might want to think of it this way. A person can either have the ability to generate new ideas or to execute existing ones. Very few people have both. Non-ADHD people tend to be better at the latter while ADHD folks tend to be better at the former. Perhaps the trick is to team up with someone whose strengths lie in the areas where you are weaker.[/QUOTE]

This sums up in one paragraph that which I'm just beginning to understand [ - at age 38(!)]. All you 'kids' out there can save yourselves a decade or more of soul-searching-career-hopping if you can realize this one now. Makes me grateful for forums. ;-)
John K.38521.2732060185Anybody seen my watermelon? Well from there I decided I'm going to start a web-design business...

www.watermelon-studios.com

ha ha ha
[QUOTE=sachetm]

You might want to think of it this way. A person can
either have the ability to generate new ideas or to
execute existing ones. Very few people have both.
Non-ADHD people tend to be better at the latter while
ADHD folks tend to be better at the former. Perhaps the
trick is to team up with someone whose strengths lie in
the areas where you are weaker.

[/QUOTE]
Interestingly enough, one of the rare occassions where
my boss praised anyone (even indirectly) was when he
commented to someone that I was the only one in the
department who did any brainstorming and that others
ought to take my lead. However, I know a lot of very
smart people that cannot brainstorm. The result is they
often miss/overlook things. Interesting to see it from
the perspective of "new ideas".

I wish my boss had appreciated me, I was a Drama/Literacy teacher for kids, but I became so intimidated by my boss and bombarded with his criticism that I didn't feel I could share the millions of ideas that I had passing through my brain. I discovered that I had adhd after his very careful evaluation of my weaknesses which all added up. I went for diagnosis and treatment, but my confidence was so diminished that I went into a headspin of anxiety, and with the help of a very difficult meeting with the principal, spiraled into depression mode, left the school on medical leave and was sent an evaluation to sign of my poor performance. I am looking into other career options, just in case. I was disgusted by the way he treated the kids and the staff at the school. I am starting to get my confidence back, and have sent off some resumes in the hopes of finding a job with a supportive leader, and environment.

[QUOTE=creativeteacher]I wish my boss had appreciated me, I was a Drama/Literacy teacher for kids, but I became so intimidated by my boss and bombarded with his criticism that I didn't feel I could share the millions of ideas that I had passing through my brain. I discovered that I had adhd after his very careful evaluation of my weaknesses which all added up. I went for diagnosis and treatment, but my confidence was so diminished that I went into a headspin of anxiety, and with the help of a very difficult meeting with the principal, spiraled into depression mode, left the school on medical leave and was sent an evaluation to sign of my poor performance. I am looking into other career options, just in case. I was disgusted by the way he treated the kids and the staff at the school. I am starting to get my confidence back, and have sent off some resumes in the hopes of finding a job with a supportive leader, and environment.[/QUOTE]

No one is inherently "less" than another, although actions may, at times, be atrocious. You don't necessarily have to "nuke" someone just because they've done it to you, but you do need to find ways to keep them away from you. It's much like muzzling a dog with a tendency to bite. You're not hurting him--you're just keeping him from hurting you.

If you love teaching, don't let these people chase you away. Just find another school where these kinds of people aren't the ones running things. But it sounds like you first have some work to do to repair the damage you allowed them to cause you and perhaps, to learn how to prevent similar situations in the future.

Although I'm addressing you, I'm also reminding myself of these things. I suspect that we AD(H)Ders are more vulnerable than "normals" to being wounded by criticisms and other emotional "terror tactics."

sachem, I think you're on to something. I work at a software co. and almost everyone there is a musician; they started a band. This seems to correlate with the other thread--many of us have a song playing in our head at any given time.

And...what do you know? I have been tinkering with film editing in my spare time as well...not to mention the number of acting and screenwriting classes I have taken.

Personally, I am so happy there are other ADHDers and that we've found each other. It's probably a good thing that I am ADHD and so fallable; otherwise I might have been a harsh, critical, judgmental taskmaster perfectionist like one of my relatives who is as smug as they come. It brings joy to my heart that her son is pure ADHD (heeheehee); he is charismatic and a disaster in school. She refuses to acknowledge that ADHD (or depression) is for real. In her opinion, it is a lack of discipline, bad character, etc. and one needs to just snap out of it. But, she has to reconcile the dissonance that SHE IS THE ONE WHO RAISED HIM and completely controlled his environment. LOL. Truth be known, I think he might also be her favorite.

