Figuring it out - Reaching out - VR Support Sessions - Potential AI Solutions

[Aitrinsic]

It's been less than a year since diagnosed with ADHD, and I honestly didn't believe it. I thought I just had anxiety and was highly sensitive. When I dug deeper, and started to realize what it all entails, I began to realize how deeply this has affected me my entire life, through being unable to keep an in-person job for more than a year or two (one I made last 4 years and teaching english from home lasted about the same before regulation changes forced me out).

I just got fired for the first time in my life after disclosing my anxiety disorder and ADHD to my employer and HR department, especially when there were odd, hurtful, or demeaning comments or actions towards me from my leadership team.

This situation caused me to spiral a bit, and through the couple of therapy sessions I had attended before losing my benefits, I was able to identify more of the ADHD traits that I struggle with like intense RSD, anxiety, procrastination, organizing through the pile method, and the consistent patterns I've experienced throughout my life.

I currently am on a track to pursue a career that I feel may fit me for the first time in my life, one that engages me mentally and also has an unending supply of areas to learn, get excited about and help work in. I'm currently attending two certificate programs at MIT for AI and Machine Learning/Applied Data Science for effective decision making.

I'm hoping to help the Neurodivergent and ADHD community through building support apps and services that can bring the community more together, leverage strengths and turn weaknesses into superpowers.

Having accepted my symptoms and Diagnosis now so late in life makes me feel anxious and sad, while also allowing a flood of realizations and tangents to manage as I navigate school, unemployment and getting sued for my credit debt that wracked up last year during my first period of unemployment after an anxiety attack at work and subsequent depression.

There's only so much I can focus on and not get overwhelmed with my life lately, and I'm seeking some support in the community and hopeful to be able to contribute and give back in several ways.

Once I obtain my certifications and hopefully a career in consulting or development of AI Products/Services. I also want to help develop products and apps that specifically leverage the power of AI and Machine Learning/Data Science to find actionable solutions for those who go what I have struggled with for two long.

I also want to find other people with ADHD to connect with professionally (feel free to add me and send a message on LinkedIn) and host some Virtual Reality (VR) hangouts and chat sessions using VRChat or other social app in VR.

I'm extremely passionate and motivated (something I guess is commonplace), and for the first time in my life, I feel like I'm on the path, but reaching out for community and support.

Thanks for reading. Please feel free to reach out here or on Linked in: Jonathan Gaag

(I added this to my bio as well)

[Old_Owl]

Hi there

First off I love how you turned a horrible situation into a new positive direction. Losing a job is is bad enough. But losing it after disclosing you condition is infuriating, if not illegal under the ADA. Sadly I feel these rights are not as protected in the current environment which results in many not seeking out the help they need. I'm sorry that happened to you.

But I am impressed, and inspired, with how you're moving on. Hopefully the firing event will be the genesis for better things for you yet to come.

Wishing you the best.

[Aitrinsic in reply to Old_Owl]

Thank you for your kind, supportive response! Yes, I remain hopeful and really motivated to change the equation a bit for myself. It's not easy, as I know everyone here must relate to, but keep'n on.

I am deciding if I want to pursue reporting the situation, especially as they are likely to fight my unemployment, but not sure I have the energy or means to tackle it all as I move forward with my schooling and normal stressors, so may just end up moving on.

My biggest drive to fight it is so they may think twice about putting someone else in the same situation I went through. When I go through anything like this, it gives me a lot of compassion and drive towards working towards doing anything I can to influence systems that challenge those who are neurodivergent, struggling or traditionally disadvantaged. Is it realistic? No... but won't stop me from trying....

[mamaliga1 in reply to Aitrinsic]

My son, with ADD, had never shared with previous employees that he has ADD, or anxiety. As a family, we suggested that he disclose his dx with this last employer. It has been a more rewarding, supportive situation. It would be false for me to say that his progress with this company has had no hiccups, but he feels valued and appreciates that so much. Through him I figured,a while back, that I am a 63 yo mom with ADHD. Possibly like you, I become passionate about certain things and I often overload my plate. After all, I am invincible (joke). Do what you must to earn others about your past employer anonymously, but consider where you want to place your energy. This is about you, not them. Go forth and conquer!

[Mamamichl in reply to Aitrinsic]

I’m actually in an investigation through boli with a previous employer. It’s been almost 18 months, but other than gathering proof, I’m hoping something happens in my favor soon.

[SilverbackG in reply to Aitrinsic]

I feel this so much. I too find the most drive from helping others not be hurt or treated unfairly. It is a much higher motivation than fighting for just myself. I really find your original post inspiring, thank you for sharing your experiences here. I was diagnosed about a year in half go, at 56. I too believed I had a very intense anxiety disorder and MDD (major depressive disorder). Turned out those are symptoms of a life with untreated ADHD ( in my case). Look forward to hearing more about your new journey towards a well matched occupation for you.

[Mamamichl]

Ohmygoodness! I was denied teacher certification twice, and love working with kids with special needs as a paraprofessional/teachers aid because I can hyper focus on them. I am definitely curious about your new endeavor, and wonder if there’s a way I can help because I was not diagnosed until. Was 38, and am 40 now. When I interview, I say how my adhd is a super power, but I know my flaws as well. I have lost jobs and gotten written up with my behaviors and the things my last special Ed director said were quite harsh. The special Ed teachers understand me, but why a special Ed director could act like that still appalls me. It’s like she believed that I should have grown out of my adhd or that I was asking not to be in the classroom. Feel free to pm me. I will look for you on linked in now.

[Aitrinsic]

Thank you everyone for your shared experiences and responses! If anyone who mentioned hearing more about my journey and advocacy for ADHD in the professional or Data Science/AI worlds, I'd love you to check out my growing networking efforts with likeminded people through Linked-In and TikTok (my first ever video made last night about my journey)

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jonathan-gaag/

TikTok: tiktok.com/@aitrinsic/video...

[Momwithquestions23]

I have a son who is 36 and has struggled his whole life. I am his only support person. He has lost job after job and I cannot seem to help him. Any suggestions. The depression gets very bad. If he was not living with me he would not be alive. He doesn’t have benefits as he has not been at his previous job for even 3 months. He was told yesterday to stay home the rest of the week. He has a 3.5 yr old son that he has every other week and his son has hand foot mouth disease so my son had to stay home with him. I’m so frustrated and worried. I’m 57 and in need of help!