Reply To: Caste System for ADHD

[ADDled]

The thing to be aware of when deciding about a career choice is the possibility of deluding yourself  into thinking you can succeed at doing anything if you are on meds, have a coach or counselling or are willing to work hard. I also know there are ADHDers who can succeed.

I thought I could do that, but the thing to also remember is that whatever comes easier to most people can be difficult for people with ADHD. Because our brains work harder than “neuro-norms” there is remains a real possibility to burn out. When you really need to apply yourself in a stressful situation at work, you may not have the cerebral reserve or horsepower (as I call it) to get through when everyone else makes it look relatively easy.

Speaking from personal experience, I tried to adapt at working in a career that was intrinsically not compatible with my brain style, but I really believed I could makes those changes to succeed. Meds, counselling, coaching, strategies and work arounds. Then I hit a mental and emotional brick wall. I just didn’t care anymore about my job. And I didn’t care if I was fired. The company was fully aware of my ADHD and some accommodations we made. Even that couldn’t help. I dreaded going into work each day and then all that angst started spilling into my personal life. If my anxiety about work stops me from going to sleep, the depression wouldn’t let me get out of bed.

So think real hard about whether you can make the emotional investment before choosing a career.

Hope this helps….

 

 

 

 

 

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