Why You Keep Quitting | ADHD Job Switching & Boredom Burnout

ADHD job switching is a BIG deal in our community. Not because we switch jobs so much, but because there's a lot of shame around it. I think it's time to ditch the guilt about switching jobs when you have ADHD.
In this video I talk about WHY we switch jobs so much and what we can do to not only embrace this part of ourselves, but also find ways to choose our next jobs more strategically.
Want some help with your job switching strategy? Let's work together: itsadhdfriendly.com/coaching/
Want more on this topic? Check out the blog post: itsadhdfriendly.com/adhd-quit...

[@yarnotnap]

Wow, thanks for this video 🙏🏼 My family thinks I am absolutely crazy that I switch jobs so much- I have a passion for learning and I feel stuck and depressed once a job becomes too repetitive. I created a video marketing business which I took full-time but realised how boring it was sitting there editing the same type of marketing video day after day..I also got bored of marketing and video all together. I am now switching to Virtual Reality development which I think will be an exciting field for me because there’s so many ways to be creative and build things that aren’t reliant on normal limitations of the physical world. Thanks for giving this perspective, I’ve felt shame about this my whole life and everyone around me thinks I am dumb or immature but this explains it!

[@CarenMagill]

OMG, Ray - I see nothing but brilliance and resourcefulness in what you shared. You have been able to recreate yourself again and again and follow your own curiosity into new fields. Also, these career shifts are building on each other. With each new job, you master more skills and make yourself more valuable professionally. There is NOTHING dumb or immature about this. You know what's dumb? Staying in a job you're no longer interested in, just because society thinks it's the optimal thing to do. That's ridiculous.

[@gicechicken7062]

Its funny that in thinking About a videography carreer. But its allready bored for you! Im not taking steps because i have a low self esteem. I even dont know what carreer to choose atm. Nature and creativity are my Passions. I was on holiday last week and IT felt so free and connected with myself. Im the al seeying eye in New landscapes and always so hyped of the animals and plants, the smell of the sea and the climate. The landscapes during Sunset. As a kid i was exploring the forest. I really felt like that agian. I would love to Explorer and feel that free in a career

[@jafe1048]

Omgggg!!! Yesss!! I’ve had soo many jobs in different industries. My interest level drops around the 6 month mark. How about for you?

[@ghostfacekicker]

Me too. I’ve had rude recruiters talk down to me about it. Keep fighting is the most important part. Maybe learn about investing so you aren’t dependent on a “regular” job.

[@23majesticblue]

I am the same way, I get bored with jobs after 6 months, once I have everything down. I hate jobs that are repetitive especially the job I am currently in. I have always been into technology since high school. I want to get certified in data analysis and see if I will be content in that. Interesting, I am beyond burned out at my current job.

[@ryangenereaux1922]

Getting bored of a job after 2 years is very generous. I have got bored of every job I've had in 3 months or less. The novelty of learning something new wears off and then it just feels like a grind.

[@akanicolerocks711]

same

[@Malladak]

Yep, other than two and they didn't pay enough

[@ryangenereaux1922]

@@serafaus I had that problem for most ofy life. I feel like I'm gaining some clarity while allowing myself to change things up without the self-judgement or caring what other people think about my need to try new things

[@2wenty5ive72]

I barely scratched a month at my last two places 😥

[@msdimi01]

OMG! I totally have this. I love learning things but as soon as I feel I have a sufficient amount of knowledge in that field I get bored and move on to the next one.

[@lapompeii720]

I was a nurse for just over 10 years. Everyone close to me acts as if I've committed a sin because I'm not working in my field. They are only looking at money. I am looking at happiness. I was burned out. I feel as if I should be happy while making money, not be miserable making money. I'm currently looking into other fields.

[@tamisunshine2312]

As someone in healthcare not a nurse but I've seen it

[@alexakravcraftystudio]

After attempting to switch careers multiple times and not graduating from like 6 different programs, I now do feel embarrassed because nothing ever works out. I used to openly tell friends and family about a new job or a new program I was starting. But after so many failures it’s hard to open up without feeling judged and embarrassed.

[@CarenMagill]

I would encourage you to pay attention to what you're paying attention to. You said, "nothing ever works out". Is that true? When have you followed through on something and what motivated you to keep at it?

[@GabrielPerez-hw1hl]

My family didn’t even know I recently was working at a car wash for only a few days, I don’t work there now and it’s not even worth it to tell anyone because I’ll probably quit the next one in a few days

[@dongmingling4052]

​@@GabrielPerez-hw1hlchoose a job and stick it out for half year or one year at least?

[@MacChicken-up2rl]

It upsets me because my mom puts me down for starting jobs and quitting yet she has started so many things and then quit them if not jobs other things like selling stuff or getting into a pyramid scam and she never listens to anyone when we tell her it’s a pyramid scam I’m so embarrassed by her to. I’m so impulsive and I just start hating my co workers after I get to know them…sick of repeating the same words, repeat repeat repeat I’m over it.

[@afolger1929]

Same!!

[@Mideezhanti]

I'm 40 and it just dawned on me a couple days ago that I might have ADHD. I'm a chronic job-hopper and have spent over $20k on degrees/certifications that I never finished. Nothing seems to hold my interest for more than a few weeks or months (or even days!) before I get bored and want to move on. All of the information I've been taking in about ADHD has been so illuminating and validating. Thanks for your work!

