I have ADHD and I have been struggling to look for work for two years.

Christina Szeman

March 8,2023 at 8:05PM UTC

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I have ADHD and I have been struggling to look for work for two years. A few days ago, I contacted a job counselor,and they told me that the jobs that I want and my skills are not a match. The last position that I was hired at before this pandemic, laid me off due to not being able to multitask, and that the boss just underemployed me (I only did two things in my job, and did nothing for the two hours that was left. Plus, I am angry at him for not training me on a software that is required for my position. And that software is not available anywhere online to train on) I am looking at working remote, in person, hybrid, freelancing, or even as an entrepreneur. However, the counselor just wants me to look for an in person job in the city. She wants me to match my skills with the right job so that I can get 20 job interviews a week (Which is unrealistic to me. I've only gotten 2 or 3 job interview a week years ago). I did a few of those job quizzes on a government website and after two of those, found that I didn't fit any of their suggested jobs. I am currently looking for writing, broadcasting, or podcasting jobs. I have a degree in Broadcasting. I want a job, plus gigs on the side because these days one job isn't enough for the high cost of living. This counselor also wants me to find a hidden skill that is demand. She thinks that none of my current skills are in demand. I don't know what that skill is. Should I not continue with this person and find another one or do what she says?

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Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistMarch 8,2023 at 8:37PM UTC
No one on this planet has ever had 20 job interviews a week.
Who is this "job counselor" and where did you find them? Are you paying them money?
Christina SzemanMarch 8,2023 at 9:19PM UTC
This person is in Alberta, Canada.
Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistMarch 8,2023 at 9:26PM UTC
Not sure what their location has to do with anything.
Where did you find them? Are you paying them money?
AnonymousMarch 8,2023 at 10:18PM UTC
I have ADHD and so do many of my close (and successful) friends.
We are Product Managers, Project Managers, Engineers, VPs of Operations, Massage Therapists, Nurses, Teachers, etc.
I thrive in an environment where I have lots of different types of things to do and have a few fires to put out on a regular basis. Whatever I can do to get my brain excited to do things. I also work remotely which has been a big help to me in terms of flexibility, but starting at a new company does take some extra ramp up time to build relationships.
Job coaches and career coaches are very personal choices. Perhaps this is not the one for you? Can you look at other options?
Kelly HammerMarch 11,2023 at 3:03PM UTC
Agreed! I was diagnosed at 50. Up to that point, I just knew that for me to thrive in a job, I needed to be challenged. The way I would define for an employer was that I really enjoy learning new things. It keeps me interested and motivated. I never knew why I would get bored at a job. I just assumed it was because it stopped challenging me and became redundant.
AnonymousMarch 9,2023 at 1:39PM UTC
If she’s going to get you 20 interviews a week, she’s a magician. Also are you certain you don’t have the skills you need for the roles you want OR is the connection just not clear from your resume?
If your adhd is impacting your job it might be better to work with an executive function coach now to
improve your multi-tasking, organization, etc. skills - than a job coach who is making
very large and unrealistic promises.
(I also have ADHD - you can do *anything* don’t let it or anyone limit you!)
KatMarch 9,2023 at 4:22PM UTC
This counselor isn't a good fit for you. She's not listening to what your needs/wants are, says you're skills aren't marketable and yet wants you to develop a marketable skill but won't tell you what that skill should be. Her promise of getting you 20 interviews a week is a lie. No one is that good. The only way to send someone out on that many interviews is to send them to every open job in the city regardless of whether you're qualified/interested in it. If you're paying for this counselor yourself, fire her. She's wasting your time and money. If this counselor is through a government program, ask to be reassigned to someone else. Also find out if there are other programs/services you qualify for that might get you the training that you need. There are lots of sites that offer free lance writing jobs, so start there. Network on LinkedIn (or through your university alumni group) with people in your field. Contact the career services center at your university. They might be able to help you with resume writing and connecting you with job openings better suited to your skills. It's possible that what you have to offer isn't being conveyed well enough through your resume or that it needs to be targeted better to get the job you want. If you do need to learn some new skills, LinkedIn, Udemy and many other places offer trainings for free or low cost.
Mare LevineMarch 10,2023 at 3:47PM UTC
Hi there--I have close family members who have ADHD and are brilliant at work that interests them. I agree with the previous comments--20 interviews a week is unrealistic, so please get rid of this counselor if you are able to. You said the counselor was in Canada, so if you are too, I have some suggestions for you (excuse any that are duplicates of what you've already tried):
1. Try checking out Mentra, the neurodiverse job employment network: https://www.mentra.me/
2. Try checking out DiversityJobs who specialize in many career seekers who might otherwise be marginalized https://www.diversityjobs.com/
