working

[Zachr]

Hey, so it’s been years and I never posted about this. I have ADHD and anxiety issues and more. But, my question is does any one else here have the problem when they work, they feel like time is going extremely slow, they feel out of control, they feel uncomfortable, it’s hard to focus and concentrate. I can probably keep going. When I was younger like 18-22 I was able to keep a job better then before. I could have work a few shifts then quit not I can’t even work a job for two hours with out all these symptoms going on.

Also, does any one have the issues that if they don’t have access to there phone they feel extremely uncomfortable and anxious. Like I think that’s another reason I can’t work because I don’t have my phone, because I do Uber eats walking and I feel in control because I have my phone with me the whole time and I can call people, listen to music, watch YouTube ect when I’m waiting. Unlike at a job I have no control and if I’m bored I’m bored.

[MTA-]

This is one of those isolated situations where ADHD is exactly what it says on the tin. We get bored when we're not stimulated, and have trouble concentrating. Sounds to me like you're bored at work. What I try to explain to people who don't understand ADHD is that, just like everyone else, we can be interested in things that would bore others. Being an accountant is a stereotypically boring job, and many people would assume that no one with ADHD could be an acountant. But if you're interested in numbers, then that job isn't going to bore you, and you could do it as well as anyone else.

Stimulated doesn't mean we have to spend every minute on a rollercoaster, or watching an action movie. Think of all those people whose hobby is collecting stamps, or trainspotting; those things stimulate those people. Just because we need to be stimulated by what we're doing, you can't assume what someone with ADHD is and is not capable of. If you're wondering how you'll ever hold a job when you get bored so easily, and you can't do things that bore you, there's no need to worry. I guarantee there's a job for you out there, and it could very well be something that requires patience and concentration; you're more than capable of patience and concentration, as long as you're interested in what you're doing.

I know this because I relate hard. Work used to be hell, time passed so slowly.

When you find that thing you're interested in, that's where hyperfocus comes in. You'll forget to eat; never mind checking your phone (though please eat). Smartphones are built to demand and hold your attention. When you have one thing that's hard to pay attention to (work), and one thing that's designed to suck attention (the phone), the attention-sucking thing becomes an addiction; and like any addiction, it's tough to be without it. There's a big issue with these things destroying our ability to pay attention, not just in the neurodiverse community, but in the world at large. Like a lot of things, the phone addiction issue is harder for us then it is for others; but I'm telling you, it won't be such an issue when you're fulfilled by what you're doing, and not in need of a distraction.

theguardian.com/science/202...

[Zachr in reply to MTA-]

I’ve been looking up articles for hours and pretty much what you wrote is a lot of what I read. But just by being validated for the first time ever that I’m not alone. Was so refreshing. Also, your feedback wasn’t contradicting to how you validated me. The only thing I can do right now that holds my attention that I could do for 12 plus hours is Uber walking. But it’s unrealistic to walk 10-15 miles 7 days a week. And it snows and rains abs gets cold where I live. But if it was 40 degrees out plus every day I’d work 10 am-10am 7 days week. But it’s still wouldn’t make enough money. Also like I said this isn’t realistic. I just feel so out of control from my body when I work except Uber. Because I have total control of the app and when I’m not working I can be on my phone and when I am working I can still use my phone.

[Gettingittogether in reply to Zachr]

Well sounds like you need a job where you can move around. I am lucky that I figured out early on in my life (even before I knew anything about ADHD) that certain jobs, like office jobs, just weren't for me. I even felt a little guilty about this at times, but I stayed away from jobs that made me feel really frustrated.