How to Grab the Best Job for an ADHD Brain!
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- Опубликовано: 21 июл 2017
- The second and final part of Dr. Ned Hallowell's How to ADHD interview!
This week, we discuss how to find the right job for you, and how to KEEP IT. :D Dr. Hallowell also talks about what makes ADHD special, and how best to approach disclosing your attention deficit hyperactivity disorder to your boss.
Huge, huge, huge thanks to the amazing support from our Patreon Brains. Because of their help, we could hire someone to film Dr. Hallowell in his office, and get a much sharper, more clear episode with him.
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Links!
The Distraction Podcast featuring Jessica: bit.ly/2u4YjIP
Dr. Hallowell's Website: drhallowell.com
Books: Driven to Distraction (a.co/0hF9JnD)
Driven to Distraction at Work (a.co/0zV3M2l)
Married to Distraction (a.co/ddtGqIv)
"The Show Must Be Go”
Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
creativecommons.org/licenses/b...
"Don't quit your job." Tell that to my impulsivity.
Il tell that to tour wallet I think it listens more
Lmao
😂👍
Now I'm a glassblower... 🤣
Today I thought about quitting like at least 10 times
"When we're not busy, we're depressed" - truer words have never been spoken.
Also this part about feeling like we have to always do something important, groundbreaking, constantly improving at something... without noticable results it's hard to stay positive and keep on learning.
You spoke my mind!
I know. 🥺
Weird. I love being "bored". I could easily go live like a monk... A monk with the internet to consume endless information ha
@@chrisbarry9345 In my case it's a love/hate relationship with boredom :p
Truth
I'm currently working in a coffee shop and my bosses actually gave me A LIST that I have to check off so they know I'm getting the things I need to get done during my shift done. Little do my bosses know that was actually a big relief for me because I totally would have forgotten stuff and/ or had to make my own list.
Sarah Diller
I found that I even have trouble staying on task with a list. I may accomplish quite a bit, but it's always off task crap. Very frustrating
So glad you found a way to help you manage your Ferrari brain! :)
Yes! I carry a little notebook with me at work at all times that acts as a running to-do list. It's the only way I get anything done, and it works really well. Plus, if I think of something I need to remember (whether work related or not), I can jot it down and get it out of my head so I can carry on with what I'm trying to focus on.
I tell my boss every day I cannot remember all the stuff you holler at me and getting mad at me for you not listening to me is counter productive. He still does the same thing every day. 😑
I work as a construction estimator (pricing projects from $20k to $5M), and I use a simple checklist for each project I price, to keep me on track and make sure I don't miss anything - Checklists are great! LOL
"your body will tell you when you have to rest"
but it doesn't mean I'll listen
Unless you get sick really bad and have no choice. Thats what I find. lol
@@metalyogawithsteph True. The constant burnout was it for me though I would prefer to avoid as much possible.
That’s sad
Queue that meme “this won’t stop me. I can’t read!”
We’re the stubborn, never giving, perfectionist, self doubting, limit stretching people .. so yeah .. (Psst: Sometimes I do feel sorry for my cells)
"When in doubt don't disclose" .... yeah, learned that one the hard way.
Marshall White god same
Not hiring (or firing) someone because they have a "disability" like ADHD is illegal but it still happens.
@@connor863 right?! I’ve been fired from almost every job I’ve had.
@@Im6yrsOldBeNice2Me struggling w my job right now. i work at an agency and i litrally just got reprimanded a couple hours ago for missing a bunch of deadlines. pretty sure im close to being fired
@@sandata I hate that.
How can I make a career with ADHD? My tendency to being bored makes me always change job from time to time. I started as a graphic designer, shifted to SEO (at the same time I was gigging with my music band). From SEO to mechanic worker, and then to web designer, system technician, then I was back to graphic and sticker design, just to go freelance... then owning a comics book store. Now I'm a bike messenger and in two months I'll start studying music production. I love being constantly stimulated, but it's also so tiring. I'm 35 and I still don't know what I'll want to be when I'll grow up.
Antonio Lo Conte I am feeling you same age and same story for me🙄🤦🏾♀️
Why don't you try a job which challenge you every day like sales job it might work.
Best of luck with your future bro.✌🏻✌🏻
You sound cool to me. God made us how we are on purpose. There is no need to be ashamed. We can't be like everybody else... and I wouldn't want to be anyway. Focus on finding out God's will for your life and everything and everyone falls into place. ♥️🙏🏻
I forgot about this comment. Now I'm an audio technician in a recording studio LOL
Becoming a freelancer as a graphic designer was the best my brain could have.
I like the circles idea. I came across one which is apparently a Japanese concept called Ikagi. It's the same except it has 4 circles, the extra one being "what is beneficial to society" or "what does society need".
