ADHD at work (pun not intended)

As someone who has been navigating multiple diagnoses, both physical and mental health related, day to day life is tough for me. Especially at my software job, that’s the hardest to navigate. I don’t have all the answers and I’m figuring it out as I go. I plan to share my what I’ve learned along the way. If you’re in a similar situation, you’re not alone. Let’s learn and share with one another!

When ADHD disrupts

ADHD likes to rear its ugly head at the worst possible times. I got my first negative feedback comment on my current team. Worse, it was at the end of our daily standup meeting in front of everyone. My team lead wanted to know why I was taking so long with the task I was assigned.

Struggling with starting the task

To my team lead, it looked like I was taking too long with a task. In reality, I was struggling with starting the task.

• The task was on an aspect of the project I hadn’t worked with before. It was too daunting to look through documentation or ask a colleague for guidance. As a result, I was paralyzed from taking any further action.

• On past teams, I was reprimanded for asking too many questions and carried those habits with me to my current team. I’ve had to adjust to the fact that my current team encourages asking questions and that I shouldn’t be afraid to ask for help

• I disclosed my ADHD diagnosis to my manager. I mentioned that daily updates at standup are not enough to keep me accountable and that I do struggle with starting tasks. Now I send 2-3 updates a day to track my progress and motivate me to get work done. To me, it’s a game of getting enough work done so I can send an update.

Have you been in a similar situation? Are there any tips that worked for you personally? Reply and let me know, I’d love to hear from you!