I do utterly feel for him as I was lucky enough to have parents who not only accepted me for who I am, but constantly let me know how wonderful and unique I was. Ok, they could have stood to taught me how to be ordely, etc., but HECK YOU SHOULD SEE THEIR HOUSES. Our house was like Malcom in the Middle. lol

So sorry to hear about your pets! My oh my...we know our pets times are limited (darn it) but the timing is certainly unfair. :o( Very sorry. :o(

On a related note, I just saw a pet special on television. Apparently dogs have an 90+% accuracy in the ability to smell and use signals to report malignant melanoma.

Uh oh...speaking of dogs. Mine just went on a barking tangent--very A-typical of her. Dogs are not allowed in my condo. EEK! This is another story and problem to solve altogther.Whoops.

p.s. I am a female (girl, woman, lady, and sometimes probably a B#*!#).

The best job I ever had was TV news camera person. Talk about a hyper active profession. I'd cover up to six different stories a day. Best thing was that it was all over @ 6:00pm. Tomorrow was another completely different day. Did this after I graduated from college. But even that started to get boring after a while. We decided there are only really 8 different kinds of news stories. I can't remember now what they are. I went on to video & film commercial production, corporate videos and now interactive streaming media. Over 30 years in the business and never a dull day. If you're ADHD I'd take a look.

[QUOTE=sachetm]That's the trick out of the depression, right there. Just focus on the positive rather than the negative and learn to keep those who try to bring you down (most of whom are actually jealous--sad but true, I'm afraid) from succeeding.[/QUOTE]

It's interesting that you bring this up. My mom said something to me tonight that was a real accomplishment for me.

The other day, I got an email from a long-distance friend who ocassionaly bumps into someone who was too hard for me to be friends with. I don't know how to explain it, but for some reason I just always felt bad after I would leave her. And, I have sometimes felt that since I have been gone that this person can't stand to have someone out of her control. I feel free.

Well, my good friend wrote and said, "I saw <ex-friend> today and she said something about you. I'll give you the details if you want. She just left me feeling icky, even though she has an air of acting like she cares so much about everyone." I wrote back and it didn't take long to find the words to say, "Spare me the details. Suffice it to say, I believe you. I would rather focus on the nice people I have been meeting lately. What gifts they are!"

Ya know? For the first time, I really didn't want to hear it. I think it's my dog. She gives me something else to focus on and she completely absorbs my attention. I love playing with her and taking her out. I genuinly just don't want to hear anything that makes me feel icky. Normally, a piece of hot trash talk lures me in. I just love to watch my dog sleep, teach her tricks, watch her get excited to go on a walk...whatever. I truly do not feel like upsetting myself.

My mom (who is generally NOT into animals) commented, "She sure brings out the happy side of you. I really notice that she encourages you to focus on positive things. I haven't noticed you wanting to dwell on downer stuff."

It's very true. I'm so happy to have found something that I love and brings me happiness. I also tend to be a jealous person. That's hard to admit. But, since I have found something I love so much, I truly wish everyone the same. Also, I usually dread summer. For some reason, I tend to get depressed in summer. Today, however, it felt so good to have a walk in the warm sunshine on the beach with Happy Pants. I have decent thoughts most of the time now, and I feel so much more giving and creative..even more tolerant of others. I feel truly fortunate to feel this way after so many years of depression, anxiety, disapointment, fear...you name it.

Also, I usually feel as though I'm the emotionally weak one. I can see the "trick" now...be involved in something that truly just makes you happy to do everyday. I never get sick of seeing my dog's sweet face. (Today I trained her how to crawl across the floor on her belly. I couldn't believe how fast she got it. Next thing you know, she screamed across the floor on her belly. It was the funniest thing.) I have tried many contrived methods and interests that made me feel as though I SHOULD feel better (I tried running 5Ks - very boring to me), but I end up feeling like I'm just doing something that is the "IN" thing at the moment or whatever. I've been envious of people who find that thing they love that really shields them from a lot of crap in the world and now I feel happy that I am one of those people.

bluebird3838520.9965277778I think there is a lot in common between the writers and
the musicians. Musicians work with notes the way writers
work with words, and often create something new and
beautiful. I think this kind of thing is important to us
ADDers because we have something that we can be (fairly)
good at and see that not everything we do is a
"failure".

Having just accepted the fact I have ADD, I can look at
my successes as a writer (several computer books and
magazine articles) and it helps me to realize that we
all can achieve something. For some, that might take a
lot more work, but think that it is important to find
something we enjoy doing and strive to become at least a
personal success at it.