I love that!! ❤️
That can help add meaning to a job, good suggestion :)
@@HowtoADHD I know what you love.
I battle with this constantly! What I love and am good at doesn't exactly fall into the same circles of What I'm good at and what I can [regularly] get paid for doing.
i like that
I'm pretty convinced my profession (doing sound for concerts) was designed for people with ADHD. There's routines, there's new variations every day added to the mix that keep the routines from getting boring, there's hard deadlines, my day starts later and ends later, and at the end of the day, good or bad, I have to let go, because tomorrow is another day. Interestingly, my line of work also helped me overcome my problem of shutting down when I get overwhelmed (or at least, keep it under control.)
Thank you, thank you 😊
OH MY GOD SAME HERE!!!!!!! I'm 19F and my dream job is sound!!!! It the ideal job for me and music has always been my passion ahhh thank u!!
Interesting. I'm a musician, and generally good in technical areas (I was doing a PhD in AI and I learned music production quickly and on my own up to a decent level). I would love to have a chat around this your experience.
Omg! Me too! I'm a musician (drum set) and i do my own mix
Absolutely!! I've been a theatre light, sound, and set designer, as well as a master carpenter and tech director for over 40 years. No matter what else I have done with my life, that has been a constant. In some ways, it has kept me alive.
OMG. I wish I had heard the advice "when in doubt, don't disclose" years ago. I once disclosed I had ADHD and filed for accomodations (through the HCA) and was fired THE DAY AFTER. It makes me never want to disclose again.
But doesn't that count as discrimination?
@@noemita494 It absolutely does!
Pretty sure you could sue for that
Illegal af
That’s .. very illegal 😮
Got fired from every job I ever had..wish I knew this 30 years ago..
Me too!
@@MTH077 sadly yes,but i keep trying..
😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 I can relate to you
Omg right
You’re not alone. I got fired twice in one year at 2 different 9-5s
I've always said,"I'm happiest when I'm busiest" -- he hit that nail right on the head!
I am a business analyst. I work from home 90% of the time and I analyze things for a living. The cool thing is, that my superiors and colleagues in a way like the chaos I have in my mind, because it brings unconventional knowledge and perspectives. The good thing is, I have much freedom to let my mind drift around, while I do research and discuss things. I have a lot of freedom when it comes to structuring my day. Sometimes it's way to much freedom, but I am not measured per day, but per 2 to 12 weeks of work. So sometimes I have bad brain days, where I hardly work and the next day I work for very Iong.
The problem is that I will likely never get promoted, because my chaotic mind is not so practical for managing teams, but then again, that's not even a real problem.
Could I DM you to learn more about your job? :)
I’m in a similar line of work and have similar problems
But wouldn’t you say that’s awful because you don’t work 9-5 and shut off
You waste the day
Get upset
Then the next day work really hard and keep going
Never being punctual
@@bperez8656 To be honest, I wrote that previous comment a year ago and today I feel I have to learn how to do things that are fun or thrilling at some point, without feeling that everything somehow fun or thrilling is a "quest" I have to fulfill. I mean by that to learn that work is not just either boring as hell or super important personally, but just work.
I think 9 to 5 is not really for me, but not taking my work way to serious is something I have to learn.
That is absolutely one of my biggest problems that I've discovered this past few months (mostly through discussions with my therapist) is that when I have nothing to do or when I get bored, I get depressed. I can't be bored, it always leads me to having a bad day. The problem is.. I can't stick with anything, so I have no real hobbies and when I do find something (a book or a video game etc) I can't stay focused on it long enough. So I am constantly restless and searching for that fascinating, exciting, stimulating thing I 'should' be doing with my mind and when I can't find it (which is about 90% of the time) I go into a dark mood and life seems empty. I feel worthless, frustrated and broken.
I completely relate to this! I know this comment was left 4 years ago; curious to know how things have changed, or not? what have you learnt or discovered about yourself since you left this comment
Sounds like you're a great candidate for medication
OMG same here. Meds help me with that.
Duuuude me exactly sheeesh
I'm in med school with ADHD and I am trying to do Emergency Medicine!
Good luck :)
I thought about doing that! How is it so far?
great choice
Daniel congrats! How do you feel with your choice? I decided to wait and rethink dental school because of a recent adhd diagnoses. I'm scared I won't succeed. It would help me if you could offer your reasoning or resolve that allowed you to keep with it?
It's fun! It's like doing short bouts of hyperfocus at a time. And I get to be creative with procedures and patient management.
I wish I could scream and shout and the from the back of a room please don't stop doing this channel. You bring education and information in a way that is actually interesting and can hold the attention my severe ADHD. And you bring successful people with ADHD actually experiencing the same symptoms into visibility. It shows and proves that just because I have the symptoms doesn't mean I'm a failure. And even more importantly I've used your videos to help people in my life understand me a little bit better. I totally understand the job aspect. I finally found my calling so to speak in of all things nursing. Because the people I work with every single day change there's always something new to learn and it's never the same and on top of that I change shifts I work so the daily routine is different as well. That's what's kept me interested in this is the longest I've actually ever held.
