Two weeks ago, I wrote an article about the challenges of reading social cues when we have ADHD. Today’s post takes that conversation in a different direction. A direction that’s equally important and equally challenging: networking when you're neurodivergent.

What do we do if we’re stuck in a job that isn’t right for us? If we feel miserable day in and day out because we struggle at work and can’t figure out how to improve our performance? Do we look for a new job? And what if that new job turns out to be as hellish as the previous one, with us feeling constantly overwhelmed, frustrated or downright depressed?

Many years ago, when I was as an exchange student in Copenhagen, Denmark, I met a number of Danes in my dorm who were a little older than the average student in my academic program in the US. I was curious and wanted to know what they had done before college - and received the same answer again and again: a gap year – or sometimes even two.

You have many great career options when you have ADHD. Sometimes it might be hard to see them, especially if school was a struggle for you. All the little mistakes we can make during school – difficulties focusing, missing deadlines, forgetting textbooks or being late to class – might have gotten to you over time and made you feel small.

Chris is in high school, and he enjoys learning. It’s not always easy because of his ADHD, but he is curious about many different fields and wants to know more. College sounds like a great idea to him, especially since he is fantasizing about becoming an architect in the future.  

The need to find your passion or purpose in life is something you might hear often these days – especially if you are in the process of choosing a college program or what type of job to apply to.