Finding Employment

Adults with common ADD symptoms such as distractibility, inability to focus, and lack of time management skills should seek the advice of their doctor as to the best course of treatment. Whether prescription medication, counseling, or a combination of both is recommended, adults with ADD have several important considerations to keep in mind when it comes to career choices.

Like any other career candidate, adults with ADD should catalog their strengths and weaknesses, interests and abilities. The modern office setting can be a potential job disrupter if certain steps are not taken to provide a more suitable environment for those afflicted with ADD. Career candidates with ADD should investigate their options. With modern technology, it is possible to hold a full-time job at home, working from your own office. If this is not a possibility, request a private office. At worst, try to turn your desk away from the busiest parts of the office or invest in a pair of headphones. Several electronics companies are now producing headphones that actually eliminate all outside sounds.

If instead you find yourself to be distracted by inner thoughts, organize your priorities at the beginning of each day, and break each project down into smaller tasks. Work in intervals or use an alarm to remind yourself to accomplish a certain task throughout the day. If you cannot handle an office job that involves sitting for long periods of time, periodically get up, stretch, or do small tasks such as picking up the mail or taking a walk around the building. With a little pre-planning, adults with ADD can perform the same tasks as their coworkers.

Planning

The most essential element to maintaining a normal and productive life for adults with ADD is planning. Buy a daily or weekly planner, and record each important task or date. Carry the planner throughout the day to check off tasks and to record new ones. It is also ideal to have several calendars. Record dates, numbers, projects, and appointments into your daily or weekly planner, then transfer each item to a monthly or yearly calendar.

From your weekly or daily calendar, formulate a list of things to accomplish for the day. At the beginning of each day, break down your tasks and assign each task a time to be accomplished. Doing so will give you a better guideline for what you have to do and the time you have to do it, making you more likely to accomplish your goals. However, keep in mind the time you have throughout the day and only record things that must be done in your to-do list. People with ADD may plan too much and feel disappointed or frustrated when they don’t have enough time to accomplish it all.