Hello Countrobula:

Welcome to the ADDitude forums! And thanks for sharing your story about searching for work that works for you. I wonder: Is the job coach that you mentioned specifically trained in helping people with ADHD? From the sound of it, I would guess not, which may explain why she hasn't been syncing with your needs and interests... I don't know of any non-profit services for ADHD job coaching, but you might find some special programs run through AADA or ADD Consults or CHADD. You can find links to those organizations here: http://www.additudemag.com/resources/links.html

I hope that helps!

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Hello Countrobula

I agree with Anni. It doesn't sound like the group you're working with for job/career support works specifically with ADHD. There are many organizations and individuals out there that offer services that are of interest to people with ADHD (life coaches, therapists, etc), but I have a very strong belief that the most valuable assistance is going to come from professionals with expertise in working with people that have ADHD specifically. One of the very best resources I can suggest for job/career assistance is your state's Vocational Rehabilitation Dept. In Wisconsin (my state), this department works under Workforce Development. You can easily find your state's resources by googling "Voc Rehab + your state."

Voc Rehab works with all sorts of individuals- some very low functioning and some very high functioning. They assist many individuals with completing undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as help individuals secure jobs that fit well with their strengths and weaknesses. When working with people that have ADHD, the details are SO, SO important.... These people might be able to offer the kind of help you're looking for AS WELL AS provide monetary resources to pay the individuals you choose to work with.

OH- and they will also treat you like an adult and not report back to your father!

Good luck to you!

ADHD Coach in WI

http://www.madisoncoaching.com

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I remembered that I needed a job coach to help keep me on track and focused. But, it had to take place at the job. It will also depend on how trustworthy your supervisor is. Mine was my nurse manager, I talked to her and told her what would be beneficial to both of us. She was willing to read a book on ADHD and in it was a section on job coaching. She read it and we developed a system where she would cue me if I got off task, that way she didn't have to say anything for anyone else to know what was going on.It worked really well. That is an idea for you to play with. Thanks

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I'm not so sure how much I can contribute to the job coach issue but I do empathize with having a father want to tell you how you should be working. The phrase I remember hearing the most was " When are you going to stop moving from job to job?! You don't have to like it - you just have to do it." Very frustrating. But I believed in myself and I knew the jobs I had before weren't right. I eventually started temping - and I loved it! I had a new job all the time and I learned a TON of skills. I got a reputation as someone who picked up things very quickly and I never stayed at a place long enough to get bored. :) Eventually, I did end up applying for a permanent job that my mom encouraged me to apply for (THANKS MOM!), and I was hired as an emergency services telecommunicator. That was 9 1/2 years ago and the only job I have ever stuck with. I still love going to work every day - and because the job constantly changes I don't get bored.

My brother (highly highly ADHD) took a very different route. He backpacked around America for about 7yrs and worked THOUSANDS of part time jobs. He cooked, was a tattoo artist and worked on an Alaskan fishing boat to name just a few. It took him a very long time but it finally clicked for him. He started working on films as a prop guy and worked his way up. He now has been the Propmaster on quite a few films - including Terminator 4 coming out next year. He still takes 3-4 months "sabbaticals" to go sit on a beach and paint or wander around and probably will never stop needing that.

I guess the point is ..... know you. Know what you can do and what you like to do and then follow that. Does it look unconventional? Yep. Do others see you as irresponsible? lazy? a bum? Maybe so, but you're the only one that has to be happy with your day at the end of it.

********************************* For the ADHD coach in WI that mentioned the Workforce Development Center - is that going to be the same one as the one at Waukesha County Technical College? I'm wondering about having my daughter talk to them in a few years when she is a senior.

Jule

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I definitely agree with Jule. It really helps to work in places that you love. I think her story about her brother is amazing! It sounds like his chosen path really suits him. Temp positions, though I haven't had one myself, also sounds like a great choice for ADDers looking for variety--also a good idea from Jule.

I'm lucky enough to be in a position where the work is fun and challenging and the hours are flexible. It started as an internship position for research and Web programming, and although I didn't make it as a full fledged programmer, I was hired to do research and writing. I think my ADD traits of enthusiasm and the interest in a variety of aspects of the job really helped get me hired permanently.

While I can't recommend a job placement company, the following worked out for me.

By staying at home a little longer than college (moved out when I was 25), I was able to try out college, a few different jobs, and figure out what I wanted to do. While this was helpful, I also ended up in jobs and on career paths that I wasn't comfortable in. Jobs that just didn't "fit" ME. And it's because like you mentioned for yourself, I don't always take control and/or speak up for myself. I just kind of floated from one long term job to the next. Nothing was horribly bad, but some were really hard for someone with ADD.

