Hi There, I am a social worker (with ADHD) who is working full time and going to school to obtain my Masters (MSW) . I am finding graduate level work to be a challenge (The reading, the writing and overall the organizing of ideas`and thoughts). I am setting aside time for my studies but I do not feel I am making good use of the time. I have never been a reader especially when I have the pressure of being required to read something. I feel that I read the same thing over and over again and do not comprehend what I am reading. This is clearly a problem at the graduate level. Something that has changed since I did my undergrad is my awareness of my diagnosis of ADHD. I worry if somehow this awareness is getting to me. I did not experience these challenges in regards to reading, writing and analysing ideas to the extreme that I am now when I was in University about 5 years ago. In addition to the difficulty organizing my thoughts in critical writing I also have difficulty with procrastination. Although I have due dates for assignments and feel some motivation to complete readings in time for class discussion I do not feel a sense of urgency as I do in my work. I cannot be my only motivation. I am aware of the fact that I tend to like instant gratification and require a sense of urgency (due to my ADHD). I have high needs clients at work and their needs motivate my work and motivate me to complete my work. I dont know how I can achieve this motivation or sense of urgency with my studies. I am committed to the field of Social work and am passionate about the subject matter in the course work which is why I have chosen to further my education. The work I produce does not reflect this passion. The work I am producing is poor and does not meet graduate level expectations and there is no other way that I can frame this. My work in my employment is fast paced and I have a sense of urgency in my daily tasks. Although there is little routine in my day and I do experience stress, I am aware that this fast pace and sense of urgency is a positive aspect of my job and caters to my ADHD symptoms. I am also aware that I do not transition well or adjust from one scenario to the next - Although like others with ADHD I tend to get board when doing the same thing all the time, I also find it difficult to get my mind in gear and focus on my studies when I need to. I find it difficult to come home from a long day at work (mentally exhausted) and try to (pretend to be) intellectual. I think my issues are beyond simple work-life balance issues and time management and organizational strategies (although all very important) So, I need to learn more effective ways to get through my courses and I am wondering if anyone has any tips for me or knows where I can access some. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

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