So, my husband and I were talking about ADD and careers this morning and it got me thinking. Creative types like us really suffer when we try to conform to the traditional work day, to more traditional, structured jobs. The authors of You Mean I’m Not Lazy, Crazy or Stupid suggest careers for ADD adults, which are pretty much all of the creative variety. Of course I’ve never liked the 9-to-5 grind! I can work within the structure so long as I have a lot of creative license, but that is not often the case. That’s why I enjoy teaching: I have a great deal of autonomy, I’m only scheduled to be in the classroom a few hours a week and work on my own the rest of the time, and I create assignments to engage young adults. It’s challenging and fun. And, of course, I love writing but so far haven’t made enough money from that to call it a job or deduct taxes. The worst job I ever had was a three-month stint in the slide library at the university where I teach. I had a strict schedule, dull, repetitive tasks, the same routine every day, I rarely had conversations with co-workers because we had to be quiet, and my boss seriously micro-managed me. During my breaks, I’d hide in the stairwell and cry or call random people just to have some social contact. My misery makes so much sense now. I need variety and creative control, partially from the ADD, partially because I’m a control freak! But how many people try to be square pegs in round holes day in and day out, believing if they just tried harder, worked longer, stuck with it another year, they’d be happy with their jobs?
-
Follow
Following
Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
12resolutions 
Square peg round hole for sure. I have excelled by the number measures in every job I have had except one, but in job reviews I have always been considered just present. Mostly because I have never been able to operate within the guidelines given to me. I always learned the job tripled the output in a shorter time allowance, but used the gained time for myself. It was a neccesity for me to do that so I could try to find any fulfillment in what I was doing and was viewed by employers as laziness, regardless of the quality and quanity of my output. Finding the doorway into the creative world has been for me equal to the search for the holy grail.
But, aren’t you in law school? Is it more creative than I understand it to be (and please forgive me if I’ve offended)? I’m not trying to suggest that everyone with ADD needs to be an artist, because there is room for creativity in loads of professions. I have found few bosses who agree with that way of thinking, however.
Yes, I am on the Law Path, but no needs for apology. I have written poetry, song lyrics, and short stories my entire life. Law in everyone’s mind is a black and white world, but it simply isn’t the case. Law can be button down, it can be hyper destructive to creativty and it is one of the quickest routes to power and gated communities, most of the things I abhor. In stripped down terms it is also a part of the forensic science of language and used properly can be the most creative and concrete thing to protect artistic voice. I hope to work in the charity realm and legal research.
Brad, and I came from similar backgrounds and mindsets and my time in the independent music business though miniscule showed me how creative success could lead to the same servitude found in the factories and cubicles. I want to use my experiences and beliefs to get the creative out there with souls intact.
Amy,
I have filled my life with the non-conventional. I can’t imagine nine to five situations. Sometimes I wonder if most people naturally don’t gravitate towards the cubicle and factory position and all of the other mundane because it resembles the stability their parents had. I personally am compelled to be as I am and would go crazy otherwise. You are not alone. Our culture doesn’t always foster creativity.
Thanks, Brad. It has taken me my entire adult life to figure this one out. I still worry about being in a creative master’s program – the costs, the uncertain outcome – but I’m enjoying the hell out of it. And as far as our culture not fostering creativity, just look at what proposals are being voted on in the House this week! I haven’t seen such an attack on the arts since the Mapplethorpe show in Cincinatti!