Sometimes when I told a boss about my strengths and weaknesses the result was the boss threatening me to improve what I was bad at. Many times they ignored the strengths I offered and said. "Well, be more punctual and organized. Or else. And now I am watching you to make sure."
Discussing my ADHD brain either by name or just descriptively is a recipe for starting my next job search.
Sadly there are a lot of "everyone must fit my specially chosen round hole idea of a good worker" bosses.
Going through the exact same right now.
Going through the same thing right now, except they took it a step farther and put me on a PIP. I didn't even know what it was till I googled it, now I'm frantically searching for a new job.
@@andrelewis2363 I have a job now where the people are more understanding.
This happened to me and my disclosure ultimately resulted in me being fired despite company leading high performance metrics.
“Your body will tell you when to rest”. I’m afraid that’s quite often not the case with ADHD. adrenaline will make us go on forever. That’s why burnout is more likely to happen to people with ADHD. So make sure that you stop on time. You can unfortunately only do so much on a day. Set an alarmklok or so to make sure that you stop and get enough sleep.
Just read this but absolutely true lol, we just keep going not realizing you can completely burn out because of it. Understanding that we need breaks takes preparation.
So true, sometimes I will push so hard then crash for a week
I wasn't diagnosed with ADDHD until I was in my mid 40. Somehow I managed to do exactly what Dr Hallowell talked about. I have been doing the same job for 36 years and truly love what I do. And I have been married for 35 years. So fellow brains you can succeed in all aspects of you life. Even if at times you feel you can't. So keep your head up keep moving forward and ignore that little voice in you head telling you "you can't succeed" or "It's to difficult".
The same for me. I have been married for 17 years and I finally graduated so now I am getting ready to find my dream career. It is exciting.
Kurt Rodda I figured out I had ADHD 2 years ago but had already kind of ended up in a fairly good place in life because I had naturally been doing some of the major things Dr. Hallowel talks about. But now that I know about my condition, I can be even better and understand myself and my life more. Cheers to you.
Kurt Rodda Thank you for this encouragement! I was just diagnosed at 39 and I truly feel like I'm starting at groud zero with "Who am I?" & "What do I want to be when I grow up?" but with two small children and a frustrated husband. YIKES! So thank you again for letting me know it's possible!
what job is this i tried construction , plant jobs, retail stocker and havent liked none i dont know what to do i seem to love fashion love marketing and working say painting classic cars but havent got into that career cause its sp hard to get into unless someone takes a chance on me.
Thank you for these words.
I learnt Spaniah fluently within only two years all alone ☺️☺️ we can do anything
Any tips on how you did it? I'm currently learning Italian.
I learned everything about aliens for a whole year
I try but I just can't concentrate. 😂
Maths is what I love the most. 😄
As something on the side, I decided to spend some of my free time learning as many languages as I can. It's the longest running hobby of mine that I've stuck to. Duolingo is very helpful, and I'm currently doing 3 languages at once with it. It just comes naturally to me. Spanish is the one I'm best at though. Me gusta hablar en español a veces. It confuses my friends and family.
@@sed2437 I love math! It's my true second language
I've been driving professionally for about a year now, and, while it lacks that creativity factor and may or may not be suitable for me in the long term, I've found the demands of the job to be very cooperative with my ADD because you're *supposed* to pay attention to EVERYTHING ALL THE TIME.
That’s why I stuck with Uber
This is why I'm getting into bus driving now. Driving is one of the very few things that can keep my brain occupied for a long time.
I'm working for Uber now. I hate it, but it pays the bills while I'm trying to get treatment.
@@NLmitchieNL I drive road trains In Australia I have the same issue. I use a small magnet that fell out of my phone cover as a fidget toy. I'm still working on it but the need for stimulation never stops it decreases while your learning a new skill like 3 trailers but a few hundred kilometres later it comes back.
That last sentence sums up why I really like driving.
Nursing is the career that I decided on. It's extremely stimulating, and very active! Which is really good for me. Since my emotions are more intense than others, I can be there for patients better. Also, my more intense emotions drive me to take better care of my patients. I like it because it's not a quiet job, and handling being put off track is something I'm good at it. When I get bored, I can just switch specialties. It's great!
Hi, I’m headed to nursing because it’s constantly moving. I’m currently at a grocery store, it’s at self checkout and it’s constantly moving and helping and I’m productive.