Regards,

Jim Mohr [QUOTE=lost at 40]You guys are all great.

The last few days of reading your responses to each other
has truly been worth the time it took me to find this site.

[/QUOTE]

I couldn't agree more, Lost. This has been a really good thread.
[QUOTE=dhart]The best job I ever had was TV news camera person. Talk about a hyper active profession. I'd cover up to six different stories a day. Best thing was that it was all over @ 6:00pm. Tomorrow was another completely different day. Did this after I graduated from college. But even that started to get boring after a while. We decided there are only really 8 different kinds of news stories. I can't remember now what they are. I went on to video & film commercial production, corporate videos and now interactive streaming media. Over 30 years in the business and never a dull day. If you're ADHD I'd take a look.

[/QUOTE]

How do you get into this? I would be interested. I have also been interested in being the person who does the layout on tv shows. You know, like the background on CNN? they have scrolling messages and different things going on while someone is speaking.

[QUOTE=jimmo]I think there is a lot in common between the writers and
the musicians. Musicians work with notes the way writers
work with words, and often create something new and
beautiful. I think this kind of thing is important to us
ADDers because we have something that we can be (fairly)
good at and see that not everything we do is a
"failure".

Jim Mohr [/QUOTE]

That's the trick out of the depression, right there. Just focus on the positive rather than the negative and learn to keep those who try to bring you down (most of whom are actually jealous--sad but true, I'm afraid) from succeeding.

Regarding the creativity angle, I'm reading a book right now related to my dissertation research about narratology in different media. You're probably enjoy the one article (the book is a collection of them). I'll give you the specifics if you're interested. It's pretty academic but fascinating, nonetheless.

BTW, narratology is primarily a subfield within psychology that's really more interdisciplinary, as might be expected. The article I'm reading is by the editor and examines exactly what "narrative" is. She concedes that it transcends media but also says that language is it's "native tongue." Haven't gotten far enough into it to decide whether I agree with her or not. They're different "modules" of the brain that process the different media. I have an inkling that, like all of nature, there's a whole lot of redundancy of basic design in those modules, though, which is why "narrative" is applicable to them all.

I read a fascinating book in the early 70s called In Search of the Miraculous by P.D. Ouspenky who's teacher was a man named Gurdjeff (sp?). Sort of like Plato and Aristotle but I think Ouspensky was more faithful to his teacher. I didn't understand much of it at the time except one part that equated math to music using a very logical argument that was intellectually over my head but resonated w/ some part of me enough for me to have remembered it after 30+ years!

It all gets down to everything being connected to everything else. Start Twilight Zone music here!

sachetm38520.8120833333[QUOTE=sachetm]

It all gets down to everything being
connected to everything else. Start Twilight Zone music
here! �

[/QUOTE]

I had heard from my mother 30 years ago about the
relationship between math and music. My mom's a
psychologist and I seem to recall her talking about
Search of the Miraculous, Gurdjeff (sp?) and related
things. I know that she was really into Gregory Bateson
and Carlos Castaneda at that time.

That's terrific, bluebird! When my Annie used to do that, I called it "spydog!" Sounds like you've found "the trick." It's simply focusing on the positive rather than the negative and eliminating as much of the negative from your life as possible.

I didn't want to believe for so long that so many people lived in the hells they do and want nothing more than to have company in that hell. But that's the sad truth. You can reach out a hand to try and share "the trick," but if they bite it more than once, so long, Pedro! I had to get cancer--twice--for that one to really sink in and have to remind myself, almost daily, that it's just the way it is. People have free will and choose the half-full or the half-empty glass and their choice should be respected. Just move quickly away from the half-empty crowd!

But you've also got to be a bit careful. I mean, look what they do to people like Jesus and MLKing, Jr. They can be very dangerous if you try holding a mirror up to them. Fortunately, the world is a big place with lots of people in it. All of us are imperfect in an infinite variety of ways, but not necessarily in ways that are truly toxic to us, if you get my drift. I generally give people one or two shots, knowing everyone has bad days, but if it continues, syonara!

If you have to deal with them, like at work, you just find ways to keep them from getting to you but emotionally, they're cut off. I had to do that with my boss and it hurt. What a disappointment to find out that she wasn't who I thought she was. She talks a good game, but when push comes to shove, she's out for herself and the hell with you (or me in this particular case). But that's just the way it is. People have to follow their own paths and if they can't/won't play "win-win" with you, that's their choice.

