Is it ADHD or Do You Hate Your Job?
- Derrick Hoard
- Jan 29
- 3 min read
And I know that may seem like a strange solution. Especially because of the job market in Seattle right now. We’re used to thinking about ADHD as a neurological disorder, a chemical imbalance, or an issue of dopamine deficiency and serotonin reabsorption. But sometimes, the real issue isn’t just in your brain—it’s in your environment.
If you’re struggling to focus, feeling unmotivated, constantly procrastinating, or battling burnout, the problem might not be your brain—it might be your job.
If your first instinct was to become defensive, I’d invite you to pause for a moment and consider: What if you’re the person I’m talking about?
Let me explain.
Denial: The Strongest Defense Mechanism
Denial is one of the most powerful defense mechanisms we engage in daily. We convince ourselves that we have to do things we hate. That it’s “just how life is.” That being miserable, exhausted, and struggling to function is normal.
We internalize the idea that if we’re failing at something, it must be our fault. If we struggle with work, we assume we’re lazy, unmotivated, or simply not trying hard enough. We blame ADHD for our difficulties instead of questioning whether we’re in the right environment to begin with.
But what if the problem isn’t you? What if the job you’re trying to force yourself to succeed in is actively working against the way your brain functions?
Your Job Might Be a Mismatch for Your ADHD Brain
Many people with ADHD thrive in dynamic, fast-paced, or creative environments, where they can engage with new challenges, work with their strengths, and avoid repetitive, soul-sucking tasks.
But what happens when your job is:
❌ Repetitive and unstimulating – Tasks feel boring, and your brain shuts down.
❌ Micromanaged and rigid – You feel trapped, unmotivated, and unproductive.
❌ Lacking autonomy – You have little control over when and how you work.
❌ Overwhelming and chaotic – Too many demands, unclear expectations, and constant stress.
When you’re in the wrong work environment, ADHD symptoms often become worse—not because your brain is broken, but because you’re forcing yourself to function in a system that was never designed for you.
Are You Gaslighting Yourself?
If any of this resonates, you might already know—deep down—that your job is hurting you more than helping you. But instead of acknowledging it, you might be gaslighting yourself:
“It’s just my ADHD, I need to try harder.”
“Everyone hates their job, I should just suck it up.”
“If I can’t handle this, how will I handle anything else?”
“I should be grateful I even have a job.”
But here’s the thing: ADHD isn’t just about struggling—it’s also about thriving in the right conditions. If your job constantly drains you, pushes you into burnout, and makes your ADHD symptoms worse, that’s not a personal failure.
That’s a sign that something needs to change.
Quitting Might Be the Best Thing You Can Do
Of course, quitting isn’t always easy or immediately possible. But if you’re feeling trapped in a job that’s breaking you, here’s what you can do:
✅ Acknowledge the truth – If your job is making your ADHD symptoms worse, admit it.
✅ Assess your options – Can you change roles? Work remotely? Reduce hours?
✅ Explore alternatives – Freelancing, self-employment, ADHD-friendly careers.
✅ Make a plan – If quitting isn’t an option today, set a goal for when it will be.
The bottom line? Your job shouldn’t feel like a life sentence.
If ADHD meds, therapy, and time management hacks haven’t "fixed" your struggles, maybe the answer isn’t working harder—maybe it’s working somewhere that actually works for you.
And if that means quitting your job? Then maybe that’s exactly what you need.
Interested in more? ADHD Therapy | Prompt Path ADHD
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