Work life for me is also a struggle. Basic tasks that seem so easy for others call for a concentrated effort to absorb and remember details on my part. And even then, I still forget things. In my 3 month evaluation, I received a "Fair, but needs improvement" score and remembering and passing on information is one of my weak points. Also, I am "lacking initiative". But, I started taking Strattera 6 days ago and I'm already noticing some improvement. There is hope, we just need to take all the help that's available.

Quote

And anything that would normally be taken just as feedback by some people can ruin our day! Try to remember that its not personal. Talking to your boss about what they can do to help you is a great idea. I just asked my doctor to submit a letter detailing suggestions on accomodations that my company could provide for me. Tomorrow I start getting to work from home two days a week. Start patting yourself on the back more and noting what you're good at. I've heard carrying a notecard with 5 positive attributes about yourself can be helpful, too.

Quote

Oh, I can definitely relate to that. The toughest things for me are being compassionate with my own self and feeling ashamed that I "can't even get simple stuff done." At this moment, I'm supposed to be working and I'm on the verge of tears because it's so tough to get started. It really hurts to feel this stuck, especially when I know I can do the work. Fortunately, I'm blessed with a compassionate boss (although she didn't start out that way).

I'm going to find an ADD buddy/coach to help me be accountable, remind me of my strengths and help me re-focus on the next thing I have to do.

I also know that part of my issue is that I don't have a passion for my job. My focus improves sharply when my heart is in what I'm doing. So I'm looking for another job now.

I hope things get better for you and for all of us.

Quote

I have developed a day planner which is recommended by ADD coaches and which has helped many people. It's guaranteed for 6 months, so there's very little to lose. Visit www.deltaplanner.com for more info.

Quote

Goodness, when I read the posts to my "Work is Such a Struggle" subject; I felt that people really do understand what I am going through.

I, too, got a less than stellar work review (before I started on Adderall). I was devastated and I started crying during the review. Now that was embarrassing. I did not know I had ADD at that time.

I am so thankful that my p-doc diagnosed me because I felt that I was losing control of my work life.

Things have improved for me (nothing is perfect - I know). I have GOOD days and some NOT_SO_GOOD!

Hang in there, everyone.

Quote

Quote:

RoseJPark said: I work in an office and have many tasks and job duties I need to accomplish. I was on vacation for a week and I came back to work today. I took my Adderall XR 15 mg - but I felt so stressed and I did not know where to begin.

I have to respond to the bosses emails about things I did wrong that she catches. And I have to write procedures. I feel so overwhelmed and inadequate at work. I actually feel stupid and a failure.

I am thinking about meeting with the boss and going over everything I have to do and see if she can help me prioritize what should be done first. She knows I have ADHD.

I do well at church where I play and musical instrument and help serve food for the church and the homeless.

Why do I feel so dumb at work? It is like I am afraid that they will fire me.

Help!

Quote

This workbook is so helpful I strongly recommend to all of us with the "Gift"

Quote

I also find work inside an organisation immensely stressful. The biggest thing that has worked for me was to find work that lined up with the way ADD presents itself in me. That way ADD is nothing but a gift. Working in a job where you have to be everything that ADD is not (e.g organised, deadline driven, detailed) is always going to be tough no matter how hard you try. For me, it was not so much changing what I did but HOW I did it because the most important thing for me was to work alone. I am now self employed - still doing HR - but working on projects that are lined up with my skills and interests. If this is not a possibility for you, you could try asking your boss to assist you to prioritise your work. Thid might mean that you meet every morning for 10 minutes just to go through what you need to do for that day and to find a routine that will work for you both. I hope this helps. Lizzie

Quote

First post here. I was recently diagnosed with ADHD and I'm finding it quite a challenge. I have a big job with a lot of responsibility and have a new boss... who is a serious micro manager. To say that I feel paralyzed is an under-statement. I just can't manage to get any work done. My previous boss was great. He let me do my thing and although the role hasn't changed, I was motivated to work the insane (70+ hours a week) hours to get it all done. I received outstanding reviews. To spin it in a positive way, this new boss prompted me to seek answers and this has resulted in my diagnosis. I have always been a high performer at work but would stay in a job for 9 months before being promoted to another area so no one really had the chance to watch me too closely and see how inefficient I am and my role was more operational than it is in my current position.

It's been obvious that I haven't been happy at work and my boss has been on my case. I finally told her about my diagnosis. I guess that gives my employer a duty to accomodate (I live in Canada) as long as I'm seeking help. It was a tough discussion and I unfortunately broke down in tears.

I haven't been able to receive a prescription yet but have two appointments this week and hope that I can finally get help after that. I have been diagnosed with ADHD by two specialists.

Anyway, I guess this is more of a venting post than a question or a comment. I'm just struggling right now and feel that I can't do anything right at work (after doing everything right for so long). I'm so glad that there is somewhere I can go to learn more and to know that I'm not the only person with these challenges.

Thanks for "listening".

Mary

Quote

Trouble at work is part of what prompted me to see a psychologist and ultimately get my diagnosis. I found that after about 6 months in a new job in a new career, I felt completely out of control. I would spend days on blogs instead of working. At first, the preassure to impress and succeed was the motivation I needed. The newness of the subject matter also helped. Now I am feeling stagnant. I am also struggling with balancing responsibilities and priorities without deadlines, so I can really relate.

One of my biggest problems, though, is feeling dread about going to work and feeling uncomfortable just being here in my office all day. There are days when I just want to jump out of my skin at every noise, person, and buzzing from my lights. I feel i would often work better from home where I can control my environment, but the attorney I do work for feels very strongly about talking face to face and not communicating through e mail. I also worry about asking for too much accomodation.

Quote