hey, I know I can't really help..but i know how you feel..there was an article on here that had the quote: "The classic story of untreated full-blown ADD is the intelligent person who cannot get her life together, and who becomes increasingly demoralized, anxious, and depressed as the years wear on."

Although I am diagnosed it still describes me very much...I'm in a somewhat similar situation...having time is not the issue right now for me but having unstructured time, where i have a long list of things i need to do but can't seem to get started, stay consistent, and be productive. even when the things on my to do list are extremely important!!!

anxiety and depression come with the territory when we are so exhausted of driving our selves uphill only to find that we haven't moved an inch.

I completely feel your pain!!!

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It sounds that in college you did really well b/c most things you did had a structured time set for when you needed to show up/ do something that involved another person...

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I cannot tell you how much that quote meant to me. I am intelligent, I graduate with a 3.94 GPA and I can't believe that I'm where I am. I have students from 8 years ago graduating from college, getting married, having babies and I'm being invited to these major events because I made such an influence in their lives in JUNIOR HIGH! and I avoid the phone because I don't want to have to tell people I'm unemployed when they ask what I'm doing! Hearing that someone else can relate means so much, (it made me feel less crazy) and your insight about the fact that I seem to excel with structure is so helpful. I'd like to hear more about what your experience has been so maybe I can see something from the other side that may be helpful for you? Good luck Smile and thank you again.

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ugh..where do i even start..oh,i know how about that its 1:30 am and still not asleep! I set my alarm to help me wake up in the morning but I cant get myself out bed and started with my day if i'm not required to actually leave the house for a scheduled activity where someone else is counting on me...I need that structure as well...I'm currently not working but starting to look for a job as well....the thing is I have so many things that are extremely important and haven't made any progress on them....I know i need a coach but I can't afford one either...we seem to be good at helping others but not our selves..maybe we can peer coach or something?

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b/t/w thats really great that you can look back at such a successful time in college and as an effective teacher!!! and yes i can relate to the avoiding ppl b/c I dont feel like answering questions about what i'm doing, etc, etc...I didn't used to be such a private person but as the years go by I come to realize that I can't let everyone "in" b/c they wont understand, will judge me, and make things worse...I am very careful with who i talk to about my ADD related stuff...in some ways this can be a bad thing but i think its still good to be a bit protective ..who knows..perhaps the more I learn about my self and can better manage things..i can be more open with ppl around me...and not take it personally if they dont understand...

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Hi, I really know how tough it is to stick to it. I changed from the stress of writing IEP's in Special Ed to teaching Early Childhood Ed, but after I quit my job as a Kindergarten teacher in 2006, I haven't been able to find a real job except for day care centers, which I hate. See I went full time back to school for my master's in Early childhood Ed. I have a Certificate of Eligibility for teaching Preschool to Grade 3, but the state still hasn't sent my certificate for K-5. They said they may not give it to me so I might have to take more classes, but I don't know yet. In the mean time, I have been substitute teaching, which isnt too fun, but it has given me a lot more confidence in my classroom management and teaching skills. It might be a good idea to try, you can sign up for multiple school districts that way you'll get more phone calls. Looking for a job can be a job in itself. I am constantly updating my portfolio, sending out resumes, and checking the internet (monster.com is great). Every state has different requirements, but some states like Connecticut, Louisiana, and Georgia are really in need of teachers. If you are willing to relocate or commute it might help out. I can't even get someone to hire me so I can get a provisional. There is also a great book called Inside Secrets to Finding a Teaching Job by Jack warner and Clyde Bryan. It gives you resume tips, interview ideas, etc. I love it. Good luck!

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Step back and look at your life. Right now you may think I am absolutely crazy for telling you this, but I think you should cut down on the number of jobs you have. If you absolutely have to have another part time job, try tutoring or maybe be a Teacher's Aide. Maybe there are positions in private schools near you while you continue to get your license. The more experience teaching you have, whatever the location, you are able to show a prospective employer that you do have experience in a variety of situations. Also, when are you fitting in time to look for a job? When are you calling school districts about possible opportunities or sending out your resume? You have too many other responsibilities on your plate besides your child. Slow down a little bit, maybe you can cut down on your weekday hours and give yourself time to relax and find a job with the effort it requires. I hope this helps--I have seen what stress can do to a person with ADHD and it's not pretty.

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Boy can I relate to what everyone has been saying. I struggle too with finding a new job.I cant sleep at night, tell myself I am getting up early to get something accomplished.Then wake up exhausted,check my email ,and lo and behold its a few hours later. What a catch 22. Glad to know I am not the only one to do the same thing.Not that it makes it any better for you or me...but know I feel your pain.

hugs

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I can see myself in all of your posts. I was diagnosed 3years ago I was a Labor and delivery Nurse for 27years a Private Pilot License, a Scuba Instructor and Now ........................ none of these.............. but I am learning .I try every Day to accomplish one task ..Some days I do most days I don't. BUT I learned one thing to laugh at my failures you know when I was trying to be tidy whilst pouring home made soup into freezer bags forgot something totally unrelated in the other room ,took off to take care of it then onto something else ...you know the story came back eventually to the kitchen saw the bags hlf filled with soup rushed to get finished before my hubby came home .............................it all ended up on the floor summomed help from my 3 cats but the cats wouldn't even eat it ..I laughed. I was so frustrated and so wanted to cry but I stepped back and I laughed.....Always try to laugh it wont solve a thing but it will make you feel better ....a least a bit

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I know that working as a substitute doesn't include any benefits except TRS in my state, but at least it pays the bills. The teacher leaves the list for you, so you don't have to plan anything. It depends on your locale, but when I had to work as a substitute, several of my teaching friends requested me as their sub. Perhaps spending enough time there will help kick in whatever motivation you need to truly get back in the groove.

I think it so fantastic that your students are inviting you to their weddings! As for answering their questions of "What are you doing now?" -- #1, mostly it is just small talk, they may or may not even remember your answer. #2, it is the self-esteem issue that makes you think more about it. What would I say in that situation? "I'm taking some time off for myself right now. I'm considering changing fields." Their response would be something like, "Good luck! or "Oh no, you're so good!" and then they'll change the subject. As one of my professors used to tell me, "Quit shoulding on yourself!!" (I should have said; I should have done . . .)

I can so relate to doing well in college! 3.95 GPA I color-coded things, wrote due dates on the calendar a week ahead of the actual due date, etc. Now?? Well, I'm really worried about getting fired because my office is so cluttered. I'm a public librarian and I have several board members with OCD tendecies. I get a lot of things done -- except filing. I may find myself on the substitute list again.

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