Job Seeking While Neurodivergent: Embracing Strengths and Overcoming Challenges

Job seeking can be a challenging endeavor for anyone, but for individuals who are neurodivergent, it can present unique hurdles and considerations. Neurodivergent individuals have different brain wiring that encompasses a range of conditions, such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and more. However, with a proactive approach, self-awareness, and understanding from employers, neurodivergent individuals can thrive in the workforce. Here are some strategies and tips to empower neurodivergent job seekers to find fulfilling employment.

Embracing Neurodivergent Strengths

Neurodivergent individuals possess unique strengths that can be assets in the workplace. These strengths often include:

• Attention to detail

Many neurodivergent individuals excel at attention to intricate details and spotting patterns that others might miss. This skill can be advantageous in roles that require precision, data analysis, or problem-solving.

• Creative thinking

Neurodivergent individuals often think outside the box and bring fresh perspectives. This creativity can be valuable in industries requiring innovation, design, or strategic planning. 

• Hyperfocus and determination

When neurodivergent individuals find a task or topic that captures their interest, they can exhibit remarkable focus and dedication. This intense focus can lead to exceptional outcomes and achievements in specialized roles.

Building a Support Network

Navigating the job-seeking process can be overwhelming, but having a support network can provide encouragement, guidance, and practical assistance. Consider the following avenues for support:

• Disability Employment Services

Contact disability employment services in your region that specialize in supporting neurodivergent individuals. They can provide career counseling, resume assistance, interview preparation, and connect you with inclusive employers.

• Online Communities

Join online communities and forums specifically tailored for neurodivergent individuals seeking employment. These communities often offer valuable insights, tips, and connections to job opportunities. 

• Professional Networks

Attend industry events, join professional associations, and participate in networking activities. Building connections with like-minded professionals can open doors to job opportunities and provide mentorship.

• Self-Advocacy and Disclosure

Deciding whether to disclose your neurodivergence to potential employers is a personal choice. However, being open and proactive about your unique abilities and any reasonable accommodations you may require can enhance the hiring process. Consider the following:

• Research and Prepare

Familiarize yourself with your rights and the legal protections afforded to individuals with disabilities in the workplace. Understand how accommodations can support your success.

• Highlight Your Strengths

During interviews and your application materials, emphasize your strengths and how they align with the job requirements. Showcase relevant accomplishments and experiences to demonstrate your capabilities.

• Requesting Accommodations

If you require accommodations to perform at your best, don't hesitate to request them. Explain how specific accommodations can support your productivity and contribute to the organization's success.

• Developing Coping Strategies

Neurodivergent individuals often face sensory issues or executive functioning and transition difficulties. Implementing coping strategies can help overcome these obstacles.

• Time Management

Develop a structured schedule or use productivity tools to help manage time effectively. Break tasks into smaller, manageable chunks to stay organized and focused.

• Self-Care and Stress Management

Practice self-care techniques that work for you, such as engaging in hobbies, exercise, meditation, or seeking support from therapists or counselors. Managing stress levels is crucial during the job-seeking process.

• Disclosure Selectivity

While disclosure can be beneficial, choose the timing and level of exposure that feels comfortable for you. You can discuss the matter with supportive individuals, such as mentors or trusted colleagues, who can offer guidance and understanding.

Job seeking can be challenging, but being neurodivergent should not hinder one's ability to find fulfilling employment. By recognizing and embracing their strengths, building a supportive network, advocating for themselves, and implementing effective coping strategies, neurodivergent individuals can navigate the job-seeking process with confidence. Employers increasingly recognize the value of neurodiversity in the workplace, paving the way for greater inclusivity and opportunities. Remember, you have unique talents and perspectives, and the right job awaits you.

I Am A Morning Person

I wake up almost every morning bubbling with energy, ready to start the day. My mind is full of ideas, so many that they all run together. My creativity and focus are most effective early in the morning, so I start my job at 6:30 am, when I know I can get the most work done. If I started working later, I would be scrambled and scattered and not anywhere nearly as productive.

My methylphenidate prescription has been raised a bit. We have a lot of training at work that requires me to focus on subjects that hold no allure for me whatsoever, but are very important to make my job run more smoothly, thus helping more students pay for their education. I definitely do not feel as panicked as before when I had meetings to endure.

My Ebay reselling side hustle is steaming along, but has added much more clutter to my already cluttered house. I don't want to become a hoarder.

