For those that have ADHD, how do you cope with it in this career? I feel like I’m going to fall apart when I hit manager / EM level

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You learn to weaponize it. ADHD can be a super power that sets you apart from your peers

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I learned to weaponize my (then undiagnosed) ADHD.

I’d be the person who’d be the “conceptualizer” of the client’s problem and architect of the solution framework. And then - after massive procrastination and heartburn to lots of team members - I’d lock in and be the “finisher” of nailing the proposal or client deliverable. I built a reputation of being innovative and being able to bring a client perspective and taking it over the line. It was my superpower for 15 years of my career.

This model worked great as an individual contributor and I ran it up to and including as a Director.

As I had made Partner, I had a more dependencies from colleagues and clients on me and that model was unsustainable. I got diagnosed with ADHD - which explained a lot about my life - and then hired people who would complement my personality and leaned into controlling my productivity with diet and medication (adderall).

likeupliftinghelpful

Play to your strengths. Get an organised deputy to ground you, then enjoy being able to tackle crises as they arise. You’ll be the hero who is always first on the scene to help the client out of some problem or other.

I trust my team to do a great job on the planned work and they trust me to never let anything sneak up us and to pick up on new opportunities to add value.

likeupliftinghelpful

I had to train my brain and defeat ADHD for good. Took years

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And this is why there is such a proliferation of the problem. So many young adults had their brains wired to ADHD by video games and much if the educational TV of their day. Captain Kangaroi gave way to Mr. Roger's gave way to Sesame Street. Went from watching calm people to constant barrage of changing sights and sounds to keep you engaged. Ditto for educational toys and electronic games. Some evidence that diet has an impact.

And much of what you do reinforces this wiring. Doom scrolling, message checking. You can rewire your brain, but it takes dedication and effort. But sometimes knowing you can makes the biggest difference.

This is not to say all ADHD was environmentally caused, but I am sure that won't stop responses telling me I am clueless. Good luck

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Adderall

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Systems will set you free. One of the best things I did was think of my projects as a bath. Three columns in the notepad. If you can’t see what you have to do, it’s hard to do it.

Inflows: projects coming in
Working through: stuff to do
Outflows: projects the way out

Focus on getting things through. Remeber it’s ok if in flows are fast but as long as outflows (completion) is also fast.

Learn to say no so you don’t overfill the middle column.

As others said, learn to rely on others for their superior organisation skills. Use AI in the way same way.

Now I just copy and paste my project list into the PA agent I made. It does the prioritising. I suspect Copilot may be able to help with my inbox.

Would love to hear what has helped you so far

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Pharmacology and CBT?

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Currently a manager and I’m still figuring it out. I’ll drown when I make it as an SM. Need to find a role that better plays to my strengths.

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Ritalin. Hope this helps

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Literally think it’s my super power in this field.

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what are the symptoms on adhd at the workplace?

😲😲😲

F

F

What aspect of it are you trying to manage?

I don’t

No

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