3. Try to speak Annie to at the Centre for ADHD Awareness in Canada (CADDAC) to see if she can connect you up to some resources https://caddac.ca/programs-and-events/
4. Canadian Broadcasting job search with 78 jobs right now: https://cbc.taleo.net/careersection/2/jobsearch.ftl?lang=en
5. Here are some Canadian broadcasting-related jobs with internships--some are remote https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/search/?currentJobId=3482548201&geoId=101174742&keywords=internship%20radio&location=Canada&originalSubdomain=ca&refresh=true
6. Try the same search, but for Podcasting
7. Indeed remote podcasting jobs: https://www.indeed.com/q-Podcast-l-Remote-jobs.html
8. There are events like Evolutions Podcast Movement going on right now in Las Vegas with virtual attendee option. Although this event is almost over, networking with other podcasters and creators is an important way to get connections https://evolutions.podcastmovement.com/register/
9. List of other 2023 podcasting events--costs range from free to several hundred dollars (US) and many have virtual attendee options https://www.buzzsprout.com/blog/podcast-conferences
10. Connect with broadcasters/podcasters on platforms or areas of interest and see if you can get some mentors to help you
11. Reach back out to college you graduated from--are there any internships you could participate in? What about job placement and job fairs?
I hope something in here is helpful to you. I know you can be successful at what you love!
Mare
Afo Ogbeyalu KaluMarch 11,2023 at 2:15PM UTC
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AyianMarch 11,2023 at 5:13PM UTC
20 interviews in a week is unrealistic and exhausting, ESPECIALLY for neurodivergent people.
In case you weren't aware, most states have a program such as Department of Rehabilitative Services (DARS), which helps neurodivergent, deaf, mute, or otherwise disabled persons to get jobs. If that's learning new skills, getting hearing aids, whatever the case may be, this is a social program that probably exists in your area and is free to use. So check that out. :)
Also! You have skills that are in demand! Check out these that I found on idealist.org:
https://www.idealist.org/en/business-job/6565115fe4424a9a9f2bc06006fa826d-storyteller-writing-and-content-strategy-biomimicry-38-missoula
https://www.idealist.org/en/nonprofit-job/1b131b3a6ef946b3b60d055045f50687-researcher-human-rights-watch-nairobi
https://www.idealist.org/en/nonprofit-job/16e1ca16188a47a6b943e0446b448dfe-director-of-communications-ayiti-community-trust-miami
Idealist.org is a nonprofit job, internship, and volunteer board. Maybe you didn't even consider the nonprofit sector previously, but I see regular requests for people with your skills. Many of the organizations pay really well and all of the positions I posted are fully remote.
Fire the job counselor, they sound like they aren't a fit for you.
AyianMarch 11,2023 at 5:22PM UTC
Oh, also consider signing up for ADHD or Autistic newsletters or e-magazines. There are other people who are struggling with the same things you are and there may be different approaches, soft skills, or just comradery that may help you in your search. I've been going to webinars from Additudemag.com for some time. They do a great job of concisely explaining things I sometimes struggle to communicate with others.
Consider also that most female Autists are misdiagnosed as ADHD, so if your symptoms aren't quite encompassed by your diagnosis, it's worthwhile to learn more about Autism. It can really help fill in the gap if you're experiencing one.
AnonymousMarch 11,2023 at 6:23PM UTC
? Why is this job counselor controlling your job search? Know thyself. Take some aptitude tests readily available online or through your local public library or EEO office. Use those to determine what skills you are good at and then wrestle back control of your own destiny. Find a role that is immersive where maybe repetitive or consistent tasks could help you to stay focused. There are many. Find a mentor or someone who is expert or perhaps a user group for the software you want to learn, someone will want to teach you and as long as you reach out a hand may be there to help. Wishing you good vibes as you discover what is next, the world is your oyster!
IntentionGirl299847March 11,2023 at 6:32PM UTC
First item, you spoke to a counselor and yet do not want to listen to or follow their advice. Doing your own thing seems to be working so well, hmmm? Go ahead and try her recommendations and be fully committed to an honest try.
Second, multitasking is a myth. No one multitasks as the brain can only focus on one task. You end up doing a bunch of jobs poorly.
Third, if you have the official diagnosis of adult ADHD (or AAD) why haven't you looked into medications? Make sure it isn't anxiety (social or otherwise) or depression or a mood disorder.
Good luck on your journey.
Wendy ScottMarch 11,2023 at 6:59PM UTC
Lots of great comments re resources from other people and I agree your counselor is being unrealistic.
As you are qualified in broadcasting, writing etc. and are looking for similar have you considered entrepreneurship in terms of an online business?
I’m about to give this a go myself and have learned a lot from the following people:
Amy Porterfield (online marketing made easy)
Kate McKibbin (doing it online)
Lisa Johnson
Denise Duffield-Thomas (chill and prosper)
They all have podcasts, all but Kate have a book and all run online courses.
The idea is you create content about something you know about, market it online and make money like that.
Also try writing on Medium.com, you can make money there too.
Anyhow, even if you’d prefer a job it could be something you do while you are looking.
Good luck