I hold on to jobs; and am very good at what I do. It is my mouth which I will unleash if you do anything to put a patient in jeporady or my liscense . Most recently they fired me due to something I had said ; and using sick time that is alloted to me. It is in these moments; I know I was right; but it feels like I should have done it different. The economy is really tough ; and it has been difficult allot of nibbles; but no real bites especially with the salary I made. I haven't lost hope; but I do miss working. My union will send them to arbritation if they don't give me job back.

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I hold on to jobs; and am very good at what I do. It is my mouth which I will unleash if you do anything to put a patient in jeporady or my liscense . Most recently they fired me due to something I had said ; and using sick time that is alloted to me. It is in these moments; I know I was right; but it feels like I should have done it different. The economy is really tough ; and it has been difficult allot of nibbles; but no real bites especially with the salary I made. I haven't lost hope; but I do miss working. My union will send them to arbritation if they don't give me job back.

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I hold on to jobs; and am very good at what I do. It is my mouth which I will unleash if you do anything to put a patient in jeporady or my liscense . Most recently they fired me due to something I had said ; and using sick time that is alloted to me. It is in these moments; I know I was right; but it feels like I should have done it different. The economy is really tough ; and it has been difficult allot of nibbles; but no real bites especially with the salary I made. I haven't lost hope; but I do miss working. My union will send them to arbritation if they don't give me job back.

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I'm just so impatient without my meds

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I can completely empathize with you! I'm in the same exact circumstance! I'm 32 and was just diagnosed with ADD about four months ago. Of course, this diagnosis has come AFTER my last job, from which I was fired.

I've been in the advertising industry for almost nine year, have held six jobs and been fired from four because of poor work performance. I was good at managing the "big picture"; however, when it came to the details, I did a horrible job. I don't believe that any of my supervisors will give me a positive recommendation either. However, I have colleagues (team members) that I had a good relationship with and they have provided favorable recommendations. Have you reached out to co-workers or clients?

I am also volunteering my time with an organization that provides professional services to non-profits groups pro bono. I have several people who have given me professional recommendations whom I volunteered with. Have you considered volunteering while you're in between jobs? Aside from gaining recommenders, it will fill in the gaps in your resume.

I have also considered self-employment but not in the industry I was working in. I have decided to turn a hobby into a career. If you pursue self-employment, just keep in mind that it could impact any unemployment insurance payments you're receiving. Also, if you're going to work for yourself in the same career field, just keep in mind that many of the same challenges you had in the past will still be there until you learn to manage the symptoms of ADD.

Lastly, I am not too versed on the ADA act. However, I do know that it won't provide any retroactive protection for past positions you've held. In fact, it doesn't cover you from being fired if you're not performing to expectations in your current. It is intended to require your employer to provide reasonable accommodations such as not sitting you by a high-traffic printer where you will be constantly interrupted. And I know that you're only covered by the ADA unless you disclose the ADD to your employer... don't know to whom and to what manner so make sure you're taking the appropriate steps so you're covered.

I hope this helps answer your questions. And, best of luck in your job search!

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HI For the last year my ADD has given me problems I have with time ect. MY supervisors did not like to hear that I forgot. Well I just lost my job. For the last 18 years I have been underemployed. Thanks for letting my speak my mind. It may be time for me to self employment.

CLU

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hedonistcat said: Since I was diagnosed at age 29, my previous jobs were done with my ADHD brain untreated. It showed negatively in the work place and I ended many many jobs to the point where I dont have references who could give me positive feed back . Now that I am job searching in the bad economy, this past works against me in every way.

I've been looking into self employment for the past few months as a better option for me. How many of you have had the same negative past experiece in the workplace which plays against you in your current job search? I don't know if the ADA act is inclusive of those with ADHD? Supervisors don't really understand ADHD or bipolar depression. Share some of your stories with me. :)

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I lucked out and found a job x 2 ONe full time the other 16 hours a week. Both have Flex time, no weekends, holidays 12 sick days. personal day etc. health insurance and 401k . The thing iz am nervous about is once I get it. I become restless and I never had to work so closely with someone. Frankly that why I liked the ED; but now that I am over 50 I am looking to work at the computer with HIV people as the clients. I am excited ; but nervous. I will take my time to learn the way to get there and the way home. i will let them know I am ADHD so I can play some music. I get to wear real clothes no scrubs anymore So it will take time ; but I am looking forward to it. I am also going to finish school this year.