When I finally moved out with my girlfriend, just the physical and emotional distance from my parents along with my girlfriend's support helped distance myself from their influence. I have a fairly positive relationship with them, but like with (most? all?) some parents, they had their own ideas of what I should do with my life. For example, engineering was approved as an appropriate educational or career choice, while theatre was a bad idea. "Who told you that you could do well at theatre? Did your teacher tell you that?" Another one was "why do you want to go to that expensive college? We can't afford it!"

Beyond job placement, resources from other places may help, for example colleges have Disabled Student Services (DSS) offices that can offer advice to students (I'm not sure that you're a student, though). Additionally, your friends sound like great support and they may be able to give you the right "encouragement" (reminders, games, challenges, even bets for/against you, etc) to help you zero-in on what you want to do. You may find it's much more rewarding to go out there, meet employers, and get "dirty" looking for jobs that may (or may not, who knows what you'll really like?) interest you!

You can "OWN" the job(s) you find and like, love, or hate them, there's power to be had in making the choice yourself. You don't need to satisfy anyone's expectations for positions you find on your own (counselor nor father).

It sounds like the issues with your father dwarf the smaller issues with the job placement place. As a job worthy candidate with past experience, I'm sure work won't be a problem for you. Now how you want to handle your relationship with your father - that's another story!

Get in there and argue it out? Go for a win-win solution (if any)? Maybe give it some space (emotionally or physically by moving out eventually)? Best of luck to you!

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Hi Rob,

First, I have to say that although I read forums, I have never been a member of one or made a reply to someone. This is my first time. I felt I just had to, because, your story is similar to mine. I was diagnosed with ADHD (inattive-type) just over 2 years ago - I am almost the same age as you too.

I've tried many (most) of the ADHD medications, which I am prescribed by a psychiatrist. Last winter, he suggested that I go to a organization that helps people find employment - I did, but was quite upset when I found out it was for people with disabilities. (I struggle, but I do not consider myself disabled). I'm chronically disappointed that I haven't achieved more in life and was referred to such an organization.

Being that you are an adult, I think that the agency absolutely violated your privacy. Also, they must not understand ADHD very well, as I think most of us (with ADHD) would nearly slip into a coma having to perform a boring, repetative task like retrieving books. (I did work in a library once, repairing books and reshelving them, and I'd nearly fall asleep).

After graduating from university, I found myself in some mind-numbing clerical positions that had nothing to do with my degree. This was partly the result of having an over-bearing father whom, my entire life, TOLD me what to do - and, like you, I made the mistake of not speaking up for myself - but it is difficult to do that (especially if you're young / in your teens) when, for your entire life, your true strengths, weakness, interests and dreams have consistantly been disregarded by a domineering parent. Also, I was not diagnosed until I was an adult, therefore I didn't receive any help when I was in school - I just thought I was disorganized, irresponsible and stupid. That takes a toll on a person's self-esteem. I was also diagnosed, at the same time (2yrs ago). with Dysthymia (which has been there since I was, at least, 15), Social Anxiety Disorder and Generalized Anxiety Disorder. The psychiatrist suspects that these are all the result of having undiagnosed and untreated ADHD.

I'd love to get a reply (I've never done this before!)

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i'm a little different from you guys. i didn't have the overbearing parent who inflicted any sort of structure into my life. i was pretty much left to screw up my life any way i pleased. with ADHD i was in every direction at once. after a random sequence of events, i managed to find myself working in a formula car racing team in england when i was 18...mostly making tea and coffee for everyone and cleaning and occasionally rebuilding a gearbox when i was lucky. i found out that i was at peak performance at the track on race day working as fast as i could in perpetual panic. the pace and pressure dialed in my focus-my mind became clear as a bell and right on task.

since then, the jobs i've been most successful at were stage hand(ie. britney spears setup, show and breakdown in 8hours), pyrotechnician(mostly 4th of july fireworks...you focus fast when your trying not to blow yourself up) and rigger(hanging stuff really high up with nothing much to hold on to-you don't think about anything else except where your feet and hands are). i worked a desk job once for 6months in R&D for the NAVY(government job-need i say more-someone could die at their desk and you won't figure it out for a month). i swore from then on, no matter how much money they offered, i would never take another desk job in my life.

Anything that gets your heart rate up. Even just feeling the weight of your responsibility, not just a cog, but a real part of the team- that its success relies on Your contribution. and don't linger on mistakes-learn from them and move on. hell, i nearly wiped out the cast of the Broadway traveling troupe of Annie Get Your Gun during a show...i think they noticed. But i took my lesson to heart and didn't make that mistake again-and moved on.

also, a trick i learned from a self-help book: if your task or job is not stimulating enough, learn more about he subject. when you know more about the intricacies of that subject, your creative mind wants to jump in and do something with the info and suddenly the possibilities are endless.

