Folks with AD/HD often get bored or feel the need to change jobs. How many jobs have you had in the past 10 years?

I think the majority of my job changes were more due to frustration with the working enviroment than boredom.

These are all the jobs I have had in the past 10 years (I'm 29 now)

Cashier at wal-mart (summer Job)
Cashier at shoe store (2 months)
Nanny (temp postiton 3 months)
cashier, accounting office, jewelry counter at Wal-mart (a year and a half)
Nanny (Temp position 6 months)
Nanny (summer Position)
Preschool teacher Head Start (2 years)
Preschool Teacher daycare center ( 2 months was horrified by what I saw)
Assistant Teacher Autistic preschool program (summer position)
Special Ed Aide Middle School (4 years) (summer job as Nanny for one summer)
Substitute teacher at same Middle School (6 months)
Special Ed Aide at different Middle school (2 months)

I mostly quit and join again within a library system at different branches, depending on when I get bored, upset with the boss, trying to motivate myself to find something more meaningful (i.e. force myself to quit and get a better job, which I don't, and then go begging back for the job). I've quit a newspaper twice after a short period and not sure why I did except my stress went up.

I know there's a good job out there.. but my question is if I can keep patience enough to stay with it and enjoy it.

I got what I used to consider a "dream job" -- a programming job at Microsoft -- and I'm bored and have been seriously considering quitting. Of course, I won't -- the pay and benefits are just too good, especially in this economy, but it shows me that it's not the job -- it's me. Or more specifically it's my AD/HD...

-- Tom

Perhaps you can transfer within? Maybe to another product group?

10 years is pretty much the extent of my working life... But out of those 10 years 4 of them were at the same place more or less.. I got sold to another company, so I consider it to be working for the same place since I was pretty much forced into it.

I've been doing better with this... I realized a big source of my stress was my insecurity about my job, so instead I have made my main priority <b>keeping</b> and <b>succeeding</b> in the job I have now. Previously (my work experience began in 1989) I worked for a company for 4 years, then switched 3 times in 3 years. With the company I'm in now, I have been here 5 years and still going strong!

However, I still do get bored and feel the need to "run". I just go through this phase for a while, and tell myself that the job prospects aren't nearly as good as my prospect of keeping and succeeding in a job I already know, am successful at, and enjoy. "Sticking with it" is a big part of my strategy :)

I have had 6 jobs during the past 10 years. I have been currently at my current job for over 3 years. I have a family of 5 to support(my wife homeschools our kids), so I have to work through the boredom. I guess I have a belief that I need to persist and never give up...so I will keep going...family and their welfare moitvates me even when the job is less stimulating.

I think that's a big thing... staying motivated by realizing your family counts on you. For me, one BIG reason I have stayed where I am for the last 5 years was my divorce... I realized I *couldn't* afford to jump around, and it turns out this has saved me, and in the process earned me a promotion I wouldn't have gotten had I not "stuck it out." So stay with it! Just sticking with something can really have its benefits. Plus, there's a lot to be said for stability for the sake of your family :)

Thanks.....I agree, and good for you for staying with it for 5 years! This is actually my longest at a job.

You know, for me, there was even a turning point this year on this same topic: About 4 months ago, I was getting a lot of grief from my boss, which I felt was undeserved. I was very stressed, and about ready to start calling recruiters and headhunters to find a place "where I was more welcome." However, one day something in me kind of snapped... and I realized I *am* darn good at my job, even if I'm getting grief at that time. And that since I had found a job where I *was* good at it, trying to go seek another job to find something else was a crap shoot... I've had several jobs where I didn't do as well, or didn't like the company, and those jobs were wrong for me. But this one, even with the stress and grief, was still one where I had been successful and felt I could still be.

Turns out, it was an exceptional "move" to stay in this company... I'm in sales, and recently I've been instrumental in winning several very large sales away from our #1 and #2 competitors, and have been stacking up the kudos like crazy... and it looks like this could very well be one of my best years ever in terms of sales and performance overall. Our region is even poised to be "region of the year" in our company.

So I guess the lesson for me in this, and something to consider, is that sometimes we want to jump when things seem bad, and switch jobs in search of the one that will treat us better... when what we really need to do is stay put, where we are, and search for the reasons we joined this company to begin with... and not think the grass is always greener on the other side. Because sometimes the grass is GOING to be greener here, if you just keep watering and wait it out.

I called the Canada Pension Plan to get a list of all the jobs Ive had . They can only go back 10 years.

When I got the paperwork from them showing me were I had worked I even surprised myself as there were two jobs I didnt even remeber having

Now I drive a Big Truck becuase Im always going somewhere and its allways different day to day.