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I am 43 and with a diagnosis of ADD for 4 years now. Recently, I was given the option of resigning or being fired. I chose Resigning and this is the second time this has happened. Bosses have issues with the negative aspects of ADD especially attention to detail. I was also part of a massive cutback and was an easy choice to let go. Working in the educational community for over 20 years has taught me that schools have a very difficult issue dealing with ADD/ADHD students. Many educators still believe its a hoax label to cover up laziness and behavioral issues. I was in my second year as a guidance counselor when cut. It is very self defeating and a set back in my career ambitions. This situation is forcing me to move back to Michigan where the unemployment rate is at 12% and even higher in my hometown. The positive aspect is I will be closer to my kids but without an income it will make the transition difficult. I work hard on turning failure into a learning experience and move forward. As Bruce Wayne said "The reason we fall down is to learn how to get back up." I refuse to stay down and this is what keeps me going.

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I was a flight att for 10 years. I got married after that and my husband had a demanding job and demanded my time so I quit. Now i've been divorced for 3 years and along with ADHD and LD I am completely depressed. I don't have a college education, I cannot afford a coach, I can't even pay my bills. I don't have any skills, only things that I excel in which I would need to go to school for to get a job. I need money now. I am so stuck. When I go online to look for online jobs I get confused because they all want money and I'm also afraid that I won't understand it or follow through. I don't know what to do anymore. Can anyone tell me how they got started with self-employment? My email is kdhp1@hotmail.com I will take any advice I can get as I am struggling to get out of bed in the morning over money.

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Dear Shinyball,

My mom was a flight attendant too... anyhow. Please don't feel that the idea of school is impossible. I go to a local community college and there are a lot of older students with children divorced too who are seeking degrees/career changes what not. Profs are generally more supportive about this and my local school offers many flexible class hours.Community colleges are far less expensive than "universities" per-se. A b.a. doesn't secure jobs either. I have a b.a. and a m.a. and still unemployed. Figure out the career path of your interest. Not all good jobs/satisfying ones require b.a.s. If you want the college route, take out some financial aid loans to go full time. Have a financial aid person of the school help you out with the paperwork and the procedures. You'll get some loans so you won't have to pay until you're out of school and working- whether that means 1 year or 10 years. If you're in school, there are career resource centers, career counseling and counseling/support group type things available for no cost. so... you don't have to afford a coach. As for me- I'm just as confused as you with careers b/c I screwed up in sooo many, and now I really don't know what I want to do. There are things I like but it brings in no money- I love creative writing. Everything seems to have these loops to navigate/the right people to know/the right series of steps and paperwork etc. needed bla bla bla... too many options etc.. not good for my ADHD brain even on meds. To give you an idea of my career past: I went from retail sales, to teaching, to hopes of becoming a dentist, optometrist, physical therapist.. then discovered I can't retain any information and am hopeless with numbers... so I tried dental hygiene school and flunked out. My family roll their eyes every time I have a new career idea... b/c they know I'll do it and eventually bail out/ flunk or not get there. My shrink says, "do what you love" because you spend 40 hours a week at work. I'd like to believe her, but I've never pursued anything fully towards the end.

I really feel for you ... if school is what you want, by all means do it- talk to others in similar situations who have been there. Schools generally have a women's resource center where they may be able to help link you to resources/the right people. Are there areas of interest that you are absolutely passionate about? Please don't feel alone in this.

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I am! raises hand

I was diagnosed with extreme ADD a few months ago. I'm 40 and in all of those years I have gone through at least a job a year from 23 on except for the times that I was working for myself.

The last time was the beginning of October and the person that had been coaching me for the last two years was moving across country and our last session was the day before. So needless to say I was feeling raw and very sad. I went to work thinking I could handle it. At first everything was great but then I started acting out. I was hired to be the shipping department for the company but because they didn't have enough work for me at the time they were using my internet marketing skills in the office. So on top of my being upset that my support had moved away never to be seen again I was thinking about how if they were clients instead of a company I was working for I would be making $20 more an hour for my marketing. And I was getting angry at having to spend my whole day sitting down at a desk not being able to get rid of all of my energy. So I was really on the edge of tears and letting them know that I had to go when the owner came up the stairs and innocently asked how Iwas doing. I turned around and trying to control it all tried to say just fine and you? But it came out in a horrid angry roar of a fine with a grimace on my face instead of a smile. And The look of horror on her face said it all.

the next day I was let go because "I just was not quick enough on the job". Which couldn't have been true because I was spending most of the day internet marketing after finishing the job I was hired to do. But I couldn't fault them. I know I should have stayed home that day but I didn't.

The above story is not the norm for what happened in jobs but i know that other facets of my add played a part. Now there are things I can do to help with symptoms and to deal.

So anyone in the need of a great internet marketer? :) I have 10 years experience it's a passion of mine and I keep up on all the latest info.