[@kirk1007]

For me I think the quitting has hurt me so much. It takes time to get ahead. I struggle badly to make a living as a single mom. Totally frustrated and depressing really

[@CarenMagill]

You're welcome!

[@JM-wh4vy]

Totally me. I hope it gets better for you.

[@whatsaqueentoagoddess]

Myself included ❤❤❤

[@noneofyourbuizness]

I am so so sorry and imagine how difficult it must be

[@sir-rocks-alot]

The quitting part I can relate with...no kids

[@xTheBisexualPhoenix]

I experience burnout within less than a month at jobs. I struggle to understand how other people with ADHD can hold jobs for years, and I feel like a failure in comparison. I think my bipolar depression also plays a role in burnout. “The world was not built for ADHDers, it was built for neurotypicals, where people expect you to be interested in things for long periods of time” Never thought about it that way, but that really puts everything in perspective. Thank you. 🙏🏾

[@CarenMagill]

You're so welcome! Glad it gave you some perspective. It's okay not to want to stay at a job your whole life. That's a very antiquated way of working.

[@tina9866]

I can relate to you. I don't work yet but I go to university and it's like an on/off relationship. I don't have adhd or at least I'm not diagnosed with it but I do experience this part of adhd. I am actually doubting my ability to finish university and I have no backup plan. What's also very difficult is that I switch my passions two times per month and often become obsessed with the next new thing and it is interfering with my ability to work towards a life where I am able to sustain myself. Absolutely sucks.

[@ruthortega6192]

he only reason i'm able to stay at a job for years is my anxiety. I fear change. If I want to leave a job, I have to have another job ready. But that means I have to apply to jobs and interview and possibly be rejected...and that fear overwhelms the boredom.

[@Heyu7her3]

What are you doing to where you experience burnout within a month?

[@jackLIKESu4lunch]

I’m 25 years old and have already had about 10 different jobs in my life, and have thought of about 20 different business ideas that I’ve struggled to build. I’ve felt great shame about this in the past but this is a lovely way of looking at it that I am going to try and adopt. Thank you for your perspective.

[@JohnFKennedy313]

I’m nearly 25 and pretty sure I’ve had more than 10 jobs at this point. Granted, most of the ones I took before I finished college were just to save money for school and not make a career out of it. Still, i don’t get how people make it to the 2 year mark at a lot of these jobs when after 1 year I feel so burnt out and just unmotivated

[@emilysky2520]

I'm almost 25 and I have had the same experience, I feel like I don't fit into work spaces or am constantly trying to act normal. I don't really have a solution here yet, I am just hoping that one day I will find a job which gives me confidence and work with nice people. One day I hope to make it 1 year. But I'm proud of myself for making 10 months. Now I have recently got fired because of my ADHD and day 1 will start again but one day I hope i can say to myself.... 1 year :) I wanted you to know that someone on here relates

[@starr970]

I had over 20

[@michaelahopper6503]

it sucks to be viewed as a job hopper from neurotypical employers but my cycle of staying interested only lasts about 6 months before i want change again, it sucks because i do genuinely enjoy my jobs but i just cant sick with them. its been really getting to me lately that i cant figure out what my "thing" is like what i want to do for the rest of my life because of my constatly changing intersts

[@CarenMagill]

What if you let go of the idea of finding your "thing"? Given the rate of change in today's culture, it's rare that we do one thing for our entire career.

[@mahoganychic841]

This has been my life for 30 years and I’ve been miserable. Felt a lot of shame behind the constant job switching.

[@digitalnomadjon]

Yes me too. I think that humans are not built for the way things are set up in the world. A few hundred years ago, humans did multiple tasks each day, and lived on the edge.

[@khas684]

I struggle with this on a daily, weekly, monthly basis, though. I already want to quit a job I've had for 3 weeks and change direction. In one day I can cycle through 5 job ideas and genuinely feel each one. I'd be happy if I could commit for even 6 months. I feel a lot more dysfunctional than videos like this :(

[@madj7152]

Same.😢

[@digitalnomadjon]

same

[@knoxx1111]

Same :(

[@Jess-wq4gd]

I never thought to accept that I’ll just get bored after 2 years. Holy crap. For the last 10 years I thought something was wrong with me because I couldn’t last more than 2 years at a job. This is life changing perspective. Thank u

[@CarenMagill]

I'm SO happy to hear this!! There is NOTHING wrong with you. Who says humans are supposed to do the same thing their entire life? Who made that BS story up? Not us!

[@joseyandrews9465]

2 years?!? Mine happens around 3 months 😅

[@itskasey1839]

Same! I get bored at a job after 1-2 years and decide it's time for a change. I never realized it could just be my normal.

[@madj7152]

I couldnt last for 5mos! 😂

[@andreagalofficial]

@@CarenMagilldefinitely made up by those who wanted factory workers to stay forever!!

[@lornam4596]

This is why I became a contractor. I try not to stay on the same project for more than a year. Been at my current job 1.5 years and while I enjoy it have found it boring since the end of year 1.

