How to Keep a Job With ADHD

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurological disorder that interferes with a person's ability to focus or maintain attention for long periods. Adults with ADHD are easily distracted and have difficultly remaining on task, particularly if the task is repetitive or unstimulating. In the workplace someone with ADHD may experience difficulty following through with tasks, show a lack of attention to detail and fail to notice nonverbal clues causing difficulties with interpersonal relationships. Keeping a job requires managing the symptoms of ADHD that interfere with the work environment.

Things You'll Need

• Organizer
• Sticky notes
• White board
• Note pad

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Instructions

• 1

  Set work as a priority. If you have ADHD, you may find it difficult to set your priorities and may be tempted to call in sick when situations arise that you feel require your attention. Naturally, there will be times when you may have to call off work for day, but they should be few and far between. Make a decision that work comes first and other desires come second.

• 2

  Plan your time wisely. Allow extra time in the morning both for getting ready for work and for the commute to work. This compensates for your natural tendency to get sidetracked and lose track of time. Setting your clocks ahead a few minutes is also an effective technique for many people. Getting to work on time everyday is important to keeping a job.

• 3

  Break work tasks into smaller segments. This helps you focus on the specific task without being overwhelmed by the entire project. Keep a notepad with the tasks to be performed outlined on the pad and check each one off as you complete it. A white board near your work area works well, too.

• 4

  Buy an organizer and use it to keep track of all work related tasks. Include due dates for projects, meeting times and notes from meetings. Use sticky notes as reminders of important tasks, meetings or work related information.

• 5

  Seek out a coworker whom you like and trust to provide feedback on a regular basis if you have difficulties with interpersonal relations. This is especially helpful for social interactions as you may not be aware of subtle social cues and may inadvertently offend others. A trusted coworker can help you to understand the reactions of those around you.

• 6

  Develop a treatment plan for your ADHD. Follow the advice of your doctor and make a commitment to following your plan. This may involve medication, counseling or therapy to teach you ways to cope with the symptoms of ADHD. Controlling the symptoms of ADHD improves work performance.