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I had a job in NYC for 2 months and they let me go today. They said I didn't come out of the gate running ; and they had no time to teach. Well their loss because I am a quick study if you show me how. I lost my last job because I used my sick time and how no other choice in the beginning of the year 2008 and they fired me 1-2009 This last job they should of not hired me ; but they rushed themselves and me with this employment and now I am out in the heat (cold). I am going to look for a job tommorrow ; but I really want to be an entrepanuer and work for myself. Does anyone know how to begin.

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Yes, blame it on the ADD. I was chronically late, and had a high rate of absenteeism, was easily distracted on the job, got stuck in hyper-focus mode when I should have been moving on to the next thing, etc. With my job history of at least 20 jobs in 29 years, I opted out of the job force when I got fired last month, and retired. The truth be told, I'm scared to death about job hunting at my age with my problems. I suppose eventually I'll end up getting at least a part time job, but for now, I'm having an extended vacation, living on a shoestring budget.

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All your posts was like reading my life script. I too am experiencing fear-- of being mistreated again by impatient bosses, being gossipped by co workers who find my behavior to be "funny", and the thought that I may be switching careers for the next decade or so. I still struggled with work inspite of ADD meds-- hard to believe. not to mention the organization it takes for the job hunt and being rejected 20 plus times. :( good luck guys.

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I am of the opinion that it is great that you have so much experience as Internet Marketer http://www.csupomona.edu/~njpierce/internet-marketing.html . Nowadays Internet Marketing is more popular than ever and due to this I am of the opinion that you will find a job very soon. I wish you all the best and keep my fingers crossed.

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I was diagnosed with ADD and dyslexia since I was nine. I am to the point that I want to start my own non profit secondhand store or safehome for battered women. I was abusec for 3 years and its not as if my ADD wasnt damaging enough I had brain trauma. Hell I would lose my ass if it wasnt attached ! LOL To all my ADDers hang in there. Slow down. Maybe theres a reason we all get canned...bc we are a threat lol!

Ive been given the new name along came polly check movie out its hilar!

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I found out I had ADD about three years ago, I worked for an IT company and, noticed that I would be bored and, spaced out during meeting, this would bother me. I would read books and, not be able to concentrate, then started to make small mistakes, forget appointments, forget small details, finally my boss got fed up with me and, wrote me up and, finally got fired. A few months later I got a job as an IT instructor, which was nice but, again it put me in the hospital due to stress attacks. Now, I again having issues with missed assigments, small details and, got written up again but, this time I resigned and, am facing being unemployed again. Now I am looking to see what to do and, who can help me with my ADD problems. I don't want to be a leach to society but, I need help, my doctor just gives out medication like gum drops and, I don't seem to be getting better. To add to this I am also a diabetic, talk about a double wammy! I have a wife and, daughter plus bills, I don't want to be on public assistance but, what can I do?

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In short, I used to have all of the problems described by others above. After seven years in finance, I realized my occupation simply was not going to work for me. High stress, multi-tasking, 60+ hour work weeks, destined to work in a corporation the rest of my life, and mathematics was simply not going to play out well for me. So I switched to law, which is something that involves intense thinking on relatively long term deadlines (relative to finance at least). And, the key part, I could work for myself and develop my own practice. I firmly believe that one of the best things an ADD'er can do for themselves and find career happiness, is to work for yourself, on your terms, in your own style, with no irritated boss to explain things to...except the client. In my view, rather than deal with more HR hassles, I'd rather open a small pet store than go back to a corporate job.

And, if there are any self-employed ADD'ers out there, I would love to see a thread on it!

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I was diagnosed 6 years ago and for 5 of those years, I was able to function fairly well with medication. Sure there were incidents directly related to my ADHD but overall I was allowed the freedom to pace myself (or maybe just mask the problem). Last year, I accepted a job that I knew would be a challenge because of the volume of work and the high expectations with details. I needed to prove to myself that I could handle the challenge. What didn't fully realize was the amount of administrative work that it would entail.

This last job had me writing memos and more memos with some customer-facing work in between. I was written up for constantly making errors- simple stupid issues. Most jobs that I have had, I could adjust the work to meet my needs but this job was such bureaucratic mess with very limited flexibility. I ended up quitting rather than subject myself to the inevitable drawn-out termination process.

The whole experience riddled me with anxiety and depression. As the primary provider for the household, I feel like a huge failure. What bothers me the most is that on top of the normal forgetfulness and disorganized way of functioning, I found myself approaching tasks but being so overwhelmed with the anxiety of turning in something that I knew would contain errors or have it just not be correct overall that I just waited until it was overdue. This forced me to rush and turn in something with ridiculous errors. The irony of this is that I am in HR so I have counseled or written up employees with, what I imagine, are similar issues.