[@redfather5342]

Lucky

[@andreagalofficial]

This is 1000% me. I had no idea i was ADHD until this year. I always thought there’s no way I am because Im not hyper. That was always my thought. Then I listened to a Mel Robbins podcast on the subject and everything she said described me. Everyyyything. Then a creative friend of mine told me he was diagnosed and he and I are like twins so…I started looking into it more. Your videos describe me to a TEEE! I feel SO seen. I currently sing, bartend, part time at a credit union (and struggling with the idea of full time because I DON’T know how they do it every day, day in and out the same things over and over), I clean a couple large homes once a month, I type notes for hard of hearing college students, and I bartend for a football league. Every time I think of doing one thing full time the stability aspect makes me feel good but the rest of it makes me feel absolute dread. And I always always feel guilty and ashamed about my eclectic life, and some of the people in my life shame me for it like I’m a loser or something for not having one full time job. Thank you for seeing me!!! I feel better already honestly.

[@helenalford2831]

Ive done a lot of quitting. And it usually involves the f word. Ive had so many jobs they filled 2 sides of A4 in a list. Those were the ones i could remember.

[@mndyD9]

It’s hard because not having a college degree really limits me and I feel like the jobs I’m finding seem to come with burnout a lot faster than other careers & not the best wages or management. Depression and anxiety don’t help as well…

[@purplejellytotPJT]

This is exactly me too. It's so much harder that I don't have qualifications - all I've been able to work so far is retail and administrative jobs. It's driving me nuts and I feel so stuck and down.

[@shannonsmith924]

I don’t have the qualifications for stuff either and it makes me feel stuck too. I actually love retail but my current retail job doesn’t pay enough, it is so stressful as I’m torn between cashier and on the sales floor. On my own, or in a team I do excellent but they seem to expect me to be able to be interrupted constantly between two things and my brain gets overwhelmed thus making any work I do then horrible. Not to mention stress of time constraints and strict management. I need better accommodations. Better yet I need a job that suits me better. I’ve go no idea as outside of pet care which suprise suprise (I’m not qualified for,) definitely stuck I am

[@ryangenereaux1922]

It seems like Society doesn't care about people doing what they love and have little compassion for people who feel stuck in the serial dead-end job cycle. This needs to change. I suppose one way to change it is find something that interests you more than anything else and read about it, brainstorm ideas around it, talk to people doing it and if it is meant for you, synchronicity especially will open doors for you to pursue it as a career.

[@jishingchang6537]

I’m 26 and Im on my 11th job! I excel quickly so when I do quit, my managers are blind sided and I’m left feeling so bad! But I literally feel so unfulfilled and bored after a short amount of time. This explains so much and confirms my suspicions of having ADHD. Ofc I will still take the necessary steps to get diagnosed properly but it feels so relieving to know what is causing these work burn outs and now I can formulate a plan moving forward. I appreciate the tips and I will be binging your videos for sure!

[@gabrielarodrigues2659]

My cycle is 2 years, never stayed longer in a job or career but now I’m starting to accept and manage that

[@sheribrooks8205]

This will continue to happen when you aren’t doing what you love. When I was doing what I loved, I never got bored.

[@SooSmokie]

Not necessarily true for everyone. I have stopped enjoying a lot of things near as much once I get bored doing it everyday. I love mechanicing, but guarantee taking a job doing it would cause me to hate cars after a while

[@diane11m93]

What to do when i dont know what i love to do?😢

[@chipstealer.-.]

@@diane11m93honesty just trying everything you can, for a while and see what sticks

[@noeliaurquizo4620]

I love interpreting and health but doing it all day sitting down not being able to get any kind of stimulation besides that one, plus the intro and closing which are robotic at this point… I feel I can’t do it anymore. 😔

[@oldschool553]

Sitting at work crawling out of my skin...thanks for the video.

[@CarenMagill]

Ugh... I get that feeling. I'm sorry.

[@oldschool553]

@@CarenMagill luckily I got started with medication and it's making the world of difference. I'm still looking for another job, but at least I can stay here until I do and be more strategic about my next move. Your video helped with that. Thanks again!

[@natalianoxe]

I switched 6 careers, 7 or more jobs, 5 or more bussiness at 45 years old. I feel totally a failed in life. And feel too old to start again. My family are also frustrated with me.

[@madalinamit4694]

Oh lady, this is nothing. I am 30y old and I had 22 jobs so far 😂😂 no shame whatsoever

[@wildrouge987]

It'll be ok think of it as job sampling as long as you learned something good/bad to further your knowledge of what works for you then youve advanced

[@JRBalch-ty7qf]

Ugh. I wish I had been diagnosed sooner. This makes so much sense now.

[@CarenMagill]

Me too. But now we know, right?

[@madj7152]

Im 31 now and just keep discovering things 😂

[@biancashearing4926]

Yes, yes ,yes!!! My husband is always asking why my son and I keep bouncing from one thing to the next (hobbies)…. And here is the explanation. This makes total sense. Thank you. I know I feel a lot of guilt and shame for not sticking with things long term. It is so frustrating because I lose interest so quickly and then quit. I do wish I can pursue hobbies, workout plans etc for longer. I think constantly jumping from one thing to the next affects my ability to make progress.

