[mjstelly]

@OP: In a nutshell, I was fired. Although, technically (and I learned later, legally), they called it a “layoff”. However, I was the only one being laid off.

I’ll bypass the expository writing and give the highlights. After years of  solo “layoffs”, I decided to do things differently. I told my boss that I had ADD and how it may affect my daily work at times. I also specifically told him how I actively worked to minimize the impact on my performance. It didn’t seem to register with him what I was explaining. So I dropped it.

Three months later with no detrimental incidents to speak of, out of nowhere, I was called into his boss’ office. I was dismissed with the reason that, I quote, “I wouldn’t ‘get’ it and never would.” I didn’t wait around to learn what “it” was. I knew.

Speaking to a HR acquaintance of mine a few weeks later, she informed me that that was a big mistake. Despite the ADA making discrimination a crime, companies have a multitude of methods to circumvent the lawa to rid themselves of employees that could be a potential liability. She also noted that companies aggressively pursue these means wherever possible. BTW, this HR person managed the global HR operations for a Big Three automaker. She knows what she’s talking about.

Anyway, I learned the hard way. I hope you don’t have to.

REPORT ABUSE

[mjstelly]

For what it’s worth, the only “job” I can say at which I’ve been successful is college. Everything before or since has been short-lived and poorly-ended. I have the mental aptitude to do anything I choose. I’ve been able to talk my way into some very high-paying fields. But invariably, when it comes time to perform, I can’t. For whatever reason, I just can’t get the job done, like I have it in my head but I can’t get things to work.

I’m a mobile app developer. I understand the technology. But when it comes time to actually do the work, it’s like I forget everything I’ve learned. It baffles me to no end.  I’ve lost my last three jobs for this exact reason. My self-esteem and self-worth are in the tank. And now I question whether I should continue in this field. To make matters worse, I turn 50 this year and wonder what I can do to salvage some kind of career before I have to retire.

REPORT ABUSE

[mjstelly]

I’ve been fired from a job for having ADD. Although for them to admit it directly would have set them up for a lawsuit. I thought I’d try a different strategy for this new job and tell my boss about my ADD. Three months later, I was fired with the reason that, “I don’t get it and never will.” I asked, “Get what?” The question remained unanswered and I was asked to get my things and go.

I contacted the EEOC to see if I had a legal cause of action. They said that by informing my employer, I essentially gave them cause to fire me because of the liability I represented.  So, the take away for me is that you’re damned if you do, damned if you don’t.

I hope others have a more positive experience with this than I did. It’s left me with a real sense of hopeless- and helpless-ness.

REPORT ABUSE

[mjstelly]

I found this site the other day due to their show being aired on a PBS fundraiser. I was diagnosed with ADD (Inattentive) 10 years ago. Fast forward to 2011. I found a job doing cutting edge IT work. I was so excited (plus, I’d been unemployed for 18 months prior). I thought, “this time it’ll be different.” So, I decided that to be different, I had to act different. So, I told my new boss about my diagnosis. That was my undoing.

No attempt at accommodations were made. Three months later, I was called into my boss’ office. Without warning, without explanation, without any indication that anything was amiss, I was told that, “I didn’t get it and I never will.” With that, I was fired. “Get what?”, I asked. I was dismissed with no further explanation.

Later, I spoke with a friend who retired as a very high-powered HR executive in the auto industry. She explained that under no circumstances should I ever do that again. Once I told my boss, I became an identified liability. It made perfect sense to her that since the company was in the process of trying to impress buyers, they needed to make themselves look more profitable. Laying off staff is the quickest way to achieve this. And, voila, I was the identified target.

I can’t speak for everyone. Others obviously have had better outcomes. For me, it was one of the most traumatizing firings I’ve ever experienced.

REPORT ABUSE

[Author]

Posts