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I feel for you. You were underserved to be sure. I work with an organization that serves DD individuals and work with a lot of job coaches. Job coaches tend to work with people with other disabilities, specifically developmental disabilities (DD) such as MR (mental retardation).

I don't know anything about your case, but you probably need a job that keeps you on your toes-- keeps you physically moving, or talking with people, traveling, etc.

What about a recruiter position working for a staffing agent? Admissions at a university, college or GED, or workforce educational program?

Physical trainer? This would keep you in the gym (you know exercise is a major component to ADD recovery), talking and working with people in short periods like 15, 30, and 60 minute intervals, etc. What about a job in customer service, answering phones-- in an office where you don't have to sit at your desk all day but can walk around with a head set, etc?

What about a job in transportation-- for the school district for example. This keeps you visually stimulated, you get to interact for short periods with different people, etc .

If you can get in on any job like these-- even for part-time at first-- you wouldn't be any worse off than you are now working PT. You will be happier though and you'll have your foot in the door for a full time job when one comes up.

Helpful?

Cindy

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Alberta, I'd also bet that your other psych issues are a result of untreated ADD for so long. You can fully recover from all of them if you work hard to properly support your ADD-- especially by educating others around you about it. Make sure you have daily "people" support too.

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Alberta said: Hi Rob,

First, I have to say that although I read forums, I have never been a member of one or made a reply to someone. This is my first time. I felt I just had to, because, your story is similar to mine. I was diagnosed with ADHD (inattive-type) just over 2 years ago - I am almost the same age as you too.

I've tried many (most) of the ADHD medications, which I am prescribed by a psychiatrist. Last winter, he suggested that I go to a organization that helps people find employment - I did, but was quite upset when I found out it was for people with disabilities. (I struggle, but I do not consider myself disabled). I'm chronically disappointed that I haven't achieved more in life and was referred to such an organization.

Being that you are an adult, I think that the agency absolutely violated your privacy. Also, they must not understand ADHD very well, as I think most of us (with ADHD) would nearly slip into a coma having to perform a boring, repetative task like retrieving books. (I did work in a library once, repairing books and reshelving them, and I'd nearly fall asleep).

After graduating from university, I found myself in some mind-numbing clerical positions that had nothing to do with my degree. This was partly the result of having an over-bearing father whom, my entire life, TOLD me what to do - and, like you, I made the mistake of not speaking up for myself - but it is difficult to do that (especially if you're young / in your teens) when, for your entire life, your true strengths, weakness, interests and dreams have consistantly been disregarded by a domineering parent. Also, I was not diagnosed until I was an adult, therefore I didn't receive any help when I was in school - I just thought I was disorganized, irresponsible and stupid. That takes a toll on a person's self-esteem. I was also diagnosed, at the same time (2yrs ago). with Dysthymia (which has been there since I was, at least, 15), Social Anxiety Disorder and Generalized Anxiety Disorder. The psychiatrist suspects that these are all the result of having undiagnosed and untreated ADHD.

I'd love to get a reply (I've never done this before!)

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Hello All,

Alberta, Countrobula, etc I have enjoyed reading all your posts so much. Likely partially because I can completely empathize. I was only diagnosed 3 months ago (after years of suspicion), and am excited to see that there is a place where we can communicate with people who get it. I am tired of the misconception that ADHD is a mythical beast that people who are irresponsible and lazy claim exists only to validate their behavior. Yuck, but the media and society doesn't help to squelch these myths!

Anyway sorry to be getting off topic. I also am having issues with my parents and my career. I do have a good relationship with them but I am in my 4th year of graduate school (in which every minute has felt like hell) and I want nothing more than to be done. I have to go back from winter break next week and I want nothing more than to run away and go sell T-shirts in Mexico or something equally pressure free. Like many others on this thread have said I have developed numerous other anxiety and inadequacy issues as a result of going undiagnosed for so long and after a month away from the fast-paced life of school I crave at least another two months off.

The ironic part is that I'm actually in psychology and really do love everything having anything to do with the mind, human behavior, emotion, and various disorders and their treatment etc. etc. Ideally I would write articles about all these different topics but I know I would struggle with keeping myself on task and finishing things and I also know I can't live without a steady income and benefits so what have those of you who have taken either temp jobs or just traveled around taking different jobs done to deal w/ these drawbacks? I would love nothing more than to work from home and set my own hours and sit at my office chair with a big cup of coffee and write magazine articles. (Hopefully also helping to allay the previously mentioned myths of the public in the process).

So anyway, I guess I don't have any answers but want to thank you all for sharing what you have. It makes me feel legitimate and less alone.

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Hi, This is anika. i newly join this site. its very useful to others.

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anika.

<a href=http://jobs.bizoppjunction.com>Job Search</a>

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