[@CarenMagill]

Definitely ditch the guilt and shame. It's not a flaw. Now that you know this about yourself, how can you approach new hobbies with this mindset? Personally, I tell myself that I might find something interesting for a while, but not a long time, so I wait before I invest $$ in equipment, etc. That helps.

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

So helpful! Thank you. I have found that being a content creator allows me to switch things up and keep things interesting. And I chose this career 12 years ago when I had no idea about ADHD. I’ve been able to change the entire content of what I share a few times as well! And because I work for myself, I can decide my hours better and keep a flexible schedule.

[@CYNC33]

I've never been tested for, or diagnosed with, ADHD or anything of the sort but this does really resonate with me. Perhaps I need a test... This has been my reality ever since I left school. I've probably had more jobs than most people twice my age have had, as well as having tried my hand at higher education multiple times, and I've always felt ashamed when I throw in the towel. It has really frustrated me and this feeling has almost controlled my life. But I just know that when I get to that certain point, I can't continue. I also don't think I'm the only one in my family like this, my mum seems to be very much the same.

[@PurplePinkRed]

It's such a delicate balance - Boring enough to not stress me out. Not crazy fast paced where it stresses me out a lot. Pivoting has been vital.

[@A_ndrea]

How do we challenge the idea that job switching isn’t negative to a skeptical interviewer?

[@CarenMagill]

If an interviewer sees your job switching as a negative, that says something about their expectation. it's not something you can convince them of, but it is something you might want to be aware of so that you don't end up working for/with people who don't share your philosophies about life and work.

[@LucaAnamaria]

Relate each job to your values and explain why each one was important to you and how it made you learn and grow. Emphasize your love of learning and your passionate personality. Bonus points if you can find a way to integrate all your seemingly disparate jobs into a narrative that demonstrates how they all serve to drive you toward a single vision or purpose.

[@FromJulianna]

this put my mind at ease. I have had over 10 jobs since the age 14. Only 1 has made me think it could be a career, which is the job I have now. I am almost 4 months into my job as a tile installer, 98% of the time I do the uncreative part of the job. which leaves me drained and un satisfied every day. My burn out has gotten to a point where I feel depleted in everyday. I have mounts of inspiration and ideas for a business actually many business ideas, I am burnt out from my current employment and lack faith in myself and my potential. I was loosely diagnosed with ADD, but from what I have learned I definitely struggle with it, for now but ofc there are always solutions! hope this reaches people who might have a similar obstacle.

[@TheA2ztube]

Finally someone who gets me. I can relate to most of what you shared. Recently tested and confirmed to have adult ADD, it explains a lot about my life, my career and why I find myself in the same patterns. I have not yet figured out what I want to do next but it explains why I am continually burnt out by the things that are not right for me. I’ll take a look into your other videos. I keep searching for the perfect job to stay at forever But this has opened my mind to think maybe I need the perfect 2 year job that will build me for the next one. Thanks for producing this.

[@CarenMagill]

Yes!! I love that you're opening your mind to the possibilities of what works best for your brain!!!

[@nicholaszilkowski654]

I'm struggling so hard right now. I left retail 2 months ago for a new job, but some things happened and I wasn't able to attend the training. So, I've been jobless and looking but nothing sounds interesting and it gets depressing. I love learning and I was going back to school for Computer Science because the other company was paying for it. Now, I have to find another company that has that program or find a way to pay out of pocket. Sometimes I wish I could just get paid to go to school full-time.

[@beverlymoore9412]

Thank you so much for your content! You have answered so many questions about myself and I appreciate your tips and tricks to navigate.

[@cheweychoi]

Thank you for this video. It broadens my understanding of myself

[@amandadavidson2991]

I have decided to set up as an interim management consultant. The two to three month contracts are ideal for intense, interest generating projects. Soon as I lose interest, it's on to the next! Thanks for the great video.

[@pjgonzalez40]

This video speaks to me. I get bored quickly at some jobs. I have multiple degrees, and have worked in a lot of different jobs.

[@tonyasargent57]

I saw my mother do this wich contributed to our poverty. As an adult, I've just felt like I wouldn't ever be able to be successful in a so-called normal job. Thank you for the video!

[@BelindaMuller]

Thank you so much! I have taken on a lot of criticism, mostly from myself, about my frequent changes in hobbies and career moves, but you've reminded me that the vast range of things I've done has given me an arsenal of skills and knowledge to offer in my next phase. I felt I'd hit rock bottom for giving up on everything in life, and even though I still have great ideas I no longer act on anything because I'll just "fail" at that too. You've encouraged me to try to find nd my "mojo" again.

[@zaryablackwood4330]

Really appreciate this video and your channel!! Currently trying to learn how to manage the intense shame I feel from bouncing between so many unfinished projects and developed but un-executed goals and ideas. Your point about strategically selecting what you go with to make your past (and future) experience relevant resonates with me, I've been practicing that recently and it helps a lot! This plus some other acceptance techniques have allowed me to get a lot better at allowing myself to drop something and come back to it in a couple months, especially when I've selected something I know I'll want to return to :)

[@masonwong1525]

I can truly relate to this. Never really thought of this ever. I have really struggled to keep myself at a job for long periods of times and some of my friends have definitely questioned it and I get so embarrassed by it. I just can’t be routine, but at the same time I have bills to pay and if I do something I hate for a long time it’s a personal hell. ADD definitely has its challenges but it has its perks in ways. Thank you for this video :)

[@CarenMagill]

You are so welcome. I know how that goes... I've experienced it my whole life. You're not alone.