Everyone evolves at their own speed in their own way. I've managed to set things up so that when I go back to work, (currently on disability), it's highly unlikely I'll be working for her anymore, anyway. No animosity or burned bridges, she's just outside the range of my trusted and valued people now, although I don't let her know that. She still thinks she's calling the shots. Better for me that she does. Being underestimated is usually a huge advantage when dealing with these people. You don't want to hurt them, you just want to keep them from hurting you!

As much as you love your dog, remember that they do have short life spans compared to us. I just lost one of mine and as I said, my Annie has metastatic breast cancer and is 15, so barring a miracle... But no one lives forever. Try finding something inside yourself in addition to outside yourself

Every time I write something like this to someone, it helps me remember it myself!

[QUOTE=jimmo] [QUOTE=sachetm]

Jimma, there's an even "worse" case, and I experienced it. That's the case of the manager who embraces diversity in a team and conducts workshops in it but it's all BS when push comes to shove.

You see this kind of hypocracy a whole lot in religion. As long as people are "talking the talk," that gives them a rationalization for not "walking the walk."

At least the ignorant managers have a shot at learning. The ones who aleady know and use that knowledge as a way to rationalize NOT practicing it are even tougher. There's usually little hope in these situations.

The answer is just so darned simple. When something seems alien to you, just start asking questions. Do NOT assume you already know the answers so you can "look good." Duh!

I swear, sometimes I think most people have rocks (or another "no-no word") for brains!

Bluebird, I need to take lessons from you. No kidding! I need some serious help in this area! [QUOTE=sachetm]

That's another way that the jealous,
"normal" people use to try and control us. They
criticize and tear down what they don't understand. The
trouble is, we actually BUY their crap! That's the other
part of the trick--being able to realize whose problems
are whose and not taking on those of others.[/QUOTE]

Even before I accepted the fact that ADD is still with
me, one of my frequent "defenses" is/was the fact that I
usually did not overlook much, if anything. Others in
the department would have a better "track record" in
terms of getting things done "on time", but there were
so many cases where they missed something and caused us
even more trouble.

What we all need to realize is that both ADDers and
non-ADDers have skills the others do not. If managers
cannot see the value of these skills, they are not good
managers.
sachetm, AMEN to your last post! I've been around long enough to experience both types of employers: kind and nasty. It's so worth it to keep going until you find the kind ones. I didn't think they existed until I got more specialized education and "moved up" in the work world. Guess what? The more money I earn, the better I am treated. HMPH!

Money is my leverage against mean people and situations now. I don't have a ton, but my goals were #! #1 #1 - GET OUT OF DEBT!!! I worked 3 crappy jobs to do this. I swear, if I can do it, anyone can.

#2 - My next goal was 6 mo. worth of living expenses in savings. This was hard too, but not nearly as hard as paying off the debt. The momentum had alerady started.

How have I benefited? Well, for one, I now sleep at night. But, by far, the BEST payoff of this was the day that I was able to quit a job because my woman boss was "ONE OF THOSE" types. I would wake up and dread having any interaction with her.

I realized that I finally had leverage. I could leave. It was the most amazing feeling. Even THEN, I still had fear of quitting. This was a whole new reality for me:

Ya know what? I went in and gently let her know I was leaving and she acted as though she had fired me. Ha! As I said in my previous post, people with power (or control issues?) rarely give it up easily.

I offered to help the company for 2 weeks while they found a replacement, etc. I was trying to be professional. I didn't explain that it was her nasty personality that was driving me to leave. She just took it upon herself to summarize things for me, "Not everyone can handle this demanding job." LOL. She then told me that my email would be shut off immediately, and that I would need to gather my things and be escorted out of the building. Had to be one of the best days of my life.

You know what else I saw that freaked me out? Another woman that I worked with in that department was absolutely on edge because of this woman. She confided in me that she was taking anti-D and anti-anxiety pills. She was always calling in sick and would have panic atacks all the time.

She drove an hour to and from work each day and had a special needs child. But, one day I saw her drive to work in a brand, spankin' new, large red truck. She was excited, and my heart broke for her. She now just sealed her fate for a LONG time to this job and boss. Not only does she have a humongus car payment, but the gas that she needs for that commute is astronomical. Aughghghgh.

I try really, really hard to live below my means now. With all the goodies out there, it's really hard. I just know I don't have the constitution to live day in and day out on the edge anymore. Plus, I'm a very generous person when I'm not stressed to the max; I really like to give.
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