Failing to meet minimum standards

Hey @ZoNav 

It sounds incredibly draining to be a high-standard worker trapped in a metric-heavy environment that doesn't 'see' the quality of your output. As someone with ADHD myself, ADHD often means our productivity is non-linear, by which I mean we have these outbursts of high brilliance rather than the flat, consistent line that statistics demand 💚

When your manager asks you for an 'explanation' of your results, it can feel like a personal interrogation. One way to support yourself in that situation might be to shift the conversation from 'why I failed the metric' to 'how I work best.' Since you are highly accomplished in your niche, have you considered framing your ADHD as a need for 'workplace adjustments' rather than a performance issue? Sometimes, being upfront about needing a different way to track goals, like project milestones instead of hourly percentages, can take the target off your back.

In the meantime, please try to remember that your worth is not a percentage. When you're already dealing with isolation outside of work, these morning messages from your manager can feel like a threat to your safety. 

I'm wondering how we, as a community, could help you look at that burnout? Are there specific parts of your daily routine that feel like the biggest energy drains? 💚

Hi, Thank you for taking time out to write such a thoughtful and articulate response. Please know it is appreciated.

I have often wondered about workplace adjustments, but I usually dismiss myself because I often tell myself that there is nothing that can be done to support me. This is in combination with not really knowing what adjustments are considered reasonable, and just having a hard time advocating for my needs.

• Re: burnout and energy drains

I would probably say that the biggest energy drain would be my poor attempts at trying to stick to the allocated time limits assigned to my core work tasks. And even if I keep to schedule, the expectation to immediately move on to the next task is a lot of pressure. I struggle with ending one thing and picking up another thing - which is often measured as dead time.

Apologies, this has probably turned into a bit of a boring vent. But I hope it reflects just how tired and worn down I feel, and examples the daily difficulties I face as someone with ADHD in the workplace trying harder than most people but still falling short.

@ZoNav 

I get what you mean... is this an at home job?

Lets say you need to increase productivity percentages but your ability to be distracted is quite high. Do you have things at home like headphones, with which you could a reoccurring consistent sound on?

I tend to listen to a new song i like on repeat for 8 hours or so and this focuses my mind by not seeking sounds within the home.... I have adhd as well, the medication certainly help as well... but there are things which arent as helpful is your office a dedicated space for work only?

Sorry for all the questions but I find, a single use, quiet room with constant sound and consistently predictable sound allows me to focus better.

@ZoNav 

Please don't feel like you have to apologise for 'venting' here, this is a safe space for it 💚

Regarding the workplace adjustments, I feel it's far too common to feel like nothing can be done, but what you described about task switching is a great candidate for support. In many places, reasonable adjustments for us folk with ADHD can look like the following:

• Transition Buffers: factoring in a 5 to 10 minutes of reset/admin time between core tasks so it isn't tracked as 'dead time.'
• Batching: grouping similar tasks together to reduce the number of times you have to stop/start your brain.
• Modified Metrics: asking if your productivity can be measured by a weekly average rather than a daily percentage, this accounts for the 'burst' nature of ADHD work.

Since you mentioned that you find it hard to advocate for your needs, would it help to practice how to phrase these 'productivity solutions' rather than 'requests for help'? Sometimes framing it as 'I want to hit these targets, and I've identified that batching tasks will help me do that' feels safer than saying 'I'm struggling.'

I would also recommend checking out Self-Advocacy@Work or Disability Advocacy Network Australia for extra support with advocacy.

I can really hear how exhausted you are, and I am curious about how you might plan to recharge, even for just 10 minutes, today? 💚

@ZoNav 

I just wanted to reply I guess with some solidarity - I have inattentive ADHD and have struggled in my working life, while I do have strengths, I am hamstrung by inconsistency and drops in focus. My attention to detail is poor and some days its like I cannot function at all. 

In jobs that I have suceeded in part at - I have tapped into the hyperfocus of adhd. This is typical for me- there is no middle ground, I'm either all in or all out. I have become passionate and completely consumed by the job, driving high standards. This comes with heavy risk of burnout; and especially with my rejection sensitivity/poor emotional regulation can also cause interpersonal relationship friction inside/outside the workplace. 

What is the answer? I think it lies in perhaps hyperfocus but with really tried and true self care. Keep lists, everything must be visible, but there needs to be some priority given to winding down from work before hyperfocusing again. Look at things you enjoy doing. Anything that helps you shut off after your work day. And anything that helps with sleep too. Melatonin I found effective, as well as Jilungin tea. You'll need to have lots of self compassion too. 

Good luck friend  

@ZoNav, I am too experiencing the same. Please read my story, share yours on the forum and support the movement.

Things don't have to be this way... But we need to stick together and fight for what is right.

https://saneforums.org/t5/Advocating-for-change/Are-others-experiencing-quot-masked-quot-dismissals-after/td-p/1845562