Can anyone recommend jobs that would be appropriate for someone with Inattentive ADHD?

[MichaelD108]

When I was 13 years old the best learning disabilities specialist on the west coast diagnosed me with quiet distractability, a form of Attention Deficit (hyperactive) Disorder—Inattentive ADHD for short. I was told that I had “girl’s ADD” because, unlike other boys with the diagnosis, I was not hyperactive. This was the early 1980’s and at that time this disability was not well understood and, at least in my case, was not accepted by California public schools. Instead, I was instructed to ‘just study harder’. So I studied harder and failed more until I graduated. Barely.

Fast-forward four decades: inattentive ADHD has made life a hell because every job I do involves the inattentive ADHD learning curve. This means I make innumerable errors that look like I don’t care when in reality I am being tripped up by an unseen affliction. Because the disability is invisible my actions look like I am being lazy, sloppy, rebellious, or am just outright stupid. No amount of explaining can adequately communicate to a boss what is actually going on. For my poor employer—whoever it happens to be at the time—my inattentive ADHD learning curve is one in which they endure the stress of an employee making seemingly careless errors over and over and over again as I SLOWLY learn the new job. On my side of the equation I am humiliated, frustrated and filled with self-loathing as I struggle to grasp the tasks of the new job at a glacially slow pace. It is pure hell for all parties involved.

If you are an ADHDer like me, the Sisyphus-like experience follows a set routine. First, find a job that is menial—way below what you are intellectually capable of because you will be making mistakes. Lots of mistakes. Better to make mistakes at something that is not too consequential. Screwing up in a retail environment is preferable to messing up something where large amounts of an employer’s money or other people’s well-being is at stake. Also, because you have done so many menial jobs in the past no one will hire you or even consider you for anything else. Second, in the job interview tell your prospective new employer that you have inattentive ADHD. They will usually graciously take in this information without a clue as to the true reality of what they are about to invite into their business. Third, once hired you are given training, most of which you will not retain because, well, you don’t learn that way, you have inattentive ADHD after all. Fourth, when you begin doing the new job the gates of hell will open. Mistake after mistake causes anger, stress and misery for all involved—you, the boss, co-workers, and customers (if there are any) will all suffer. This is endured for as long as you or the employer can stand the misery, after which either you quit or are fired. Fifth, repeat the preceding four steps.

Theoretically, the negative effects of this disability can be mitigated. There are medications such as Ritalin and Strattera, both of which I have tried. In Massachusetts, there is a center devoted to helping people with ADD/ADHD. I have been there. And of course there are books. The most recent ADHD book that I read blamed the disability on bad parenting i.e. ‘mommy didn’t give you enough hugs so now you have ADHD.’ Having been aware of my learning disability for four decades I have tried these resources but so far haven’t found much to be very helpful. Not that all ADD/ADHD aids are as boneheaded as the book I just mentioned but none have truly been able to eliminate or even substantially decrease the learning curve nightmare, which brings me to my present dilemma.

Now, once again, I find myself in need of a new job, or I may have to go back to the job I left several months ago. As I sit with the prospect of finding a new job and then going through the usual inattentive ADHD learning curve—I realize that I just cannot stomach it. I have been through that experience too many times.

Can anyone recommend jobs that would be appropriate for someone with inattentive ADHD?

[dgs2018]

MichaelD, I'm sorry for all of your difficulties with employment and have dealt with some of the same processes. Please remember this: You are not your disability and I can tell you are an intelligent and caring person through your writing. I advise you not to berate yourself because self-loathing is something which does not find a bottom. It only takes you deeper inside the dark. Give yourself credit for what you do right and small victories still count. As much as possible, look at each day with optimism, not just as a scoresheet where you tally errors or shortcomings. You know in our American society we are very short-sighted, we are told by this culture that our value is based on productivity and success- that nothing else even matters. It's a lie but is promulgated in many ways.

Here's a thought- search for jobs that allow physical activity and movement, but are not narrowly confined by needing to be "on task" constantly or something bad will result. Hope this helps.

[Colorlove]

Relatable and I’m 24. I also have inattentive ADHD and was given my evaluation results it also turns out I have a low IQ of 69. It seems like I can’t ever do something right. But I shift that belief into doing the things I love which is to write memoirs/journaling, create jewelry, and read up on self help books and books by Thich Nhat Thanh I also love to read novels. These hobbies uplift me, make me feel confident, it is my passion and I find myself always being inspired and know what I want in life. My point is what are your hobbies? Where are your strengths? What do you truly enjoy doing? Knowing that can take you to places you’ve never thought of going. Peace and love.

[KitiraCheyanne]

I'm so sorry you've dealt with all of that! For me being a barber was the best job (Adhd wise) as I was on my feet, had a new client every 30 minutes, and the immediate feedback from the cutting process kept me engaged. Also the instant client feedback gave me a hit of dopamine when the client was happy at the end. Now that I work in a back office position at a financial institution where I have to work boring files I'm struggling. Thankfully I have a sit/stand desk and I work in a department filled will fellow Adhd coworkers, so the randomness helps, and my supervisor is amazing. The position has a lot of tough challenges that help to keep me focused as I need constant challenge.

My best advice is to figure out what helps you focus best (movement/topics/time of day) and pursue jobs in a field that aligns with that.

[ZenPaisley]

Writer! Blogger! Oh man can you write!