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| Many people in the work force have ADHD, and for them a tough issue is whether to tell the boss. The decision depends on who is hearing it and what they're going to do with that information. An ADD specialist advises being cautious with your bosses. If you have an enlightened employer, disclosing the ADD and requesting accommodations could be the best and most direct solution. However....disclosing could be risky....you shouldn't assume your employer will understand or readily accept your diagnosis or requests as valid...they may view it as an excuse for substandard performance....It is hard to know how an employer will react. It is a personal decision that should be carefully weighed. |
| Whether you let your boss know you have .ADD or not you need to learn how to learn how to use your ADD to your advantage. The point is not to change who you are into someone without ADD, but to make adjustments for the way you are. |
| Above all, you should do something that you like. Motivation overrides ADD, so if you are doing something that you enjoy, chances are that your ADD won't get in the way too much, or might even be an advantage. |
| Because no one is the same, there is no "right job", it really depends on the person. For some people a great deal of structure is needed, while for others they thrive on independence. In general though, ADD people are not well-suited to a regimented corporate jobs or a rigid hierarchical company. A job that minimizes paperwork and is not too detail-orientatd is very well-suited to the ADD person. |
| For some people self-employment is an option, because the person who acts as their won boss is better able to control work flow and environment. |
| For the many people with ADD in the work place there are a host of problems at times to learn to cope with. Many people with ADD have a hard time dealing with the office politics, for they just don't get the right signals. Many adults with ADD view the workplace as a battleground, where they endure daily assaults on their self-esteem and conflicts with coworkers. Some things to help with the work place problems may be by getting professional help for your ADD, and making some workplace changes. |
| Since 1990, ADD has been covered by the American Disabilities Act (ADA), which requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations for workers with disabilities. Yet ironically, though the ADA is supposed to protect them, it has made it worse for some employees with ADD. The reason being is that there is a mistaken belief that people are falsely claiming ADD to gain unfair advantage. |
| The most important thing for adults with ADD to do is to understand their ADD. Don't let it become your employers problem, make it your own responsibility. Show the fact that people with ADD are high-energy and incredibly good brainstormers, and will often happily work 12 to 15 hours by choice. |
| The business community should not fear ADD, but instead they should see that they have a potential gold mine. |
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