Respiratory therapy student here who agrees with everything you said! I love the work, I love working in a hospital, working with patients, etc. If only the school part weren't so difficult 😅
I never trusted my brain enough to do something like that, what if I forgot something important 😬
@@gillymcilroy creating extensive checklists with my teachers' help has been incredibly useful for this problem. I still forget things occasionally, but my lists make sure I can get the important stuff at least
Glad to hear that bc I was told being emotional is a weakness and worry about staying organized as a nurse. You give me hope.
Elementary Music Teacher. Every day, every hour, every minute is different, new, fun, exciting. I hyper focus for 30 minutes, reset for 10, then do it again with different people. Fellow tribe members, it is truly a job made for the musical among us.
My dad has ADHD and has been working for 10 years at Costco! He loves it.
Mac'n CheeseTV my sister too. Good job
What is he working as?
Going freelance as a comic book artist has been the most fulfilling professional goal I’ve ever hit. I got buttonholed into retail by the public school assembly line system. It’s been terrifying, but the pressure has turned to performance and after years of perseverance, it’s paying off.
I worked in retail for ten years and it drained my soul. Now, I'm disabled bc of my diagnosis but I have time and energy to pursue something close to my heart instead of barely surviving. woo! Thank you, Jesus! Foreal, y'all.
How did you get disability ?
I'd like to know as well. I'm tired of getting fired at jobs that I try so hard at. Surely life isn't just getting hired and fired from the time you're able to start working until the time you die. That's no way to live.
@@mrsdragonite I felt so incompetent and that’s what led to much of my depression. I would go out to my car back in 2012 and just cry bc I made the dumbest mistakes and the only reason I probs wasn’t fired was because of how hard I worked/tried. I would forget simple things. I’d get so many dirty looks from management. You’re right. You deserve a job, a career you enjoy and something you can easily focus on bc you love it! I want that for you, friend. I’m trying to create my own job currently bc I don’t wanna worry about my future. Disability doesn’t cover much. Barely pays for rent even in Arkansas. 🤷♀️ There oughta be a job hub specifically for neurodiverse folks. Seriously. Maybe there is one?
What I find is that the things I love to do, the things I'm really good at, and the things someone will pay me for don't particularly overlap. Specifically the "love to do" and "can get paid to do" bubbles are completely separate. And it's really disheartening because there are people who HAVE been paid to do what I love doing, but they're a one in a million circumstance, and I don't want to get my hopes up to set myself up for heartbreak. It's really frustrating.
Same
I love to do creative things but doing them for money kind of ruins it for me so I asked myself what job I could do that I would be good at and would hold my interest. Not necessarily something that I *loved* but something that interests me enough to hold my focus
😭 describing our strengths brought me to tears; it's so easy to feel labelled negatively and forget the upsides.
There are so many strengths! Creativity and enthusiasm are big ones!
I was very recently diagnosed with ADHD, and I want to thank you for constantly reinforcing the idea that ADHD isn't all bad--and for being an example of someone with this condition who works hard and does great things.
I really love this advice. I just wish I had more control over my fear. Fear has been my best disguise in fitting in, but it has also been my worst enemy at finding happiness and fulfilment.
The greatest learning disorder of all is fear: www.drhallowell.com/the-shame-and-fear-of-adhd/
Dr Hallowell! Thank you for embracing the fear in order to help everyone with ADHD lead better lives. I am working on doing the same! Keep on keeping on! :)
Fear and failure still has control over my life. So hopefully watching these videos will help me on the way 🙏
I was an elementary school teacher for over 30 years. Every year, new class, grade level, students and I moved and had 17 schools in 32 years . I managed and loved my job as it met my energy levels and being an innovator. Hard to be bored as everything constantly was changing. Stopping was hard. I went to SE Asia and taught for 10 more years in 4 countries. And now, I’m searching!
Teaching is a great job for adhders
@@dhitikabarua7677 It was, but is not as much anymore. I taught for several years in a few different schools and loved it, but the job gets more and more paperwork and admin tasks added to it each year which is usually really draining for people with ADHD😅 Plus it involved a lot of extra hours of work which is hard because it takes time away from fun hobbies that bring joy after a hard day.
@@tanyadrochner2105 I can relate to you very well now coz i worked and then left becoz of too much of paper work and admin sort of tasks ..
could you do a video on stimulants (nicotine, caffeine etc) on a brain with adhd
Don't know about anyone else but I know that I get SOOOOOO tired when I have coffee Zzzzzzz
@@theolynwarrender For me its very mixed results. Sometimes I feel motivated and euphoric after caffeine. Sometimes I feel like I have to take a nap.
That would be so cool! I discovered that my meds combined with caffeine make me really sick, so some kind of (brain)chemistry vid would be awesome
yes, a video about stimulants would be so cool!
Totally adding my vote in here!
