Keep a Job with ADHD

Many adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) find it difficult to stay employed in long term positions or find work that is comparable to their intelligence and abilities. ADHD symptoms like impulsiveness, forgetfulness, and inability to take social cues make it hard to keep up at work or develop effective relationships with coworkers and managers. People with adult ADHD have to take extra measures to perform their jobs and gain understanding from others. The first step is learning how to keep a job with ADHD.

Steps

 * 1) Minimize distractions. Try to work in an area that is quiet, like a private office or a cubicle that is out of the way and not around foot traffic, water coolers or other distractions. Find creative ways to get work done in a less distracting environment, if possible, such as coming in early or staying late, bringing work home, or finding a quiet conference room to work in.  [[Image:Keep a Job with ADHD Step 1.jpg|center|550px]]
 * 2) Make a point of taking notes and checking them often. Keep a notepad to write down details of phone conversations or meetings. Confine your notes to one source so that you don't have slips of paper all over the place that can be overlooked or forgotten. Review notes regularly, and put tasks that need to be done on a calendar.  [[Image:Keep a Job with ADHD Step 2.jpg|center|550px]]
 * 3) Stay on task. Commit to finish up a current project before moving on to another. Try to avoid answering the phone or checking email before the current task is done.  [[Image:Keep a Job with ADHD Step 3.jpg|center|550px]]
 * 4) Be upfront with coworkers about your limitations and ADHD symptoms. While you shouldn't present your ADHD as an excuse, others need to know what they can and cannot expect of you. Explain the symptoms of ADHD like forgetfulness and impulsiveness and let others know that it's not from lack of respect, selfishness, or any other controllable aspect.  [[Image:Keep a Job with ADHD Step 4.jpg|center|550px]]
 * 5) Show others how you compensate for the limitations caused by adult ADHD. Take notes, use special organizational tools and adapt your environment to better accomplish tasks, and show managers and coworkers that you are making an effort. Remember that you have to take extra measures to figure out how to keep a job with ADHD, since others won't always be sympathetic or understanding.  [[Image:Keep a Job with ADHD Step 5.jpg|center|550px]]
 * 6) Let others know that it is acceptable for them to correct you or remind you to do things. Don't overreact or get upset when someone reminds you of something or expresses frustration with your ADHD symptoms.  [[Image:Keep a Job with ADHD Step 6.jpg|center|550px]]
 * 7) Apologize when you slip up, react in a negative way, hurt someone's feelings or show some of the other effects of adult ADHD. Take responsibility and don't make excuses for mistakes, forgotten promises or missed deadlines.  [[Image:Keep a Job with ADHD Step 7.jpg|center|550px]]
 * 8) Find a planner or calendar that works for you. Break projects into simple tasks, and record them in one place. Use timers and programs with visible or audible reminders to make sure you don't forget appointments or scheduled tasks.  [[Image:Keep a Job with ADHD Step 8.jpg|center|550px]]
 * 9) Schedule your day effectively. Avoid over scheduling, and allow enough time between appointments. Try to make time to burn off energy with walks or exercise, even if it's just a walk to the copy machine.  [[Image:Keep a Job with ADHD Step 9.jpg|center|550px]]
 * 10) Set realistic expectations about the kind of work you can do. Try to find work that keeps you interested. Avoid taking a position that you know will be boring and repetitive. Most importantly, strengthen your skills and find a job that you can excel at. When you are successful in the important aspects of your work, the troublesome effects of your ADHD will not be as noticeable or intrusive.  [[Image:Keep a Job with ADHD Step 10.jpg|center|550px]]

Related wikiHows

 * How to Deal With a Boyfriend That Has ADHD
 * How to Communicate With Children With Adhd
 * How to Treat Adhd
 * How to Deal With Adhd
 * How to Cope With Adult Adhd

Sources and Citations

 * http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/7007.html