Also there is so much call for truck drivers I can quit one job in the morning and be sitting in a new truck going somewhere else by the afternoon ( Not quite that quick but its pretty quick )

I have found this to be the best job so far as:

* I am responsible and in control of this Big Monster
* I get to drive around all over the country and see lots of new places
* I meet lots of people for short periods of time (pickups and drops)
* I can talk to many different truckers all day long with total anonimity on the CB

* I can take a day off when ever I feel like it

*I can work 15 hours a day 3 * 15 = 45 hours

In 3 days I can get my weeks work in and have a 4 day weekend

I get lots of exersise climging in and out of my trailers to clean them out after each drop ( I haul farm commodities, wheat, soy beans, corn ect.)

* I dont have to put up with the politics and idio syncrecis of linear thinkers (sombody please tell me how to spell idio syncrecis )

* and Best of all they pay me do do this

Idiosyncracies :)

Originally posted by unreal33
sometimes we want to jump when things seem bad, and switch jobs in search of the one that will treat us better... when what we really need to do is stay put, where we are, and search for the reasons we joined this company to begin with... and not think the grass is always greener on the other side. Because sometimes the grass is GOING to be greener here, if you just keep watering and wait it out.


AH .... WISDOM....a very good thing.....:)

The Grass is greener syndrome....I have had that many times. But, yes there is something to be said about staying, and working through the problems you may have at a particular job and coming out the other side better for it.

For me, I work in the telecom field and I love it. Sometimes there are big harry projects that only can be done at night, and that's when I thrive...the bigger the project the better. At times though, where it can be slower, and I have to do a bunch of mundane tasks...BORING TASKS....That is the hard part for me, living in the valleys of boredom and still doing a good job in those times. I just had my review and it went great, but I need to engage myself during the times when I am not dancing on the chaos.

Anyone have any tips on how they deal with job boredom? How do you change your mindset?

James -- How do you change your mindset? or thinking? or thought processes during the boredom? to make it tolerable at best? not easy......Reminds me of the time several years ago when I was 16 and went on a teen tour to Israel and we stayed in an Israeli Kibbutz....for four weeks....seemed like months...everyday I would have to rise at 4:00 a.m. and pick pears in the pear orchards for 7 hours....YUCK....it was SOOOOOOOOO boring.....and I wasn't anywhere near being treated yet for ADD...but anyway, I remember during the "tedium" I would sing...yes sing....not loud....just to myself....so that I was the only one who could hear myself....I'd play games with myself with "sing-ins"...for example, songs with the word "love" in them..(tons of them)..and I'd challenge my mind, while I'm picking those _____ pears, to think of every song with the word "love" in the lyrics anywhere, and sing it to myself....that took up a LOT of time....

Okay, today I swim 40 minutes when I swim....BORING....but to "get through it", I have actually solved life problems while swimming. My mind is not on the swimming and its boredom and when will this end -- but it's on something I've been needing to solve or figure out in my life and the time is nice...I talk to God too...

For the past 10 years I've had the same job...Longest job I've ever had ! This is due to the fact that every year my job changes just a bit. Driving 6 hours a day keeps my mind and body busy so I'm not feeling bored with my job.

I started working when I was 14 and only kept each job for 1 year or so and would move on.

Paula

Hey Joan,

Thank for the reply. Swimming! I love swimming. I used to be on the swim team in high school and during that time I had A LOT of family problems. I would do the same thing while swimming, sorting through problems, etc. Also, the water itself is soothing and I think there are chemicals in the brain, I believe, dopamine that are released during exercise. I also use have a job a few years ago that had a health center and pool and I would go and swim during lunch every day. At this time I don't have access to a pool, but there is a community pool being built near my house that should be done around Christmas or so.... My kids are going to a swimming party today with my wife , lucky them!

I worked my last job for about 7 years but I usually get anxious after about 2 years. I'm now at a job that I'm probably going to quit or they're going to let me go.

I'm having a tough time with the job and I'd rather quit than get fired.

Most of my working life i have delivered auto parts for privately owned/commercial retail stores/warehouses (wearing short shorts of course <grin>).

Also tried temp. job agencies, fast foods, but the things I love most in life r reading (personal selections), motorcycles, dressing up. I would love to model (brochures, catalogs, t.v. ads or maybe voice overs). I'm not bad to look @ & with right makeup.........who knows.

That is me pumping myself up y'all. As a cancer survivor, maybe PR work. So many things I'd like to do, just need the physical energy to keep up.

My last job lasted 6 years and I'm on my 2nd year at my new job, I only left my old job because of a major layoff. I'm fiercly loyal to a company. Too loyal at times...