I've never had a job I got fired from. I had people treat me different or inferior because of my mentality. I had a hard time getting out of high school knowing what I wanted to do. Considering I had interests in a lot of things but didnt really have a compass for what to do. It wasn't till later on that alot of internal searching I did showed my passions. And this really hit the nail on the head about me.
What did your internal compass find yourself doing this year?
Thx for this. I quit my corporation job w/o a Plan B a couple of months ago. I have several co-occuring disorders and had to go through HR for accommodations; it basically ruined my job. I've learned 2 things: 1.) I need to be my own boss. 2.) I need to be in school at all times.
Update?
Me too!!! School fires me up. The mental excitement then gets me into action.
Oh dang this is 4 y. o. I read this and just found myself needing to say "me too!" Ha. So yes, how is being your own boss? I'm always in school but becoming my own boss is slow going.
Update: I took some time off, didn't become my own boss, and got a job with a ton of variety (and decided to never ask for accommodations again because it puts a target on your back). Lessons learned: never quit your job w/o a plan and never make any drastic changes in the middle of a depressive episode. Also, HR is not your friend, and boundaries at work are beyond important.
@@ihikealone thank you for your update, glad you’re working in a healthier work environment ❤️
3:51 is super important. Be careful who you disclose that information to because it will backfire hard. Employers will think you're unreliable, don't think for a second they will understand your condition. Such good information here and maybe one of the best videos on this channel. ;)
I'm in sales and I love my job. Can't stand being in a cubicle all day long, so most corporate jobs aren't for me. When I figured out talking can make me money I fell in love with this career. It has taught me a lot about myself.
what do you mean talking can make you money
@@kaliplaya86
Sales calls. Closing business
He is really the best. Too many "experts" have no idea because they can't fathom how different our brains are, and basically advise us to just act like we don't have add as if that will solve our problem.
Dr. H *has* ADHD and has studied it and treated it or decades.
Thanks for interviewing him!!
I sent this to my friend who thinks she might have ADHD. I told her that even though she didn't get diagnosed she can use this video. Also this video and their examples clearly is me. I get so depressed when I'm not doing things.
I discovered your channel from watching your TED talk about a year ago. From there, I've learned to adapt my life. I previously spent 15 years and never finished anything - but am now half way through my first music album and can actyually say side A is FINISHED and side B is going well - so I'm on the right path now. Thank you so much for your channel and for hewlping so many of us.
Also can i just shout out to everyone here in these comments and say you are all amazing and thanks for sharing, because i have never ever talked to someone else with adhd before and have lived in silence, shame and struggling my entire life. Whilst i still find it weird commenting on these videos, your comments and support of each other means the world. Thanks jessica for giving adhd a face with your outstanding courage to speak up and most importantly making us, around the world, feel less alone. ❤️
Oh, what he said made so much sense just now. I think that one of the reasons that teaching full-time has been somewhat of a bust for me even though I love it is that I am working in the wrong context. Instead of subscribing to the status quo, maybe I need to be an innovator in the school system. I have so many scruples, so many idealistic views that I feel that the school system totally fails kids at times, despite honest effort. Maybe I can do something to make it better instead of following suit. I've always been told not to rock the boat because that's the easiest way to get fired, but maybe I'm just born to rock the boat. I'm a disruptor. I need to challenge and renew. I just wasn't looking at that as a job title.
Same! I’m studying to be a music teacher, and the teaching music part of it is compelling, but I am already scared with the administrative and institutional side of it. Have you found any ways to improve it yet?
Maybe see if you can get on one of the guiding committees, you can see more of the big picture and see where your innovative ideas can be effective while saving money, that's an Excellent way to get support :)
That is why I had to leave the field.
I had a wonderful 26 year career in teaching because of MONTESSORI.
Such an eye-opening interview. Thank you so much!
Edit: I chose programming as my job and got very much surprised that there's even a subreddit for adhd and programming. So if you want to work as a programmer, don't fear your ADHD, we got your back.
What is the sub Reddit?
@@betanu701 adhd_programmers
Wish i knew this three years ago
That must be pretty mild adhd because looking at lines of code on a screen is literally the most boring thing ever
@@Magic_carpet666 yeah exactly! I'm working as a java developer since past 1 year and I'm literally on the verge of quitting. I really don't know how long I can take it, so I'm trying to find other career options.
I've been let go from 4 jobs in a row and still find myself getting into the same patterns which lead to the same "talks" with employers so I really needed this. And what a great up-close intro to Dr. Hallowell! I've heard his name and been meaning to check him out. Thank you so much Jessica for doing what you do.
