Starting a new career can be challenging, but it shouldn’t feel impossible. If you are struggling more than you expected to in your new career path, you’re not alone.
Many people new to their jobs need some time to adjust, but if getting up to speed feels like it’s taking too long it could be a sign that you have ADHD, Cognitive Disengagement Syndrome, Autism, or another form of neurodivergence. At Kanengiser Coaching, we specialize in providing leadership and executive function coaching to help people more deeply understand their neurodivergence and create individually tailored solutions to achieve goals in work and lifeBelow are four signs of neurodivergence that commonly show up as folks are building their careers.
- You Struggle to Keep Up with Your Workload
If you find yourself constantly falling behind on tasks, struggling to prioritize, or feeling overwhelmed with the amount of work you have in your new role, it could be a sign of a cognitive function difference. This can be especially difficult in fast-paced work environments where deadlines are tight, and multitasking seems unavoidable. Every new job has its learning curve, but if it’s taking too long and you are frustrated with trying to grasp new concepts and tasks, it could be an indication of neurodivergence. Executive function coaching can help by providing strategies to manage time, set priorities, and break tasks down into manageable steps. An executive function coach can work with you to develop a plan for staying on track and feeling less overwhelmed in your new career path. This may include developing routines for work tasks, using visual aids such as calendars or to-do lists, and creating strategies to manage interruptions. Read more about Executive Function coaching and how it can help
- You Get Distracted Easily
When beginning a new job, especially early on in a career, there are a lot of stimuli (sounds, sights, thoughts, feelings etc.)! This can be overwhelming for anyone, but constantly getting sidetracked by small things like a buzzing phone, a co-worker’s conversation or noise from the break room can be a sign of neurodivergence. Executive function coaching can help you develop strategies to manage distractions and stay focused on the task at hand so you can thrive in the workplace. This may include creating a distraction-free workspace, setting specific times to check email or take phone calls, and developing routines to manage interruptions. Reach out today if you think you may be neurodivergent, but you aren’t sure yet and would like to learn more.
- You Struggle with Professional Communication
Struggling to communicate with colleagues or understand social cues in the workplace can be a sign of neurodivergence, but it can also be a signal that you’re adjusting to a new social environment. Nevertheless, clear communication is a critical component of day-to-day work and collaboration. Executive function and Leadership Coaching can help by providing guidance on social skills and communication strategies that can serve you well in the workplace; This may include practicing active listening, improving focus on the subject at hand, and learning how to navigate workplace relationships. Executive function coaching can work with you to develop routines for social interactions, build your confidence, and help you feel more comfortable in professional situations.
- You Have Difficulty Organizing Your Thoughts
As humans, it’s natural to have moments where we have a lot of thoughts running through our heads, especially when we are in a new or challenging environment. Neurodivergent individuals sometimes have difficulty organizing thoughts, find themselves ruminating, or easily forget important details. Regardless of whether you’ve been diagnosed with a condition, effectively organizing thoughts and articulating ideas are core skills to develop. Executive Function coaching can help to develop strategies to improve your organizational skills, memory, and communication. This may include developing routines for organizing your thoughts, using visual aids to help with memory, and practicing clear communication skills.
If any of these experiences sound familiar, it’s really important to remember that you’re not alone.
Many neurodivergent thinkers have successfully developed new routines and changed their behaviors to build enormously successful careers. Executive function coaching can provide you with the skills and strategies you need to thrive in your career and to make work far less daunting and more manageable. Consider seeking out an executive function coach who specializes in working with neurodivergent individuals to help you navigate your career and achieve your goals.