I was diagnosed ADD at 43 have worked in psych for 12 years. I am 61 now, and wouldnt trade it for the world.

Maira: What is "it" that you would not trade -- having worked in psych or having ADD??:D

(sometimes I can be a real smart alec:D)

Aren't we all :D

I find that I change jobs a lot less now that I have a mortgage - somehow that focuses me a bit more ;)

I have been at the same company for 15 years. I am now a supervisor and I struggle with that a lot.
Jim

The reason I've had so many jobs is I usually get fired or laid off, and it's mostly due to tardiness or attendance. I just found out a couple months ago I have ADD and I'm 38. I'm starting a new job Monday, which I started a thread about. I hope I will be able to stay with a job longer now that I'm on meds and therapy.

Flvamp -- I'll be you will be able to succeed in sticking around your job now that you've been treated.......

The self-esteem and commitment factors are increased with meds, I believe.....At least that's what has happened for me. I've never been in a job more than 1 1/2 years....In every job I've had -- I've anticipated getting fired and I did....

Now this one -- I've been in for four months now...and I have no anticipation of getting fired...don't EXPECT to get fired. I'm committed to staying here for the long run.....I'll bet you will be able to make that commitment too.....

Good luck in that new job!!!!!!!!!!!

I've had over 30 jobs in my short 28 years of life...and that's all I feel like saying...argorama.

I have had over ten jobs in nine years! I've also moved from house to house at least 15 times in the last nine years, probably more.

i have to be part of a team. now it is 4 of us.

i need to help wherever help is needed.

admin, call a client, trade, whatever, empty the garbage,
etc.

or make lunch.

everyday is not great. but there are great days.

Paul :)

I have had a lot of jobs in the last 10 years, probably 10-15. A lot of those jobs were part time "nothing" jobs that just got me through the summer or whatever.

The most frustrating part of my life (and a source of pent up anger with my wife) is that I have been taking college classes for the last 12 years. Had I done this in one discipline, I would have been an MD by now. I do have a Bachelors, a masters and I am working on another masters degree, now. I hate it sometimes.

I have had 3 jobs in the last 18 months...and all I want to do is stay in one job for a long time. Problem is I get bored with one thing, kind of like I figure it out and need to move on. Thinking of going into business for myself...once I get a grip on my mood swings....

I've never been at a job for more than 2 years, really. Not happily anyway. (One retail job lasted almost three years, a few months short of being vested in the company!)

I've been a teacher mostly, but never more than two years at the same school. Some of the changes have been because of circumstances out of my control. (Budget cuts, time cuts.)

But many of them, particularly the retail jobs I've needed to make ends meet, I just get fed up with. (Or let my temper get the best of me and get reprimanded, then quit.) They've been more frustrating than I could handle as far as working with whiny or beligerent co-workers, and whiny and beligerent customers. (I believe everyone should have to work retail at some point. Maybe then people wouldn't be so unreasonable when shopping.)

Right now, I'm finishing up my second year in a school that I really love. One where they recognize my talents and forgive my shortcomings. I'm actually a little bit scared to think of a third year there! Old feelings of being caught a fraud are coming up. Especially in long-term evaluations of student progress. I'm going to stick it out, though. I know that these feelings are mostly irrational and if I keep working like I have been, my success will continue.

I actually enjoy the relative autonomy and creativity required in teaching. It's certainly not boring, there's never a dull moment! I recommend it highly as long as you have structures/strategies in place for organization.

My previous job was 5 years, second job was almost 3 years & the rest has been under 1 year with lots of lay-offs & some firings, a couple of those really unpleasant. Have been self employed for 2 years hoping that would motivate me but no such luck.

The problem is I don't take orders well and have too many crazy ideas, just can't stand to do things the way I'm told and must invent another way, see another angle. Not too many places will pay you too goof around and explore options. The five year place was small enough that I worked on my own with a couple other people to talk to & got to review things often enough with the boss that I didn't get too far off-track. Then they grew and wanted me to be a manager but I'm awful at setting schedules for myself much less keeping a team on track so they hired another guy & we didn't get along.

I just don't know what to do now.

I've been at the same company for 21 years, but within the company I have held several positions. Luckily, the company I work for is quite large and many different opportunities are always coming up.

Now the current position I'm in I've actually been in for 9 years. But the job and the people around me have changed so much that I don't feel like it's been the same job because it's changed so much.

Prior to my current job I had 9 different jobs in 6 years.

Ten jobs in 10 years for me although that includes a few that were not just because of me (dot com busts, mergers, etc. but still.................)

