Careers for people like us

[SpclneedsDad]

I’ve had 12 jobs in the last 17 years, and of those 12, I was fired from 9 of them. Just this week I was fired from another after only 45 days.

I can’t help to not think that this must be the result of my panic disorder and depression. Lately, I also feel as though I have some symptoms of ADD. I have such difficulty staying focused at work, and will jump around between several tasks which lengthens the time it takes me to complete them. Sometimes I get lost in mundane “busy work” like recreating labels on the computer for files that already have handwritten labels. Stupid stuff like that. But I also get overwhelmed very easily when faced with multiple deadlines, etc.

I can never get out of bed on time every day, I sleep horribly every night. I am consistently late for work by 5-15 minutes and I’ve toyed with multiple alarms, friends calling me, getting up earlier, and nothing seems to work. I also find myself making comments that I don’t even know I made. Stupid guy comments like “that’s what SHE said”, which tend to eventually offend someone older.

This is difficult not only on me but on my daughter. I am a single parent with a daughter on the spectrum as well as having ADHD and sensory issues. The last time I was out of work it was for over a year, and I burned through my entire savings and retirement account just to pay the bills.

Maybe I need to look at a new career? But doing what? What do most people with panic, depression and ADD do for a living? Sometimes I feel like I should have a job working with computers so that I can work alone without any people around. Other times I think that I should be working with kids or even with animals as both seem to calm me.

Anyone else dealing with this kinda stuff??

[gerg]

I don't think that there is a job type that is specific for us. I would say that the number one criteria is that we have a job that we like, but some just don't like being employed. The mental health issues that you described are not caused by your job, rather they are the result of your self talk about your job. Perception becomes reality, and that applies to the employer and the employee. If you don't want to be there, you won't be very soon.

[Ayla-Kat]

Hello, SpclneedsDad. I can relate. It is a difficult thing when you have ADD. I think I have ADD as well because I will do many tasks and focus on little things to make it neat. I think a little OCD in me, says if it's tidy I can work.

Are you on medication ? I was on antidepressants and I noticed that I could write reports and focus. Before it was difficult to do. Especially

When I had to work on 30 page documents.

However, I had to wean off because I lost insurance moving to a new state. At the same time I wonder why I have to medicate myself to do a job. I guess I am hesitant because I don't know the long term effects.

Also, it's frustrating navigating the medical industry. I'm still struggling what to do.

In terms of getting up. Do you possibly have sleep apnea? I was diagnosed with that and a cpap helped me with restful sleep. Also, your cortisol levels and other hormones can make you wired at night. Making if difficult for you to sleep. Or find a job with later hours. This would make my life easier. I hate mornings like Garfield.

I too have difficulty with office politics and hierarchy . I find certain people can get clique or some people use or take advantage of you. I am introverted, so eating lunch by myself people tend to get offended . I just need time to myself.

I wish I knew better about myself and took a job like computers to work from home as well.

I am a Special Ed teacher by occupation but I relate to the children more the adults. I understand children with Autism because they are always authentic. Adults have ulterior Motives.

I. Am looking for employment currently as well but my anxiety makes it difficult because I overthink and I am very sensitive .

Over the years I learned that you have to be professional. Don't say to much and just take care of business. Go through the motions of pleasantries.

Your ADD keeps you from remembering things because you are acting on impulse. But others don't understand and nowadays everything you say is scrutinized.

What to do? What to do? All I can say is I understand what you speak of. We have to work extra hard to figure out how to either conform or do something different.

Confirm and you have to do multiple things to fit or do something that works with your personality .

I really wish you well. I hope it helps to know that you are not alone in your feelings. I hope you find things to help enhance you. All I can say is people like us have to fight and find ways to conform to the typical work environment.

I am interested in your topic as well. Maybe I need to do something else.

Your friend

😻 Ayla-Kat

[SpclneedsDad in reply to Ayla-Kat]

Thank you so much.

[MsGelfling1]

How old are you?

[SpclneedsDad in reply to MsGelfling1]

47

[abc1517]

I have the same issues. I did end up in a field where I work mostly alone doing data analysis. It’s awesome because my coworkers have similar personality types and don’t like much small talk either.

The corporate climbers don’t bother with me because I have no desire to manage or anything like that so I’m not a threat. I learned to say as little as possible at work. People just assume that I’m quiet or shy.

I’ve also found that it’s easier for me if I let people know during the interview process that I need flexibility. I feel as though as long as people know upfront, you always have that as your golden ticket if they start to try and stifle your freedom. 5-15 minutes late is nothing.

Although 1 job that I had was for over 9 years, I HATED my coworkers. After leaving I realized it was because I was working with director level folks. They are petty and always gossiping because they care so much about the office politics and I just can’t begin to care.

It’s hard. I wish that I had a blanket solution but it’s a struggle for me as well. I just get through the week and praise God that I made it to Friday. Lol

[SpclneedsDad in reply to abc1517]

Yes I wish I had done something like revenue analysis or programming or something. I unfortunately work in corporate America and do work with Director, VPs and even CEO level people on a daily basis. They aren’t the issue most of the time, as long as you can deal with their massive egos, you are fine. The ones to watch out for are their assistants or someone below you that wants your job. They are the ones that go out of their way to point out any mistake you make, no matter how minor.