ADHD MUMS - Ep. 13: WORK - Navigating Career Paths with ADHD, Our Stories So Far...

Ep. 13: WORK - Navigating Career Paths with ADHD, Our Stories So Far...

Explicit content warning

10/30/23 • 41 min

ADHD MUMS

This month we get real about the realities of the working world? Join us on a rollercoaster journey through our eclectic work lives. We'll take you through our work path diversity, from waitressing to wedding photography, discussing the pressures of earning a living when your output changes so significantly from one day to the next.
We touch on how the Liverpool music scene, in which we grew up, bridges dreams with benefits and how even these have diminished under Tory government regimes.
We delve deeper into the harsher aspects of the workplace. We share the agonies of enduring a job with normal (but intolerable) conditions, managing sensory issues, and grappling with emotional dysregulation.
We share our world of work experiences, ranging from care homes to charity shops, and reveal how we have evolved professionally. We also candidly discuss how we’re instilling in our kids the power of creativity for making pocket money.
As we wrap up our conversation, we unmask our personal experiences with workplace bullying and discrimination. We discuss masked ableism, ageism, and our encounters with micro-managing bullies scrutinising our working style. We reveal the impact of disclosing disabilities within the workplace and the unique intersectionality of pressures that ADHD parents face on the job.
Finally, we reminisce about the joy of working with other creative people, the humourous moments that have kept us going through jobs in the past.
Stay tuned as we experiment with a new episode format, saving our HIGHS AND LOWS OF THE WEEK for their very own episode, this Friday! And look out for upcoming episodes this month, on working from home, self-employment, and the UK Access To Work scheme.

Further TW: This podcast references at times: alcohol abuse, depression, mood disorders, medical emergency, miscarriage, traffic accidents, grief and loss, teen pregnancy, anxiety, abuse, PDA, low self esteem, and anti-depressant medications, disordered eating, hoarding...

All music written and produced by Ash Doc Horror Lerczak.
Artwork by Gen
For more information about us, our podcast and our ADHD MUMS community, visit OUR WEBSITE.
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See you next Wednesday! xxx

Previous Episode

Ep. 12: A Midwife’s Perspective on ADHD, Pregnancy and Misdiagnosis

If anyone understands about how ADHD can impact a woman's experience during pregnancy and postnatal care, it's a midwife with ADHD, who has had three pregnancies of her own. Our guest, Laura Spence, The ADHD Midwife, is going to open our eyes to the intricacies of neurodivergence and maternity services. Laura’s incredible journey starts with her own struggles with self-care, friendships, and academic life, leading her to the passionate work she does now. Her commitment to raising awareness about the unique needs of pregnant women with ADHD is totally brilliant.
Laura doesn’t shy away from sharing her personal experiences. She was misdiagnosed with postnatal depression, a common issue for many women. This raw, heartfelt conversation also uncovers the challenges women like Laura face in the workplace, from managing their ADHD to finding appropriate support.
But our chat with Laura isn’t all heavy. She also shares how she’s found joy and self-discovery through an unexpected source – makeup. It’s an inspiring account of finding self-care rituals that work for you. So, whether you’re a mum navigating ADHD or just curious about neurodivergence and pregnancy, there’s something for everyone in this conversation.
TRIGGER WARNINGS: Post-natal depression, workplace bullying, birth and labour, self-harm, mental health.

Next Episode

HIGHS AND LOWS OF THE WEEK! - Ep. 1 - A snot-drip and a battery blip...

What happens when life throws a curveball and you find yourself juggling a sick child, a new job, and a migraine? You grit your teeth through a free full body massage, of course!
Join us for a chat about our week, that was a mixed bag of highs and lows. Competing with the normal stresses of parenthood, Gen had the excitement of a new job at a spa, but found herself and her youngest child ill on her first day. Claire had a seriously stressful day of trying to get out of the city centre, with a dead mobile battery, and no cash or card.
Balancing personal and professional commitments can be taxing, especially when you are running a podcast. We get real about the emotional toll this project has taken on us at times, and how we had to adapt our work styles to pick up eachother's slack.
We reference our experiences with Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD), a condition that can make criticism, no matter how constructive, feel like a personal attack. We discuss how we eased up on critiquing each other and found ways to work harmoniously.
As the discussion progresses, we delve into the intricacies of our commitments and how timekeeping delays can strain relationships. We explore how ADHD can be linked to chronic lateness, and how this can be triggering within neurodivergent relationships.
We emphasize the importance of understanding and empathy when dealing with someone living with ADHD, but acknowledge ourselves how challenging this can be in the moment. Claire shares exciting news regarding titration, and shares her initial thoughts on the impact of ADHD medication on energy levels and mental health.