This channel makes me feel less alone and broken. I spent years assuming that any job I get I'm thiiiiis close to getting let go for "it's not working out" reasons (ie, anxiety) and thinking there was something fundamentally broken about me. I wish I could go back and tell my past self. I can tell reassure that part of me now, so I do get to heal but with a side of grief for half my 20s
For a over a year now my boss has been worried about my "level of engagement". We had the project from H-e-double hockeysticks which we wrapped up, and after that stress I felt broken and unhappy with my job. At the same time I received the news from my son's school that he had some severe learning issues, and was testing into high-functioning autism with the possibility of ADHD. And so I went into my annual review to tell my boss that I was aware I was falling down at my job, and that I was going to talk to a psychologist to assess if I had ADHD too, because all the research I did for him made me go "oooohhhhh".
And that was when my boss told me that SHE has ADHD, has seen the signs in me, and that was why she kept pressing me to make sure I was feeling engaged and interested in my job. I'm STILL struggling with it, but knowing that she has my back has made a ton of difference.
How have you been friend? Any progress since?
@@GreenboyQueso Hey! Thanks for checking in. The boss in my post retired last year, and my new boss is also very understanding and accommodating. I work hybrid-remote now, and to the project, not the clock. I got a large raise and a glowing review this year, and am feeling very well supported in my job. For me, asking for accommodations and being honest about my difficulties has been a huge positive, but I get that not everyone is in that situation. Let's keep fighting for better working conditions and accommodations, because when employers do it, they can get great things from us Brains!
@@ladygrndr9424That’s awesome to hear! I’m so glad things are going well for you. ☺️ Take care!
I've been diagnosed as an adult well into my military career. My doc literally told me that I could not have picked a better career for my condition, and I fully agree! Forced structure and discipline does wonders!
this could not have been posted at a better time. I'm a college student struggling to figure out what I want to do in life. that circle diagram is so useful XD congrats on hitting 100,000 :D
AuroraGrace I feel the same here! I'm at university at the moment doing something that I thought I enjoyed but I'm still struggling to get by. I'm determined to find the right type of work for myself though. The circle diagram is something I'm definitely going to do as soon as I wake up too. I wish you the best of luck in finding your path in life!
Fizz same to you!
Well, I wish I had gotten proper diagnosis earlier, and possibly this video, too. :D I dropped out of college after three semesters of being mostly unable to fulfill assignments. I then got diagnoses with bipolar disorder, which is either a misdiagnosis or a separate issue, but I couldn't really see it at the time (althoug I felt that my problem was bigger than what that diagnosis covered). Either way, I went through two years of psychotherapy and changed into a more manageable degree. Now that I'm in my last year of college, I finally figured out that it isn't a psychological problem that keeps me from working efficiently - but that my inability to focus or use my mental capacities in a way that is both suffient as well as satisfying is the CAUSE of me feeling miserable. That being uncovered, I also realised that I have no interest in working in the (horribly overstimulating) work field that my degree (art therapy) is leading me towards, and now I'm horrified and full of panic. I am in the process of trying to find a neurologist to diagnose me right and give me proper meds (psychopharmaceuticals just made me feel worse) so I can write any of my long overdue essays and that dreadful thesis. I have no idea what to do with that degree then.
Peach Plastic what do you wanna become? As a job
Totally true I went through job after job for years I love cars and problem solving but I got bored working as a mechanic but now I work as a tow truck driver new challenge every tow I go on and actually my boss is ADHD and 3 of my coworkers are ADHD as well and we are the most successful tow company in the area 😀
What’s the training for that? Anything different for a female? Thanks!
I have to say I am really surprised by the number of ADHD individuals in highly technical fields. Sort of counter intuitive but some are drawn to the complexity of solving some problems. One computational model building class I attended, almost everyone in the class had ADHD.
Ah but they must have found their forever focus, the one they can deep dive on and never get bored.
I’ve chosen a pretty technical field myself and I often read a lot of technical articles about things I’m interested in. But if I *have* to then I immediately don’t want to lol
The legal field is similar. I’ve lost count of how many colleagues, bosses and judiciary members I’ve met with ADHD or so many adhd traits that a diagnosis is obvious at that point.
As far as events, you should have me on. I’ve found a whole other level of awareness for this and taken things to a new level.
After 15 years of real adulting, and many challenges, I feel like the more we share our trials, the more we can lift the vale of ignorance and inspire those who have or those who may have to embrace instead of shame!!!
Wow, thinking about introducing concepts to neurotypical folks to who may not understand, using a method or accommodation without naming it is a great idea. I've been doing this my whole life in school and my career, and I tend to lean more toward talking about skills and challenges rather than labels and deficits during my kid's IEP meetings.
Great video! I'm recently diagnosed ADHD-- thanks, in part, to Jessica. And I'm currently in the process of learning how to do my job and passion (as a pastor) in a way that makes my ADHD an asset! I love this community and all the encouragment!
God bless, brains!
Have fun with that, and my God help you.