[@wendyhannan2454]

I hear you 👍

[@cameroncohenrealestate]

This video was so incredible helpful. Thank you so much!!!!!

[@claudialopezserrano2614]

Thank you so much for this! Specially for taking the guilt away from switching jobs, projects, hobbies, and even countries, and instead start seeing it as a superpower

[@godlovessophiia]

I’ve never been at a job longer than 10 months. Been to 3 different colleges with no degrees or certifications done. The only reason I try to work a regular job is due to my business not providing steady income for me. I was diagnosed with ADHD last year but I knew I had it all along. It has definitely impacted my life in a negative way since middle school

[@e2ndcomingsoon655]

Now I need this pep talk!

[@Sukhmam231]

At first, I used to feel like it was a mental disease . Now after listening to you, I feel like I am blessed. Thank you

[@programadorimpostor]

Oh my god, this was so insightful. I'm not sure whether I have ADHD or not but I do feel identified with most of the symptoms. Specially with this one. I have changed my focus in my career every few years and I realized that I love changing career paths, learning new things. I haven't changed the career itself but the area of focus. Now I'm at a point where for the first time I'm thinking of a career change. I feel identified with the cycle from loving the job to burnout. Thanks for doing this video!

[@reichardtadrienn4361]

Thank you for making this video!☺ I'm also struggling with sticking to one job for a long period of time. It's so good to hear that what I experience all the time is totally okay.

[@CarenMagill]

It IS ok. We still need to figure out how to hold down a job, but sitting in shame about it is a useless emotion.

[@LottoBennett]

I find myself after 3 month with a job that I start to think I don’t wanna do this for the next 25 30 years and I quit I’m scared that ima just live a miserable life working a job

[@scholastica3099]

Wow, I searched different subjects but your video is on top. You made me realise that oh maybe I'm not wrong or odd or a failure, its just my ADHD and i don't know how to handle it or know that it was the thing that made me feel this way all this time, your video made me gain a new perspective. Thank you.

[@CarenMagill]

You’re welcome 😉

[@A_ndrea]

oh man. Thank god I found the words to articulate what I needed help with (this) because it lead me to you & I need this. Relieved I’m not the only one to experience this.

[@guimcast1]

Yep. Very productive and joblover for a few weeks, and next week bored to tears thinking wtf is wrong with my life...

[@newedtv]

Thank You, this was great! ❤

[@nomadlife7356]

I feel like I am ADHD but never ashamed of it. I love different experiences and I love the knowledge I gain. I know it gets hard because you have to start from the bottom everytime you change your job. I’m just lucky that my husband earns enough money for us otherwise, it becomes stressful financially.

[@xy5831]

Great channel! Thank you.

[@JAlexMendel]

It's almost July, 2023. I've just discovered your channel... it absolutely resonates with me. Add in Cptsd, HSP, age, and related solo living in a community that doesn't feel comfortable, what fun! I learn... discover... know & understand ... But self care has had only intermittant attention for brief periods in my life. It's up to me. But my energy, drive, care, etc. need consistency I find myself unable to establish at this post formal "working," stage. I understand too well, too early, behaviors of relatives, friends, who aged before me. Today's world is upside down from, we are creating an inhospitable environment in all possible ways - people, community, economic opportunities, our physical, emotional, educational, social, economic & political and psychological arenas. There is a powerful pull of hopelessness...

[@frida_m4426]

My burnout at my last job made me quit before getting a bonus just because I had a new offer lol. I was diagnosed last week and makes sense now, I felt so ashamed but now I know I shouldn’t. My peace of mind matters more than money.

[@RossMatzenYT]

Wow this video is so beautiful. And what you're doing is so beautiful. Truly special content, and I appreciate your effort so much!!

[@CarenMagill]

Thank you so much!

[@lucievid1710]

Hi ! I don't usually comment on videos but thank you so so much for sharing your perspective on this hard topic. I am in my first nine to five desk job, and I am putting so much pressure on myself to not quit this job. Your video was very liberating, and I hope one day I'll feel the same as you do about myself ! Also, I fell like so many videos on ADHD in corporate world is about battling it and not fully accepting it like you do, one more reason your video is a godsend :) Thank you from the bottom of my heart (and from France) !

[@CarenMagill]

you are so welcome!

[@groovestrike]

Love this accepting aproach to having shifting interests /careers througout life, you dont need to pick only one😎 and follow what motivates you

[@CarenMagill]

exactly! That's so last century :)

[@JessicaGerald81]

Thank you! So helpful!

[@evelinh3268]

This video is so validating. I've been in social work for three years now. Ive thought about switching careers again (I studied engineering) sooo many times but then I remember why I got into this work. The flexibility and constant change keep me going. I also need a stable income for my hobbies, which I'm always trying to monetize. I can't seem to help it (brainstorming happens on autopilot) and it can be really exhausting. I'm undiagnosed but pretty sure I have ADD.