The Finish Line

 I've completed all of my 36 TMS sessions and my depression has significantly improved. I feel now like I'm in a much better place to start exploring my ADHD more deeply. The anxiety still makes it difficult for me to focus or be still for long, so my Ritalin prescription has been raised a bit.

If I can harness the motivation I'm feeling and direct my focus, I'll be able to accomplish more in the way of clearing clutter, cleaning, etc. For now though, I'm going to enjoy not feeling stressed out and miserable.

Week Nine

 

My TMS sessions are tapering off. There were three treatments last week and this week there will be only two. I feel generally pretty good, although the anxiety is still high. I'm not constantly sad.

I woke up at 3am this morning with my mind racing as usual; just random thoughts, nothing linear or memorable. I just think of 8 million different things at the same time, until I get overwhelmed. Sometimes a thought or idea will come to me and I'll want to remember it. The logical solution would be to write it down, but if I wake enough to write it down, I won't be able to go back to sleep. It's as if I have an intense need to get things out of my head, just in case one of the thoughts is a good idea worth pursuing. The mental faucet is turned on full blast and never really shuts off completely. It's exhausting.

My Ebay sales have slowed down but shopping for inventory has been extremely enjoyable. Having that hobby has been good for me, I think. I can concentrate on something tangible other than my normal scrambled thinking. Housework was accomplished this past weekend, so I feel kind of proud of myself. I "got things done" which is normally not my state of affairs.

Morning Has Broken

 This week, I will start to taper off on the TMS sessions; I have only 3 this week. I've been missing the sessions on Mondays, usually because I rarely sleep well on Sunday nights. Anxiety for the approaching work week keeps me from resting. Once the week starts and it's business as usual, my sleep is much better.

I feel pretty good this week. I still have minor depressed episodes, but they don't last for day like before. I'm starting an Ebay reselling hobby which is very enjoyable. Knowing that I have something interesting to do after work helps me concentrate and focus better during the day. My anxiety level is still too high, but it has gotten somewhat better.

I believe the TMS treatments have worked. I don't know how long it will last, so I'll make hay while the sun shines. I can get a lot of stuff done. If feeling this way is "normal", I try not to think of how much more I could have accomplished, had I been diagnosed ADHD as a child and received the proper accommodations. I just try to focus on what all I will accomplish in the future.

Week Seven

 

I can honestly say that I feel better; more in control of myself, able to focus longer at work, and generally much better than previously. I've also come to the realization that the decisions I make regarding my health and eating have consequences, both good and bad. I'm not sure why that didn't occur to me before; perhaps because I'm more aware now of eating badly out of boredom just to get the dopamine hit in my brain. The introspection has benefitted my outlook and demeanor and helped my productivity. Distraction and anxiety are still way too high, though. The initial ability to decide on a course of action, then start that action still eludes me. Once I finally do get started, it's easier to follow through. Neurotypical people probably won't understand why that's a problem for me because they can JUST DO IT, like the Nike ad says. It's common sense for them. My brain won't let me do that; I have to convince myself that it's a valuable use of my time and attention. The risk of boredom is too high for my mind.

I'll have issues if I'm not successful right away at whatever I'm doing. I'm certainly not good at dealing with frustration; my self-image sucks so I immediately want to give up if it doesn't work the way I want it to. There's always value to be found if I do stick with it, whatever it is. I can be very persistent if I feel it's a beneficial way to spend my time.  That may sound very selfish and arrogant, but I know the effect that boredom has on my psyche and the consequences of that are too high for me.  I'm not as willing to be bored, just for money or just because you want me  to do things that don't interest me. My time is limited; I don't want to waste any more of it. It's absolutely worth more than any money than any amount I could trade for it.

Week Six

 

This past week, I only had two treatments. As usual, I didn't sleep on Sunday night, so I skipped Monday then my husband and I went to Dallas on Thursday. We visited with family and enjoyed ourselves. I even got to see an old friend who I had not seen in years and get in some Goodwill shopping. I've been more successful lately with my Ebay reselling. Plush seems to be my niche.

I slept well, but my husband has been ill and didn't want to do much. We went to brunch on Sunday before we came home and he fell in the parking lot hurting his wrist, so I had to drive the entire way home. Usually, we switch place in Waco. I was really tired when we got home.

We didn't celebrate or do anything special on Monday, July 4th because I'm not happy with the direction in which this country is headed. Why celebrate freedom when mine as a female has been taken away? I feel for younger women who are still of childbearing age, because the reversal of Roe v. Wade is absolutely terrifying. The evangelicals are taking over and that's going to set women and minorities back to the Stone Age.