Passionate pastors are the best I learn so much for them, and ADHD brains often are really passionate
W. William Bourez I've noticed that the more I stray from my rigid preaching notes and speak from the heart, the more passionate and creative I can be. Perhaps God made me this way so I can be more effective in my preaching. Thanks!
You're a Pastor! That's great :) I'd love to fellowship sometime.
Yeah, God makes everyone special and with special talents, Glad you have a passion for it:)
Fitness instructor has been a blessing. I have adhd and also a neurological disorder TN which has been crippling. One hour a day of teaching exercise to others has really helped me. I didn’t disclose I had adhd, but they soon realized I was quirky haaa. Quirkiness works in my field. Working on choreography keeps me motivated and from getting bored. The members are my main focus and I allow them to choose music and come teach with me. I love it. When I am done I come home and sleep as the trigeminal neuralgia knocks me out. I could not imagine having this job. I also have been married 27 years, found the right guy.
The opening cracked me up.
And THANK YOU for posting the videos with Dr Hallowell, they are super helpful.
Your channel is gold for all of us. Thank you ❤
Thanks for making these videos Jessica. You make quality videos for ourselves and others to understand ADHD. Not only that, it gives us all a safe and comforting place to gather and discuss in the comments and a place where you don't feel out of place for once. Love the channel and congrats on the subscriber milestone!
This made me cry. Its so good hearing this. This channel is everything.
This was really amazing and informative!! You guys are such amazing people congrats on the 100k subscribers you totally deserve every single one!!
Oh good. I need this. Most of my jobs have driven me crazy and it's gotten me hugely depressed to be unable to find a job that works for me.
I work Attractions (rides) at a very popular theme park! It’s amazing for ADHD brains bc you get to talk to literally hundreds of people a day, you’re in a place you love, and you experience the success and beauty of your fast brain as it multitasks a million miles an hour faster and happier than your coworkers can. You also gain confidence talking and instructing people which is nice after years of self esteem and social anxiety trouble associated with the symptoms of undiagnosed ADHD.
Also applying to medical school this month :) I find my ADHD brain shines most when it gets busy at the clinic I volunteer in (days where you’re assisting new volunteers, have multiple open projects, staff at the clinic counting on you, and patients to attend to ASAP). Busy situations used to intimidate me bc I thought it would be overwhelming for me with my history of anxiety, panic disorder, and major depression. But I find busy situations are where I actually shine the most and I’m so proud of my choice to continue forwards towards my big dreams. I hope all you other brains out there do the same!!!
I'm so glad I found this channel!!!! I'm undiagnosed but I have no doubts about my condition from hearing other's shared experiences and hearing these two specifically!!! Thank you so much for your platform, Jessica!!
This channel has become LIFE to me! Thank you for following your passions!
Thank you so much for making these videos. They're really helpful for coping strategies and self-compassion. It's helped me take steps I may not have made for years, so I am very grateful for what you do.
Big applause for editing a probably 1hour interview to 7-8min. Jessica you are an absolutely amazing person.
Wow I remember when you hit 25k subs. Congrats on 100k you deserve it and you and this community have helped me so much
Your editing is awesome! Your videos are so engaging. As the mom of a brain, I find your channel to be a great source of support, encouragement, and inspiration. Thank you for having the courage and to do this!
I have ran my own daycare and preschool for 22 years. I still haven't decided what I want to do when I grow up.
Decisions, Decisions, Decisions.
Shawna Conrad me too
Shawna Conrad I'm 52 and still don't know what I want to be when I grow up.
You're not gonna grow up. You're gonna stay in preschool ;)
Gosh-this is BRILLIANT info. I struggled with jobs for 15 years (I was an older diagnosed) and found a job that allowed me to move around. A cubicle job was death for me…
this was so inspirational. I think often we get down on ourselves and think we're doomed to fail over and over again because we have difficulty living in a world that wasn't necessarily made for people like us- but Dr. Hallowell is right in saying that's a strength because it makes us the innovators, creatives, visionaries and disruptors. Thank you for another great video!
I have shared this video SO. MANY. TIMES! It’s literally gold. We don’t know how to see our strengths, but we can see them in others, even if they’re buried. I’d love a follow up video speaking about strategies to highlight our strengths for interviews, or how to work from our strengths (once we know them).
much needed video, perfect timing, and congrats on 100k! :D
Thank you a lot for your hard work, your love, your motivation. I am really speechless about how you inspire, motivate me and I am sure that everybody is exactly like me. I really become so excited when I receive a notification that you post a new video.
I really like what you do, and your are model for LOT OF People, including me.