[@grenciamars4876]

I'm a professional musician, but have always had part time jobs to supplement what I earn with music. I tend to always choose music-adjacent jobs (even as a custodian at a music school -- I loved that job!), and in that way my daily work experience yields new inspiration and insight that I can take to my own craft. This video definitely helped me feel validated for my choices which have caused me to receive criticism at times but have always felt like intelligent moves to me.

[@CarenMagill]

Trust your gut!!! It always knows best.

[@LucaAnamaria]

Hi there fellow musician! 😊👋🏻

[@trishantsaxenaco]

wow! Thanks for the video, it completely resonates with me, I enjoy taking courses and have enrolled in many, but due to boredom, I've never completed them all; I'm confident it will help me.

[@CarenMagill]

You're so welcome!

[@oliviamcveigh900]

Thank you for this!! I’ve been a massage therapist for the last 3 years and I’m beyond the point of burnout, I’m in need of a 180* change lol. So I’m pursuing veterinary medicine, which I believe is a field that would definitely allow a pivot in the right direction when and if I ever needed that

[@kishores4215]

I got a lot of clarity about myself after being diagnosed with ADHD recently. I am on meds. It's actually helping me a lot in terms of undivided attention and also my impulsivity has come down. In addition to this, I do a lot of mindfulness meditation which helps me observe my thoughts without reacting to it. And I believe that persistence is important to be successful in any profession. But if the skills are transferrable to some other profession you are lucky. Some skills aren't transferrable. For instance, I worked as a Counselor for 4 months, then researcher for 8 months, now I am planning to be a professor. I feel I am all over the place but I hope in the future I will be able to stick to something because there's a lot of guilt which comes when you impulsively quit a job and later you realize that the job was actually good! I think it's better if we learn to handle our boring job by making it interesting or being more self-aware of our own thoughts. We don't have to react to every thought right? We can just observe the thoughts, take a deep breath, and proceed.

[@carrieallmon]

Yes! Even though I can intellectualize the switching it up and keeping things fresh is just a part of how my brain works, the belief still comes up that I'm not getting enough traction in any one thing, and the shame spiral begins. Such a cycle!

[@CarenMagill]

I know that cycle well, Carrie! Glad the video resonates.

[@itsaliaduhh]

I have been learning the last year or more that undiagnosed ADHD in my life has been such a huge culprit in way too many aspects in my life. And even though I feel like I have a good grasp of its weight on my life, this short little video really opened my eyes because this is by far one of the hugest parts of it and how it affects my life. I mean it is almost a cycle of negative events with my working life and I'm constantly beating myself up and living n fight or flight because of the stress it causes. I have this inner battle with myself daily wondering why I feel like I am so capable in my own head and I feel like its a good thing that I enjoy learning and wanting more from life.. but then the cycling in and out of jobs just really deters any positive thoughts I have and I start spiraling.I wish I could truly find work that I want to stick with because I am so not lazy and I so enjoy the structured life it gives me. But at the same time, my brain also wants to always be doing something new and different. I struggle so much with figuring out how to combine the two in an effective way. I am so glad I stumbled across this video and your page. It gives me just a glimmer of hope that maybe it will be okay or maybe it will get better. Because to be honest right now, I am struggling with this day in and day out. I am exhausted. And don't want to be. Thank you for this....

[@erikjongbloed]

ADHDer here who also coaches. I think the perspective you gave here is very helpful because it’s so important to get rid of that shame and guilt that we deal with. However I also believe that there’s another side to this: identifying opportunities that you will stick to so you can grow them for a long time, by becoming really aware of what motivates you intrinsically and leveraging that. Would love to have a conversation with you where we compare our experiences and learn from each other, which we can also publish. Let me know if you’re interested. Keep up the good work you’re doing❤

[@matthewhackl1701]

Very helpful!

[@LuvLuke954]

I had a kidney transplant in Dec ‘21 at 51 yrs old. Still in recovery I started back to school and I was actually able to stay interested and focused on finishing (I think this is directly related to not being able to do anything for 7 years and 50+ yrs of being so lost for so long without diagnosis). So imagine the breakdown I recently had - and still trying to overcome- when the very last 2 classes I need to graduate are not being offered during my last semester and may be another year to actually graduate. It’s thrown me into depression and because I can’t let myself or my husband down, I’m going through the motions and still getting As - but I literally hardly care. Midterms and then finals are going to happen and my data skills I should be more than comfortable with are like a fog cloud rummaging for space in my head. It’s there but untouchable. I’m 53 and want to get back to work but I can’t manage another gd restaurant. I can’t even regulate my fight flight or freeze days. I’m starting to lower my expectations for myself and I’m exhausted from doing anything to physically force myself into finishing chores around the house, my hw, helping my sick neighbor get to appointments, which are keeping me sane but completely aware how very temporary this is. Looking for a data/tech job at 53 is terrifying enough- looking for one when you’re STILL not graduated?? Utter fkng hell.

[@rr1835]

Thank you for this.

[@FoziaBibiMusic]

It’s best to find a job you’re passionate about

[@territhetankedupterrapin6592]

Thank you Caren! I have always felt shameful and like I must be such a lazy and overly dramatic person or something because of how I end up feeling when I've been in the same job for a while, I didn't know it was because of ADHD but it does make perfect sense! 💜

[@sysadmin9396]

I’m the same.. I start “business” ideas all the time, goes good for like 3 months but then I stop. I’m known for the person that’s always trying stuff… I have full time job but I feel like I’m never going to figure it out so to speak…..

