Accomodations

[SplishSplash1979]

Ok, I have ADHD that didn't get diagnosed until late in life. Psychiatry said I always medicated like it. I am one of those who have had to use other skills to manage it. Unfortunately to medicate it all away just doesn't seem to work. I do fine when I am managing myself or 1-2 other people. However when I start having to chase more than that it gets stupid. I got the unwanted promotion and am trying to figure out if it would be better to request accommodations at work. Prior position was manageable as I was responsible for myself and 1-2 other people. Now I am 'the lead' and have 10 people to help manage. To me this is not doable since the added responsibilities 2 of which I have tossed back to management simply because I cannot do them. Because my ADHD brain even on meds cannot focus enough to get the work done it a timely manner without something else being screwed up. I have tried to step down but nope they want me where they want me. I am looking for another job, however I fear that I will wind up in the same position again as soon as I take another job due to experience unless the person in the higher up position is staying long term. How do I manage to deal with this situation. So I am one who can manage myself just fine if it is me myself and I however more than that no thanks. Not my circle of monkies I also have run into the trap I have tried most medical ways of managing and failed. It may be more reasonable to medicate me to the point of keeping my mood stable, not perfect cognitive function.

[MaudQ]

Disclosing at work is a super hard choice. I think it depends on the company culture. If you think your higher ups would be open to it, you could ask for professional development and executive functioning coaching. If they gave you the promotion and more responsibility (and I hope, a raise) maybe that means they think you have potential and are willing to invest in you. Also, I don’t know if you’re working with a therapist? That could help as you work to sort this out especially if you do end up having to make the choice to look for a new job

[SplishSplash1979 in reply to MaudQ]

I have already spent plenty of time working with a therapist, they usually make matters worse because they go for the what they see as simple solutions not understanding things are more complicated than what they appear. My last therapist was smart enough to understand some of these things.

I need as them to understand this is why I need to do things the way I need to do them or they can demote me back down and pick someone else or sorry I am not working for you anymore. Management is ok it is the two higher ups that have issues and very unrealistic expectations. This is one of those I can manage myself just fine, but when it comes to expecting to manage more than 3 or 4 others it gets ridiculous.

[10MoreMin]

As a child, I also self medicated and learned how to adapt. Despite being treated for depression, I didn't seek help for ADHD until I couldn't acclimate to the demands of new career. With meds, I seemed to operate as needed. Then the demands increased... Being creative had made it easy (and fun) to figure out how to make life work. But when pushed beyond my neuro-limits, i let perfectionism and rejection sensitivity overtake my ADHD superpowers.I don't know if disclosing is the right thing for you. Regardless of decision, I suggest working with an ADHD coach. I wish I had included that with my meds.

[Blue_186281_red]

Is delegation of duties an option? Try making a list of responsibilities and see what you can spread around. I suck at this cuz it feels like dodging work, think others won't do it right, and don't take a minute to get organized before diving into the job.

I bet there's some super simple stuff that stresses you out that could be done by others with no stress.

[SplishSplash1979 in reply to Blue_186281_red]

Been doing that. Just got a whole bunch off my plate. Set some limits of you guys got this new laser fine, put someone else in charge of it as I am having to triage another whole mess. Once we get that mess sorted out then things will be more reasonable. Really some of the older stuff is much easier, it is the stuff like writing the schedule in a certain amount of time that wipes me out. That coupled by having to go through protocols and correct them. Previous managers didn't do their job so I am having to go through and correct a lot of messes. It is when I get toppled by appointments and some people not getting I can do x or y not both! Management is getting it, my concern is the higher ups. Although they push too hard they will accidentally push me out the door.

[Absentmind]

It sounds like they really value you as an employee and think of you as a leader. I wonder if you could ask for an assistant since they want you in a management role? Someone who could help you manage things and juggle those other employees? I totally understand wanting to just manage you. I have had to cover and run a bunch of groups for my employment. For years I pushed myself to do this assuming it was anxiety I was struggling with leading groups. The anxiety never got better with exposure. When I finally went to therapy my therapist told me it was the overstimulation and trouble with focus from my ADHD that was why I had not improved with years of exposure. So I think it is great you understand what is good for you and what you are willing to do to keep yourself healthy.

[SplishSplash1979]

Exactly. I am defiantly asking for help, will be getting a note from my doctor as I feel like if it is pretty much declared that some of my issues are focus and I can only be pushed so far. That is why one of the things I told management is a have to is office hours. Some of the issue is I struggle to focus on some of the tasks and need some uninterrupted time to get them done and organized. Without them as soon as I start something I get constantly interrupted. I feel like expectations of today are too high anyhow and if you have any neurodivergence it just gets worse. You are lucky your therapist had the brains to catch your ADHD. Mine got caught by my psychiatrist after years of struggle and my son getting diagnosed.