Methods for working a "Type A" job with ADHD - organization, emails...

[WhosMissy]

I started a difficult job four months ago. It's an administrative position with more authority than I've ever had, and SO much work. It's a job for a highly intelligent, highly organized person. I am only one of those things -- I have always used my smarts to get around being organized! Lol. But that will not help with this level of responsibility.

Things are getting better as I learn the ins and outs of the work. But since we're in a pandemic, I mostly work alone. I need ideas on how to get ADHD habits under control for work, because "get organized" means NOTHING to me without directions, and no one is around to see me being ADHD all over the office. It's just me, by myself, being a work slob.

Until now I was a teacher, which suited me so well because the work was in the moment. I hope to go back to teaching when the world returns to "normal." But I need to find a way to swim and not sink at this really good job I somehow landed.

What works for you?

[horsegirl08]

Hello - I hold a challenging position as well. My job requires organization, working in a fast paced environment, constantly changing priorities, back to back meetings, providing direction to a large team within the US and also in India. Although I've been "successful" in my manager's eyes, I always feel out of control and operating by the seat of my pants.When my job expanded and became increasingly difficult, I saw my doctor who put me on Adderall which has been my saving grace. Although I'm on a low dose, I function 80% better than before. Here are some of my new habits that help as well:

- I use the 'tasks' function of my email system to capture all my to-do's and 'dont forgets'. Since my email is always open, it's really easy for me to click on a task and type it in.

- I always keep Word open to jot down notes and things throughout the day.

- I purchased a smart watch that I always wear and often speak into to set reminders and alarms. This is easier than trying to find my phone to do the same thing. There are many refurbished ones on the market that are reasonably priced and work very well.

- I carve out time in the morning (once my meds kick in) to look at my list and plan what I want to accomplish that day. This is almost impossible without my meds!

- I have a planner that has both a monthly view and a daily/weekly view where I write down appointments, and other date related things. It also has a notes section where I write some random notes that pop into my head.

- I'll take time on a Sunday afternoon or early evening to organize my desk so it's ready for Monday morning.

- I also remind my team that I can be absent minded at times, and tell them they are welcome to remind me if they're waiting on me for something

I hope that helps! Good luck!

[Timster in reply to horsegirl08]

Great advise. I forgot to mention the Adderall! That's a must. I wasn't on it till recently and it has really really helped me focus. Once it kicks in I a more productive. I actually don't know how I cope for 30 years in the work force without it. I find at desk/admin type work way harder then on my feet, operating type work (retail)

[WhosMissy in reply to horsegirl08]

Oh my gosh, this is so helpful! You sound like an absolute pro!

I think I have a to-do function in my email too? -- I use MS Office. I need to figure out how to use this! Emails are so hard

Thank you for the very specific organizing methods for to-dos and planners. I can do specific!

As for supervising a team, I have heard rumblings that a couple of mine are stressed by my changing things around to work better (in my mind), and stressed by any kind of uncertainty about a project. I kind of thrive on uncertainty! The job does require tolerance for change, ambiguity, and problem solving at all levels, but I'm not good at giving the team structure when they feel afraid of those things. I just roll with it, lol.

[Timster]

Hi WhosMissy,

Congratulations on your new job.

Its hard for anyone to start a new job never mind someone with ADHD in an administrative role...alone with no direction or structure.

It will get easier. At least 6 to 8 months of a steep learning curve.

Make to do lists. Prioritize..reprioritize.

Break your day down into chunks...by the hour. One hour at a time. Stay focused on completing the task.

Ask your direct report for support with prioritizing. Tell them what you are planning to do and get input. If you don't under something and its getting in the way you have to ask for help.

You need structure so create it.

Ask someone you know for input /support ...have a zoom meeting.

Think about what you like about teaching and bring it into this job.

Hope some of these suggestions may help.

Good luck, You have this!

[WhosMissy in reply to Timster]

Thank you! You are the second person to tell me to ask her directly what I need to work on. I'm kind of scared of her though. She is a Type A, no-nonsense type and I feel exposed when I talk to her. I have my review soon and I wrote some pretty candid stuff for my self-assessment, so hopefully that will help me talk to her about those things.

Thanks for the time frame! I was thinking a job like this would take months to learn. I was right. The job also has a high burnout factor, and the person I replaced burned out in 15 months. So it's certainly not permanent for a soul like me, haha. But I would like to be successful as I can at it.

[BublyAly]

I recommend peer or supervisor accountability. An accountability-buddy is a common tool for focus and decision making issues.

I meet with my manager ever week for one hour. I have a document that I have to update that shows all my current to-dos and my major priorities for the week. I started all this because I promoted to a coordinator/admin job and couldn’t keep up with all the details and moving items!

I use Microsoft OneNote and I put everything of note in a single OneNote notebook. The best part is if I can’t remember which tab I put my note I can quickly use the search feature.

Good luck getting some great time and data management tools started. Once I found my groove I couldn’t imagine going back to not having my systems and checks and balances.