Why am I so slow at my job where I once was a rock star?

[Sunshinerider]

I work as a senior professional in a firm that basically “sells our time”. Tight monthly deadlines that never end

While I have always know I have ADHD, it was not something that concerned me much. Clearly I am not for everyone and often have been viewed as “whacked”, “scattered”, “fidgety”, etc , the ability to jump from one thought to the next actually helped me push through my responsibilities - could have 3 files going and bing bang boom - files reviewed, questionable areas noted/addressed and corrected, files out the door - all the while answering calls, emails, staff issues etc.

Lately “scattered” has become unable to keep my daily tasks running smoothly, my thoughts race and I feel eyes on me - often with the silent “what is she on” type of looks. And that sucks - but is not nearly much as an issues as my ability to do my job in a timely manner. While I am not making errors at all, I can not seem to “bash” files out. I’d guess it takes me 2 days what I once could do in 1/2 a day. I am not keeping up with daily emails and am going to miss important info and most likely disappoint clients. I get in deep, find old errors from prior staff/managers. Then I spend WAY to much time making a clear working paper to show my work and make notes so staff can follow next year. I also have a problem where I can not seem to keep emails etc short and clear (have I noticed how long this is?)

For the first time I have added ADHD meds to my day. Currently on the 4th type and feel that while I see no improvement, immediate effects of meds is not bad. But the insomnia and a dead sleep once every 4 or so days is not helping

Succeeding at my job has always been my thing. I feel like I should step down - simply should not be in my position at my current stay.

I need to fix this now!

[MrsPF1]

I notice you are 53, I am a 60 yr old female myself. I've been medicated since age 45, was always pretty nigh functioning but noticed around my mid 50's (going thru menopause) that my ability to get work done, my productivity, dropped like a rock. I have read that low estrogen affects dopamine and how your body used stimulant medication. I've never followed up on getting hormone treatment but I think it is something to look into.

[NYCmom2 in reply to MrsPF1]

Yes

[STEM_Dad]

LYou mention sleep issues. That can have a big impact on daytime performance.

(When I have insomnia one night, it usually takes two consecutive good nights' sleep to offset the effects of the lack of sleep. Everybody is different, but that's how it is with me.)

ANY CHANGES WITH YOUR HEALTH & PHYSICAL CONDITION?

Besides sleep issues, have you been going through any changes in your life or with your health that preceded or coincided with this change in performance level?

(I suspect that my ex-wife has been going through peri-menopause, because of her changes in memory and attention...she is neurotypical and used to be extremely proficient with both, but in recent years has become much less capable...reduced to "mere mortal" level, or even like having mild Inattentive ADHD. But she also has other health conditions that can affect her mental capabilities.)

ANY CHANGES AT WORK?

Has your work process or environment changed (like more added, or significant changes, change or changes in staff, or change in you work location)?

*Has your work become dull/boring/uninspiring. Sometimes, people simply change focus, finding that what once inspired them and drove them to succeed no longer does so. (ADHD often comes with very interest-driven attention and motivation.)

ANY CHANGES WITH THE PEOPLE IN YOUR LIFE?

Any relationship changes in your life in recent years or months? Any new people or pets? Did you lose any people or pets?

NOSTALGIC MUCH?

Do you find yourself ruminating on the past, or on "missed opportunities"?

... Just asking questions to maybe jog your mind to find possible causes to why you are experiencing a change in capability at work.

[NYCmom2]

I agree with getting a blood test for hormone levels.

Have you considered an ADHD coach who can customize strategies to support the executive functioning areas you need most for your job? Maybe worth a try before you voluntarily step down. There is hope to regain some of that functioning by using apps, trackers, systems etc

But you may find you are happier with a slower paced job.

Or you may find moving up in your company and having younger people do that sort of fast paced work is a possible path.

[STEM_Dad]

I remember listening to a podcast months ago, and the guest (a middle aged man) talked about having transitioned from being a prolific "doer" into becoming a university professor. I recall the conversation about how even the most prolific creators and doers in their youth (such as famous composers) change roles to teaching and mentoring the next generation.

(I think it was Arthur C. Brooks, on Simon Sinek's podcast "A Bit of Optimism". I'll listen to that podcast again tomorrow morning, to see if I recall right.)

When we are younger, our brains are more flexible to enable us to learn skills and information more quickly. This is referred to as "plasticity" (neural plasticity).

As we go through middle age, it's common for our knowledge and the memories forged by our experience to "crystalize" (neural crystalization). At this stage of life, some professionals pursue roles as leaders, mentors, and influencers (by which I mean "thought leaders"...not "social media influencers").

[STEM_Dad in reply to STEM_Dad]

I couldn't wait until morning. I listened to it again tonight, and it was the podcast I was thinking about.

"A Bit of Optimism" with Simon Sinek and guest Arthur Brooks.

In the episode, the latter half is when Brooks talks about his transition in his 50s, why he did so, and introduces the concepts of "fluid intelligence" and "crystalized intelligence". He also relates the stories of Charles Darwin and Johann Sebastian Bach, and how they differed in their approach to this change from fluid intelligence to crystalized intelligence.

podcasts.google.com/feed/aH...

.....

Throughout my career, I have always enjoyed when I got to train others. I find it very satisfying to help others to learn and grow in their capabilities.

In my current job, I don't have any training responsibilities (not for teammates on the Information Technology team, anyway). But, I know that a coworker on the Sales team who is interested in pursuing a career in Information Technology.

So, today I had a conversation with him, and mentioned how the sales reports his manager had assigned him to develop can be added to his resume as an IT skill. I also encouraged him to consider training in certain apps and the web platform we use every day (to be the developer and problem solver on his team, and develop more skills that will help him get his foot in the door with IT).

I'm itching for a chance to make a difference, to be a mentor/coach. That's the stage I want to transition to next in my career. I think it'll take a little while with concerted effort to do so. (I'm 48, and only 11½ years into my IT career. Before that, I worked many years in retail, and tried a few other things.)

[Sunshinerider in reply to STEM_Dad]

thank u. I will listen

[STEM_Dad in reply to Sunshinerider]

I hope you will find the information helpful.

It's not uncommon for more experienced individuals, like yourself, to take on the role of mentor.

On my drive in to work today, I listened to Adam Grant's podcast (WorkLife with Adam Grant) from May 23, in which he and his guests Brené Brown and Simon Sinek discussed the topic of: Leadership.

I thought that they had a number of good points about leaders. One point is that leaders aren't always in management positions.

Regardless of whether you are in a managerial position, with your experience and your role as a senior professional in the firm, you are a leader in some form or another.

Outside your work role at your firm, perhaps you could do other work that you would find meaning and validation in, such as:

* Consulting.

* Creating an online course (such as on Udemy).

* Mentoring newer professionals in your field. (Are there any professional associations for the field that you work in? Perhaps you can connect with newcomers there who are in need of mentorship.)