Hello to fellow ADDers,

I hope this is the correct area to post this, but I am in need of discussing with the people who would have some understanding about my situation, and reading whatever feedback gets posted.

I am now 43 and feel that I have reached a mental level of competents that I have worked many years to have. Things aren't as perfect as I would like them to be, but in terms of literacy and overall functionality, there is a night-and-day difference. Getting my chaotic adult life together (as a result of many years of chaos) is another hurtle that will not find resolve.

I find myself very alone in the world. I am in a relationship that is better than being completely alone, but she does not fully comprehend the struggles I have been through and my current feeling of worthlessness. Despite my otherwise positive outlook in the world, I instinctively feel I am falling far short of my potentialities (my purpose for being).

After 8 years of searching, including a relocation to the New York Metro area from Portland, Oregon, I was finally able to find someone to prescibe the meds I need to focus correctly. I only need to take one Ritalin tablet in the morning, plus do my meditation practices, and that provides enough focus to not perform needlessly brainless acts--such as getting someplace one hour earlier when I didn't need to be there until an hour after I thought I was supposed to be there. (Although I still get my directions confused, and I still get numbers like 5:30 and $5.50 confused, thinking that 5.50 means I need $.10 more to get a dollar--I know, I get confused, too.)


The hardest part, now, is finding work to sustain myself. I go to the local vocational rehabilitation department, here in Connecticut, but their services are minimal; plus, they don't view me (now) as having much of a disability. They do not understand when I tell them most of the problems associated with ADD are under my control, but now I am desperate need of a company giving me a chance to work. I do have good skills and a personality that many people like. I just need a chance, but my work background is shot. Even getting a job "at the bottom" is very hard.


What can a person in my situation do? Or do "guys like me just need to face reality" and leave the rest alone? I can clarify some of the things I wrote here, if needed. I will also write more.

Sorry, you are ahead of me. I still do not dare think about looking for a job. Hopefully this will change soon, but I feel insecure about handling responsibilities.

Can you do volunteer work while you find a paying job? It might provide a link to a job!

You may also try "temping" (temporary emplyoment agency).

Good luck.

Yeah, it looks like temping will be my first trial. I have temped much in the past.


I would love to be able to work (as a therapist) for people with ADD, and similar, because I believe once individuals know how to tap into their own creative energies, it will help people to find confidences to move forward. I believe the answer is a combinations of meds (if necessary) plus natural means (which all attainable with assistance). I can see if there is volunteer work in this area, but I doubt it. Beside, unless I can get some financial assistance, I need to have an income very soon.


Jay.

I was going to suggest volunteering for ADD-related work!

Why don't you explore becoming an ADD Coach?

You may also consider becoming a teacher - there is a huge shortage! Perhaps you can start by "subing" (substituting).

This is the time H&R Block trains people to do taxes - many of the trainees end up working for H&R Block during tax season.

Best of luck!

fantastic ideas, thanx

Exept, since I hate anything to do with our corrupt tax system (a big reason why us ADDers are unable to get the help we need), H&R Blockheads might not like my suggestions to their clients to just don't pay them, lol.

I like the idea of ADD-Coach, though.

There is a member of the forums here, that will no doubt post information on what website to go to, to learn to become an ADD Coach. I personally think its a noble job, and the money is pretty good, from what I hear.

I one of the newly medicated "I get it adults" too. Welcome to the club. Its never too late to change the direction of your life into a more positive route. I'm 33 and this is my first semester of Nursing school and am maintaining a 3.8 GPA when my high school GPA was 2.9 according to my transcripts. Have you considered a tech school?

We have a couple of ADD coaches within the forums though they don't act in that capacity within the forum they will be able to assist you in finding the right links as Andrew said just give them time to find this thread and get back to you.

Good luck,
Cherity

Sometimes, I feel I am waging a losing battle trying to get assistance from these different people who are in the business of helping others. It is like the more determined I am to take a stronger action (in this case, find my way to being employed again), the more my conclusions are that there is no way out for me. I am currently in fear of losing any means to support myself and I doubt I will be able to get any kind of financial support from this corrupt state I live in. Maybe somebody will be able to take in this stray dog on those cold winter nights.