Struggling at Work? If It's ADHD, There's Help

I was diagnosed early on in childhood, far too much impulsiveness and exuberance, my father refused medication because he was a cop and knew the drugs used all too well. I can't say that I struggled through college or grad school, maintaining a 3.5 or better, but it was tough to focus, really tough. I've found that I have always gravitated toward jobs that allow me freedom to move around with very little "cubicle" work. I, too, love the energy, the ability to get a thousand things done in a few hours of work, but I do find that bosses do not appreciate my singularly unique perspective on the world, just too close minded and always wiling to do the same old thing. I work in anesthesia now and it is a perfect fit for me; attention for a case and then on to something else.

I've recently considered medication after all of these years of struggling with focus after I left the water running for the 10th time (literally), just to help me stay focused (too many squirrels to look at). As a medical provider, I can tell you I certainly understand the risks and benefits of methamphetamines; with drug holidays and weekends off, they are a safe treatment and potentially very beneficial.

Gavin of CA 11:39AM October 03, 2010

I was diagnose ADD very early, but no one ever told me or if they did I didn't notice. It was a nightmare through school but with effort and patience from my family I learned how to live being this way and have never taken a single pill... I too love the way mi mind works, I'd never trade it for a little more efficiency at work.

No need for drugs, just love and will.

Agustin 11:08PM January 27, 2009

I've been on meds since 6th grade or so. ADD can definitely be an advantage in certain situations! Often times in class (right through college) i'd just sit there with my eyes closed, reading something else or doing homework for another class whilst still paying enough attention to the teacher to get the general concepts and whatnot (rule of thumb if the professor writes it on the board you'd best write it yourself!). That doesn't work so well with classes like Chemistry, where everything is about details and not surprisingly I always had a tough time with that subject (just for ref, i grad'd with a BA in Bio so I was good at science and complex material...just not particluarly with chemistry!) My advice for those looking into getting into a career...go with something that has many facets to it and/or you goto different locations. Even if there's a set routine its so nice not to be in the same place doing the same thing day in and day out. When you have many facets to a job you can pick and choose a bit so when you get bored with something move on to something else and then go back! I'm an Environmental Scientist and it allows me to do hands on work as well as data analysis/entry, figure drawing, and I get to goto various job sites around the state! Wouldn't have it any other way! Most of all go with something your interested in! Hope this helps Peace!

of NJ 3:47PM January 12, 2009

I have lived with a.d.d. all my life. My Teachers always told my Dad "he is so bright he just does not live up to his potential". I remember every year I would get my notebook orginized and promise myself that I would live up to my potential. within minutes of entering the class room I was drawing pictures in my well orginized note book. I was blessed with near total recall which allowed me to remember everything I heard in class in college and I made decent grades without ever cracking a book. I married an extremely orginized woman who has taken care of the detail part of our business and I have done what I do best remember facts and make good conversation which has allowed us to prosper.

My son has a.d.d. as well and because of my experience we encouraged him to utilize his skill and hyper active mind to become an actor. A profession that he loves and excels at.

Les Masters of FL 8:37AM January 09, 2009