Finding the right job with ADD...

[Cindy]

Hi-----am a new member here-----am 43 and have a Master's Degree (MA)....was diagnosed with ADD about 2 years ago---have had Depression diagnosis since '86 and curently take Prozac for depression and Ritalin for ADD. I am also Bi-Polar II--very mild, and take Depakote. The med combination works well for me, I think.

When I was ADD-diagnosed I had my first professional job. I told my bosses about my diagnosis, because I was having trouble concentrating and because I was doing things slowly (I have always done things slower than others, but that does not mean that I do not have intellect---Ritalin helps with the focusing, but it isn't a cure-all).

My bosses did not want to keep me (I was on my probationary period) and I KNEW I could do the (my dream) job if they would "work" with me. Long story short, I was fired, I fought to get unemployment and won (the bosses should have worked with me). I could have sued, but I wanted to move on.

I ended up taking the first job that I could (I have a family)-----as a housekeeper. Then I went back to school to become a CNA, and that is what I do now.

Now I have had the worst problem with other co-workers who do not believe that I have ADD---they think that I am making it up as an excuse so that they have to "work harder". It borders on abuse. (My bosses now are supportive). If not for the residents that I care for, I would quit THIS job. I just don't seem to fit in anywhere workwise----I am too "smart" for average jobs, yet I cannot function in a professional setting--anymore I can't function around people at all. A lot of this is my emotional ULTRA-sensiitivity, especially around PMS time.

My self-esteem really suffers---I am lucky that I have a supportive friend, whom I drive crazy now and then. It helps to "get it out" here, knowing that you-all understand me. I also worry that my 7-year-old daughter will have ADD sometime, and I have actually asked her teachers in private (but they see nothing like that, luckily).

I really am a compassionate, sensitive, mature woman----I need assertiveness training, I guess. It is hard to "maneuver" in this U.S. society sometimes that highly values PRODUCTIVITY and not quality, and we with ADD have a hard time keeping up with the productivity-part because of our attention spans......

Thanks for listening......I will be in touch frequently to support and also ask for support......

Cindy

[jaimegerise]

Assuming you are from the US...Look into the ADA...American's with Disabilities Act.

ADD/ADHD is covered under this act. Your employer at the time of your diagnosis basically discriminated against you....AGAINST THE LAW.

Keep this in mind while planning out your career strategy.

www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/adahom1.htm

add.about.com/cs/workplaceissues/a/workaccomodatio.htm

www.ldonline.org/njcld/ada.html

[Cindy]

What I would like to know from others-----and I struggle with myself----is----do you tell your employer about your ADD disability, or do you wait until things start getting out of control and then say something-----or do you say anything at all? And---then, do you tell your co-workers or not? I used to be all for "educating" people if they wanted to know, but lately I have run into the biggest closed-minded bunch of ignorant people, who think I am literally "crazy" because I (told them I) have ADD. I think they are "scared" of me because they don't understand it, and they think that only children have ADD. I have a REAL problem with remembering peoples' names at work......it's BAD.

Anybody want to share their experiences? Thanks....Cindy

[Pru]

Cindy,
Like you, I've been burned a few times now by reactions of colleagues. Now I disclose only where legally required to (and they are generally bound by confidentiality), but do not tell anyone else.
Pru