[@moniku4866]

Finally a video that puts a name to what I experience all these years

[@Hrhsofia]

Your videos are very helpful

[@Gullahbeauty]

Relatable. Thank you!!

[@hotmessmissy-artnrving998]

LOL, weren't we just discussing this a few hours ago? Another great and informative video. 😄 Yes, I love to learn and research things to death. I find something new and the ideas start flowing all over and then when I have consumed a gluttony of ideas, and before I really use the ideas in actual creation, I am off researching something new. And yes, the world was not made for us. I could never understand how someone could be so happy and content in the same career and same company all their lives. I'm not knocking it, I just know I would be severely depressed in that situation but other people love it and embrace it.

[@CarenMagill]

LOL.... yep. I'm also the queen of rabbit holes! I too would be depressed if I had to stay in one career my whole life. It just crush me.

[@hotmessmissy-artnrving998]

@@CarenMagill Rabbit holes. Hmmm 🤔 I never heard it put that way before. Cool. 😄

[@JCSMOOTH345]

What I am learning is that I love to learn. So I am creating my own career field built around the things I find enjoyable for me.

[@CarenMagill]

I love that!

[@spiritualsandy]

Your channel has seriously changed the way I see myself. This has been the biggest insecurity of mine for years now and I have always felt super ashamed even though I did have good reason for leaving some of the places I was in..I still felt like a quitter!

[@CarenMagill]

I'm glad it has helped you change your thoughts! That makes my day.

[@susanhenke8441]

This is so true, i did this as nurse. I switch to floors every 2 years. ❤

[@PetulaGuimaraes]

I am not sure I have ADHD but I resonate with this and I agree. I have worked for over ten different jobs in 24 years and counting. When you transpose your experience and work though what you enjoy, even if it’s “just a year” you can honestly bring so much value. You can also be very successful as this notion of decades long job loyalty doesn’t really exist everywhere anymore. Currently Im enjoying how much variety and challenges being a business owner brings.

[@CarenMagill]

Me too!!! I appreciate your perspective on this. It's not all bad to have many jobs. It makes for a very diverse set of skills and proves that you can be hyper adaptable.

[@fresiegrant8959]

What a brilliant idea, thank you! It's like "skill stacking", isn't it? ❤

[@henrylewis608]

Great thing about being an automotive tech is that there are so many systems to hyper focus on. I was worried about my tendency to start a job learn a new area and leave to another shop.

[@galagainstterror]

Perfectly reasonates with me

[@angielskopolski]

I relate to everything, thank you!

[@TheMidnightBandit]

I've lived with ADHD since childhood and Schizoaffective Disorder since the age of 16. I find that changing the way I think about my thoughts is a good first step towards being at peace with my specific, needed accommodations. I am quite the writer, but getting started is a task I have little experience in. I make music a lot, and have over 300 songs on streaming platforms, and would like to switch gears, getting back to my literature. It's ultimately possible to continue writing after I've mulled around the potential for transitions through life without the extra, unwarranted shame of childhood attributions. I really appreciate this video. I'm going to chop up every piece of my book-writing journey into different tasks. I hope to put all of my attention into each fragmented piece of the puzzle, fitting them neatly together eventually, without rushing, or abandoning my lovely creations... I found this helpful in music production... Thanks ❤️‍🔥

[@LucaAnamaria]

Hello fellow writer and musician! 😊👋🏻 Have you considered combining the two passions somehow? Like maybe writing a book, adapting it to a screenplay, and then composing the soundtrack for the movie?

[@GreenboyQueso]

Yeeees! Thank you for this!

[@pablosmitty4024]

Wow! Never heard sum it up that way. As long as I’m learning and challenged, I’m 100% engaged. Once the routine minutia hits, I check out. It tends to happen quicker in hobbies but work too. I’m a generally even keeled person so I never considered ADHD

[@magnusor304]

Wow this has been so much struggle in ny life always changing jobs and this makes total sense now

[@Phillmo8]

I quit everything companies/businesses paint pictures that are not real or up to my expectation…The longest I’ve done one thing was when I was working for myself doing photo/video work I did a lot of real estate for consistent work since interest rates have gone up I haven’t been able to find anything I like or that is fair to me as an employee. Worked in a media department and then they downsized 6months after I started by letting me go, went to carpentry, then to property insurance back to carpentry which I have been here for a month and I’m ready to quit

[@isabellejakobsson3990]

I could swap feilds and jobs every year. And oh yeah I have actually, which is really exciting but suuuper stressy. Looking for a new has become my toxic trait and I hate it! Currently though I Need to find another job but my thoughts about where to go and what to do are paralyzing. I'm good at everything but have "career". Glad I found this KZbin channel. It feels like watching videos about myself. ❤ Thx for that!

[@sharannagarajan4089]

Was facing this issue, thanks a lot!