Go on and Thank you again
BEST CHANNEL ON RUclips. I can't stop watching your videos because I'm learning sooooooo much
This was awesome! I can't wait to share it with my husband and son : ). Both my son and I have ADHD and I am so happy I found your channel! Thank you for what you are doing to encourage, educate, and empower me.
my creative out let i was lucky because i found it pretty young, i was 8 when i started acting classes. the characterization is so creative and staging and lighting and all the different creative things are amazing. im currently 14 and working professionally and doing LAMDA Acting (all distinctions in my 5 exams) with my youth theater company. i am also planning on auditioning for the national youth theater this summer.
Wow, this was seriously amazing advice I will be taking to heart! I feel like you covered just about all bases. Congrats on 100K!! 🤙
Watched your tedx talk also. Keep it up!! Your changing the world and saving millions of people.
your smile and positivity make my day!
thank you Jessica
The three circle idea is brilliant, I think that would help anyone even those without ADHD. Congrats on the subscribers by the way! I wish this community you built could meet, imagine.....ADHD Con... who would organise this? Ha ha
+The Captain Actually, CHADD has an ADHD convention every year! I went last year! :D
How to ADHD ah that's amazing, im in the UK but not sure if we have something like that here
You are awesome. Thank you so so much. Thanks to you I had the courage to go and get myself checked out. Turns out both my husband and I have ADHD which makes alot of sense. Thanks again and keep up the good work x
Thank you for this interview. That did help a bunch. I really like what you're doing, and I'm glad you're still working on things!
So much information. Literally a great channel for ADHD people.
Thank you so much for creating this. I am an author and minister and often try to 'will' my way into outward expectations that go against my wiring. Your programs help me so much in staying on the creative side of things and working from how I'm designed.
This interview was great. I'm usually weary of stuff like this because I always think I've heard it all but his advice was great... amazing job, dear!
I love this interview. Struggled with adhd my whole life and so glad I found this channel and this interview
You made my favorite and most concise video on ADD, I love it!
Another informative video! I really appreciate how he put it, "I like deadlines and they will help me do it better." I will definitely be using this in my future interviews! =)
Disclosing without naming it is a great idea! If your workplace doesn't make accommodations (or whatever word you want to use) for you, there are some legal requirements you could bring up (if the suggestions framed as "here's how I work best" don't make adequate changes).
Congrats on 100k. Also all your videos just keep adding to my toolbox of self management...I'm going to need a garage to put them in soon.
Also I always watch your videos multiple times because I want to make sure I didn't miss anything :) because I really love your channel . Go brains!
Congrats on 100k!!! Ilysm ♥️💕
LOVE working with Jessica. The best accommodation for ADHD is finding the job you love! We are the innovators, the explorers, the risk takers, the disrupters and the visionaries. Never Give Up! BTW, the blocking referred to in this video is Driven to Distraction at Work: www.drhallowell.com/books/driven-to-distraction-at-work
Holy cow this is amazing!! Thank you so much for this, and everything else you have posted!!
Very concise and informative. Thanks a lot to you both.
I just want to say how grateful I am for your channel!!
As of Friday, I have been officially diagnosed with adult ADHD, and will be starting treatment, including both therapy and medication!! Thanks so much! I wouldn't have had the courage to go talk to my doctor without you and your channel. You made a huge difference in my life
Sarah Olsen I'm still waiting for my results I'm so nervous!
Wow. 100k! Congratulations
Congratulations on 100k subscribers! Love the channel, keep it up.
It’s so true -when I am passionate about smth I give it 200% can focus non stop and nothing will let me give up.I also noticed that good employers identify the values very well -I hardly ever been on time in any of my jobs /might be disorganised at times but the results delivered and innovations made earned me flexibility and acknowledgement in my jobs to work from home /on flexi hours etc -as long as they see results they don’t care about my weaknesses
That was a lovely video! I am 100% trying out the time blocking method and I'll find what works best. THANKS DR. HALLOWELL
WAIT I JUST REALIZED YOU GUYS HIT 100K! Congrats and I am so incredibly happy you're finding success with this! :DD
I'm in my mid forties and recently discovered I've got ADHD (explained so much). So happens I had a perfect job for someone with ADHD. As a bookbinder in a large printshop my tasks changed frequently depending on what we were producing. While some aspects of what I did remained the same, each print job had its own unique requirements that kept me from ever getting bored or distracted.
I've since been promoted to running the shop's fulfillment center which brings a whole new set of challenges to face. Receiving inventory, organization, stocking, shipping orders, establishing work processes, etc. I enjoy the creative problem solving . For me the trick is multiple to-do lists, I use lots of post-it notes (dated so I know which are oldest), calendar reminders, and clear lists of priorities and procedures.
Really glad I watched the first video in this series as well, thanks so much! 🙏🏻🖤
OMG this episode was smashing awesome !! He really nailed so many points that explained a lot. This all makes perfect sense & too bad I didn't find out & know all this valuable info at an earlier time in my life. I am thankful to know now thank you so much to both you & Dr H