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by krono 1592 days ago
No one wanted me and my ADHD and so I went out on my own. Now running a decently successful software/consultancy firm (not funded and not a single loan, I'm proud to say - edit: as in "told you I had it in me").

Of course this isn't an option for everyone, but starting your own business might be worth considering.

2 comments

As a counterpoint: I also have ADHD and went out on my own. Without oversight and managing I performed absolutely terribly. The company I started produced nothing and I ended up worse off after the experience.

If you think starting a company/freelancing is right for you, by all means do it. But if you have had multiple failed jobs already because of your ADHD then think long and hard about giving yourself a job that arguably requires more executive function than a regular day job.

>As a counterpoint: I also have ADHD and went out on my own. Without oversight and managing I performed absolutely terribly. The company I started produced nothing and I ended up worse off after the experience.

Same. Was absolutely not for me. Some ADHDers go this route successfully, and especially if you can hire an assistant to handle some of the tasks that require more executive function, but there's plenty of us for whom it will just be a disaster. I think it's important for anyone thinking of going this route to give it a try and find if they're one of the ones who it does suit, but have a clear criteria that will allow you to evaluate how it's going for you and trigger an exit in a timely fashion if need be.

As a business owner with ADHD - what are you thoughts on hiring people who also have the condition? Are you open to making the workplace more neurodivergent-friendly?
People with ADHD would be welcome - as long as I'm confident I can manage them (manage as in helping us both help each-other and the business). This would be the same advice I'd give to anyone hiring me.

Neurodivergent-friendliness is extremely broad, but generally, yes, being less of a dick to people who can't help being the way they are is always good :)

>(manage as in helping us both help each-other and the business)

what a fantastic description