Hi all!

I'm a 35 year old male with ADD who has been very successful in the Information Technology field. I'm just curious how many others out there have found they have an aptitude for technology, problem solving, personal interaction and have utilized their unique ability to 'multi-task' and think outside the box in their technology (or other) career?

I have a few friends with ADD ALSO in IT, so it seems to be common within my narrow view of the world... so, I pose the question here!

Also curious what ADD traits you think most impacted your success in IT/Computers.

For me, it's just this odd ability to always see things from 10,000 feet... an overview that is just natural, but at the same time, can hone in on an tech issue like a hawk. Also, while I can't seem to remember where I left my watch, I can remember IP addresses and tech info like it was tatooed on my arm. In brainstorm meetings, I can pop out ideas right and left (probably because I'm actually thinking about 25 different things including what I did wrong on the 4th Tee the day before).

Anyway, just wondering how prevalant an aptitude towards technology is amongst us gifted ADD adults.

I just wanted to tell you that I thing my boyfreind has add. and he is a whiz with computers, naturally. He got one a few yrs ago and he self taught himself a lot and then decided to get A+ certified and pretty much blowed the teachers away with his knowledge. He amazes all are freinds with this and fixes computers for people he loves fixing and troubleshooting them. he also has always loved electronics and used to build his own electronic games and stuff. He has this one called the jolt box. Whew... I have just recently have brought add to his attention, and I think he is just starting to see it a bit, maybe I'll get him to answer you himself. :rolleyes:

Yup, coding and Tech Stuff in general is definetly something that works well for ADDers.
Coding is everything about understand large scale concepts and the way things should be working.
Same goes for the network and general pc repair stuff, although it takes a lot of know how, in the field most things depend on intuition.

My boyfriend and I are both in IT--he has ADD, but I don't.

He got an MCSE back in 1996, and was pretty successful first as a sysadmin, then a consultant. But he then found a job with a large tech company as a Technical Account Manager, which paid well but was way too administrative and hands-off ... not very ADD-friendly. He hung onto it by his fingernails for nearly two years, but was fired two months ago. He's now trying to figure out where to go from here.

I don't have ADD, but I happen to be equally right- and left-brained. I've had a pretty happy career in web development, which involves both.

I am in the Networking Technologies part of IT and have my Cisco CCNP.

I think the reason ADDer's are so drawn to technology is because we are kinesthetic (hands-on) learners.

I took an IT management position in my company about 2 years ago (no hands-on technical). It was the worst time of my life. I went into severe depression for about 2 years. It was effecting my family life too. This was the main reason how I found out I was ADD.

I switched back to a Cisco (hands-on) technical role within my company and I am doing great. I feel good about myself and my contributions.

I have noticed, when I explain something technical to my peers at work they sometimes get that "what are you talking about" look. Anyone else get this look?

- Tim

I took an IT management position in my company about 2 years ago (no hands-on technical). It was the worst time of my life. I went into severe depression for about 2 years. It was effecting my family life too. This was the main reason how I found out I was ADD.

I switched back to a Cisco (hands-on) technical role within my company and I am doing great. I feel good about myself and my contributions.
- Tim
I know EXACTLY what you mean! My last job (I'm currently looking) was a 'SysAdmin' title, but my job involved more infrastructure planning & development, vendor relations, documentation, etc. More of a management role. I wasn't as happy as I was with my job before that which was a TRUE SysAdmin with LOTS of hands on.

So, now I'm looking to get back into the trenches actually setting up the networks, troubleshooting, being 'in-the-mix' and hands-on.

I'm very much a mechanical engineer by nature, althought I have no formal training. The hands-on part of stuff is what I live for. I work on fuel injectors, turbos, engines, etc. Designing, building, tinkering, inventing. When I'm working with my hands is the only time I'm really focused on something; all ten-thousand trains of thought that are usually going in as many different directions all zero in on one single thing at the same time with laser-beam intensity. Time stands still. Man, I love that experience!

well, this is all foreign to me! when i describe myself i honestly say that i am "adhd and technologically challenged!!" more power to you guys. now i know who to go to for help!!