Ok - I think I got you all beat here. I have been in the workforce since 1993 and have had a total of 19 jobs. Only once was I fired - from a waitress job at Chili's because I couldn't keep my schedule straight. I would forget I was supposed to work and not show up - then come in the next day and my manager would bitc* at me and say "Where were you yesterday?!?!" I really didn't intend to ever blow off work - I just goofed up the schedule again. So, all my other jobs - and some of the time I work two or three simultaneously, I left because I was bored out of my mind.

I have had several very interesting positions though - I was a repo lady for awhile but I couldn't stand calling people and lying to them - telling them they won the sweepstakes just so I could get their physical address to send some lug out to jack their car. I also worked in the tax office for an accounting firm. They offered me a job as a sort of CPA in training and were going to send me to school to finish my degree. My parents were NOT happy when I turned that down. I just knew I would probably throw myself off a bridge if I was stuck crunching numbers all day! (YUK!) I did a short stint in the Air Force but fate had me discharged for medical reasons (migranes - didn't know that was a disqualifying condition for the service and my recruiter failed to tell me!) That actually wasn't too bad. I was elected by my peers as a student leader - probably b/c I think fast on my feet. But I was slated to work in linguistics and at the time they had me scheduled for classes in Arabic - so who knows where I'd be right now if the Air Force had worked out. Probably someplace scary and bloody. I worked in logistics for Nabisco Foods for 3 years. At first that was great! Every 2 minutes I had another problem on my desk to solve and I was good at it. But it didn't take too long until all the problems were always the SAME problems and that got really monotonous. (sp?) I was also the office manager for my family's wholesale floral business - working for my father who has really bad ADHD - undiagnosed but SO obvious! We drove each other CRAZY! Besides all that I've had a lot of waitress jobs - which god willing I will never have to wait tables again! Keeping track of everything for 5,6,10 tables of people had my head swimming by the end of the shift. Plus I would go home stinking of whatever food I was serving. I speak Spanish so over the past 6 or 7 years I've had a few office jobs that I got based on my language skills. That's what I am doing now - exports to Latin America and Quality Control for Latin America, Europe and the Middle East. It's pretty cool and I like talking to people all over the world all day. I get a lot of interesting problems to fix.

I developed some good systems to keep myself organized in the office even before I started meds. My current job is one of the reasons I finally went for help and got on meds. I could never get to work on time and I was afraid they would fire me. So now I still come in right at 8am - sometimes a few minutes after - but my boss understands that I have a little problem with time management and I've basically got it under control now. And it's a lot easier for me to focus on what I'm doing at work. I am hopeful that I have finally found a niche for myself although I have always wanted to be an interior decorator....

wow, most of you seem to have pretty good job luck! I think I'm the worst so far...here is my history(actually I can't even remember all the jobs I have had the last 10 years)....b...

I haven't had a job longer that 11 months in my working career that started in 93(just turned 35)...I have had mostly sales jobs(in the computer industry, silicon valley!!), and have quit 90 percent of them or have got laid off...my problem is that I hate sales, and I'm trying to switch careers(which is very hard when you're older!)..

I'm back in schoool trying to get my BS degree.. I would LOVE to have a job for at least a year or more!! I believe I have severe ADD, I also have Learning disabilities that affect me a lot in everyday activites..seems like most of you all are pretty well functioning ADD addults! most of you write really well and have had secure career's..I don't think that's the norm for ADDers? how many of you have LD as well? at least I didn't think so. ..

I guess I have had at least 20 jobs in 10 years... I currenty just quit one(getting SO tired of quitting jobs, since 9-11, I haven't had a decent full-time job)...I was recently(as of last Wednesday) a courier for FEDex Ground..what a physically HARD job....I'm lucky becuase I'm not married and have no kids. I only really have to worry about my rent(which is very cheap) and a few bills...I can get REALLY lazy when I'm not working(I have so many hobbies and things I enjoy doing, sometimes I don't even want to look for work)..like right now, writing this message and surfing the internet...when I should be doing other stuff, like studying and looking for a job.............

Hmm, been in the work for sinse 94. 4 Years of that was in the Air Force where you are pretty much required to do something for some amount of time. Even then outside of basic and tech school, I had different assignments which was fine with me. Got out to the tech boom of 99 and worked for a little over a year as a field systems support speciallist. This was the ulimate ADD job as you constantly had different things to do in different cities and there wasn't any direct supervision. Unfortunately, I decided I wanted to move on with my career and got a cube/travel job as a network engineer. Got boring and didn't like the politics so I move to data security.

It's a semi-cool job as I get to work in so many disaplines however I'm not real happy with the overall corporate situation. I can't stand the "Office Space" enviroment I work in. Not sure what I'm going to do yet. Like someone said above, mortage becomes one of those exterior pressures that helps override the impluse to leave. But it's been a close battle at times!!!