[@CarenMagill]

You're welcome

[@Lucky13Enterprise]

I have lived with this my whole life and am thinking about medication at this point. I've left or been fired from every job. I have been stuck in the home health field since 2014 "waiting to make my next move" but that hasn't materialized into what I believe would be enough of a starting point to start my "career" in any of my hobbies. I have always viewed my writing and songwriting as my life's work but have been losing faith in my ability to even put myself out there and connect with those I would need to, in order to help achieve my dreams of getting my stories out there. Also there's the whole "sitting down and writing thing" I have to do. I don't read books but I expect myself to write them. Yes. I have KZbin addiction that is at play as well. I find myself doing everything from chores to errands to exercise, everything under the sun EXCEPT work on my creative works. I've been dealing with this off and on my whole adult life and have very high standards for what I want to create and put out there. I don't know how to solve this problem. Burnout keeps on happening, after I do one small thing. I wrote my first short story in February and haven't really gotten back into it since. Produced one cover song (badly) from Jan to March, and haven't recorded anything since. April was rest month, and now it's May. It feels like I have the weight of the world on me, and all I can do is force myself to let go and have self love and forgiveness and hope I recharge soon so I can make myself get back at that grind. I have nothing else going for me in life except this night job. Thanks for the video. You put my experience into words beautifully.

[@cedricknapp2889]

Please check out the book The Perfection Trap by Thomas Curran. I believe it may help you with what you're struggling with. I found it life changing, if you prefer audio books, you can get a free audible trial and get the audio book for free with the trial.

[@christophergreen3809]

I truly have been a jack of some trades, master of none. I don't advance very far at any field I've been in. Totally understand!

[@Mr.GrindTime]

Always been hard for me to stay at a job longer than 1 year. Never really knew why. Always had the mindset I can do better

[@southernstephanie]

Yes, thank you❤

[@youngkey3051]

This is definitely why I searched for this video. I just graduated from barber school and about to leave my job. I’m always worried about being able to retire while switching jobs.

[@southney7211]

This made me add it up. I’ve worked for 19 companies in 20 years. Although 3 companies totalled 15 years. And in terms of industries; it seems I get to 5 years and feel like I know a good amount, then 7 years and I need a change.. done 5 and a half in my current industry, hopefully I’ll be able to bear more than 7! This has given me the idea to plan for that inevitable boredom which requires a change. In the 5 and a half years in my current employment; I’ve spent three years as an apprentice, 2 and a half years as a technician and now recently promoted to team leader. So maybe I’ll just plan a career progression or change for 3 years time. Take the edge off! 😄 Thanks for this insight!

[@kileyfelch4944]

I just recently lost ANOTHER job, I was completely burnt out!! Of course I’m struggling through the shame and financial insecurity this has created yet again. I am 43 yrs old and have just realized in the last 2-3 years that I have struggled my whole life with ADHD. My son was diagnosed a couple of years ago which lead me to research ADHD. Talk about “AHA” moment!?!?! I have yet to be diagnosed bc I am a recovering addict and feel like any time I try to talk to a Dr about this kind of stuff, they think I’m med seeking. I AM med seeking!!!! I’m seeking something that can help me focus and get through the day. With three teenagers, I very often feel burn out and I freeze up and do nothing. Which leads to guilt and shaming myself for being lazy….. it’s a vicious cycle. I know that this has attributed to anxiety and depression too. I am so thankful to have found you Caren! You have helped me process a lot of emotions surrounding my ADHD. I have never watched a KZbin video that hit home more than yours do!! Thank you for being you. I think you’re extremely intelligent, articulate, and I look forward to watching all of your videos!! ❤

[@peachy19968]

You’re awesome.

[@privatelove7898]

Everything outside seems to pull me when I start a job . Every excuse to not be there seems like a a fact when I apply somewhere . The worst part is if is not my adhd is my anxiety and it makes everything so much worse

[@marcabramsky1736]

Throughout much of my life, I had ADD or ADHD. I didn't know it when I was young. No one really did. I seemed to always be the class clown, couldn't concentrate on anything for any length of a period of time, and generally thought I was the dumbest person in the world. It seemed that my whole life was lived in a constant state of euphoria and burnout. I would go like hell and then collapse. Huge swings of adrenaline and then nothing. I was always working out in my youth and that was probably what saved me in a certain way. I seemed to have endless streams of energy until I didn't. As a result of all this, it seemed (to this day) that I could never do a job properly. I seemed to bluff my way through life never really understanding what or why I was doing things. Gravitating always to coffee or something to give me an extra charge. Then I had children. As much as I love them to death I sometimes wish that whatever I have should have died with me when my time comes. They all have whatever I have to a degree. My daughter is just like me and I shudder at the life she is going to have to live. You often feel trapped in your own body and mind. It generally leads to depression too or anxiety disorder because you wonder when the next screw-up is going to happen. The funnier part is I am a behavior psychologist lol. I know the etiology well. Anyway nice to see you coaching. I probably will seek help soon.

[@CarenMagill]

I hear what you're saying and I can relate to a LOT of it. But I would also question your self talk around "bluffing your way through life" or never doing a job properly. You earned a PhD and raised kids. That's pretty amazing. I'm sure I don't have to tell you that this is your negative cognitive bias speaking :)

[@guimcast1]

You rock, man. Kids and phd? If you think you suck, it's your ADHD negative brain thinking.

[@jackiem9460]

I tried many times to get my bachelors in psychology but I could never make it through all the 10 page papers. You're more amazing than you know.