Dear Dr. Archer,
I scored high on the ADHD continuum (11), the Magical continuum (9), the OCD continuum (9) and the Hyper Alert continuum (8). Needless to say I've had quite a hard time fitting into any particular job. It makes me somewhat of a freak.
At different times in my life, psychologists and psychiatrists have diagnosed me with ADD, OCD and Bipolar disorder. In addition, I've had a clinically administered IQ test which pegged me at 120. My math reasoning was weak, but my English ability lifted my score. I've learned eight languages; I wish they could test that!
As you can see, I'm extreme in many areas. I'm not the best fit for 99 percent of the jobs out there. I teach English at a major US software company in China. My boss calls me a language genius, although it was hard work. She hired an assistant for me to do all my organizing and remembering for me -- an ADHD person's dream.
Sadly, last year a contract was made which forced me to sit in the office eight hours a day, even when I'm not teaching. I feel like a bird in a cage, thinking I have to get out of here.
I'm freaking out, starting to see things and hearing bumps in the night. I wake in a cold sweat in the middle of the night, terrified if I'm doing something wrong in my class teaching engineers. Engineers! The exact opposite of my personality type.
Up until now, for the past 10 years, I've been an extremely successful English teacher because I rock at language, and my classes are like stand up comedy.
I'd tell you more but this is getting long. I'd like to tell you about my journey through 10 religions, or about jumping on an airplane with $500 to my name to meet my Internet sweetheart in Beijing, and later marrying her.
Thanks for reading just a small bit of my wild ride! By the way, I really love your book, 'Better Than Normal!'
Kendall
Dear Kendall,
WOW! I have not seen someone post so high on those traits all together. Interesting profile and I like how you found the perfect job for you…. At least up until recently.
My advice: You will never be happy and satisfied sitting in an office 8 hours a day, 5 days a week, Kendall. Talk to your boss, and see if there's any way you can return to your previous schedule, or at least have the liberty to incorporate a schedule that suits your personality.
Building your life around your traits will give you so much more happiness and satisfaction both at work and at home. If that is impossible, I suggest you look for another job. They're out there and you know how to find one.
Let your boss know what's going on, because with the chance of losing her language genius, something should be able to be worked out to accommodate both you and the company.
Congratulations on everything you have accomplished, Kendall. You are a gifted individual. Please keep us posted. All the best.
Dr. Archer