What I am taking away from this is the knowledge of my limitations. I know from previous jobs that cold calling and sales are just the wrong jobs for me. Added to that list is highly administrative work with very little public contact. Therefore,I struggle with the idea of working from home. I am finding it hard enough to get past the idea that I will have another job soon and needing to regain my confidence after such a horrible situation.

Sorry for the long post, which is my first. I needed to vent a bit...

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Hello, everyone- Yup, we've all been dealing with so many of the same issues. So the good news is that we are NOT alone, and we are NOT crazy!!!! I'm 54 years young and thrilled to have finally been diagnosed with ADD as it makes so much sense to me now. I was afraid I wasn't smart enough to go to nursing school after getting straight A's in Anatomy and Physiology and a B in Organic Chemistry while working full-time. Crazy, huh? I do have a degree in Health Education and after losing too many jobs due to "poor organization skills" but GREAT people skills, I am working with a great company building my own business. I work with a health and wellness business called Melaleuca (www.melaleuca.com). Melaleuca is a certified green health and wellness company that is not a "pyramid" or MLM, and there is no financial risk which is great because due to job loss I couldn't afford to pay to start anything! The wellness products have helped my ADD because the vitamins are THAT good, and there is a product called "Unforgettables" that has helped my son, my hubby, and me with brain function along with taking medication for ADD. I am enjoying helping other people change their health, get rid of the toxins in their homes, and we help people save a lot of money- so it's ALL good. I am looking for a way to keep my calendar organized so I don't forget things, and I'm looking for people who want to do what I'm doing with this amazing company. You do not need a college education to do this, but you do have to have "heart". This is truly no gimmick- I feel like I've finally found where I belong and it feels great. Glad to know I'm not in this alone, and that it's really ok!

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I was fired from my computer support position of just a bit over 5 years on June 22 of this year after being put on a "personal improvement plan" due to a bad performance review back in January. When I recieved the bad review I went to see the company employee assistance psychologist and she suggested I go see a physchiatrist. While waiting for the appointment, I read WebMD and other websites and came across an online questionaire regarding ADD. When I went through the questionaire, it was a "forehead-slapping" moment. I realized I answered nearly 80% of the questions as pertaining to me.. With my score, the questionaire said it was highly likely I had "Adult ADD" and that I should seek professional help. I did a screenshot of the page and the whole questionaire, and took it with me to my dr appointment. The dr gave me another similiar questionare, and afterwards agreed with the original questionaire. He also diagnosed me with severe depression, and prescribed Zoloft for the depression and Adderal for the ADD. After a 1 month trial at a low dose, and no effect, he increased the dose, and after a month, still nothing. He then tried Concerta, same 1 month trial on each dose.. Nada.. I asked him to send a letter to my company doctor with his diagnosis, which he did. Upshot was on June 22, I was called into my bosses office and told I was being let go. I asked about the letter and was told all the letter asked for in accomodations to my ADD was more time to complete the uncompleted tasks on the plan, which he claimed that they (the company) had given me..

I recall my parents taking me to a school guidance counseler when I was in elementary school (5th-6th grade) due to my getting sent to the principals office frequently, and getting so-so grades. I struggled thru jr high school (they call it middle school now) and high-school, graduating with a C average. I tried 2 semesters of Jr College, and quit, which caused me to lose my student deferment and consequently got drafted in Sept 1969. I did a bit over 8 years in the Army, as I did fairly well there until towards the end of my two enlistments. I had considered staying in for 20 years for the-at-the-time great retirement benefits, but my last assignment soured me on the military, so I got out with an honorable discharge, and since I'd done really well in electric shop in high-school, a friend recommed me for a job at one of the government defense contractors in San Diego, where I grew up. The job was as an electronic tech, and I stayed with that for over 5 years. I got laid off in one of those periodic hiccups that a lot of defense contractors went thru in 1985. I had a friend who ran a computer service shop, and he put me on as a repair tech, and that's pretty much what I've been doing since then. I've had several jobs that lasted 5-7 years each, and always got fair to excellent performance reviews until this last job. I'm a hopeless geek, playing with computers at home, have my own home network with 5 computers, and am pretty much self-taught. Since none of the companies I worked for in the past required any of the many IT-related certifications, I've never gotten any of them, since they are quite expensive, and since they were not required for the job, none of my previous employers would pay for them. Since I'm 60 years old, and the IT job market is really tight here in Las Vegas, I'm looking at a LONG term of unemployment.....

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Can't get much more negative outcome.

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