I may never make the adjustment to full retirement. I've gone through three or four versions. First, I went from a "9-5 - have to be there job" to a "go into work only for appointments one. Then, I had an online work at home job, but still had to follow the rules and guidelines of an organization. Now my work is writing - at home, on my own time, no boss, putting as much as I want into, and enjoying myself.
My post this week is about "ADHD Retirement Syndrome." I'll add a link to this!
Whatever the general population is likely to experience with retirement, folks with ADHD are moreso. Double for folks who have not yet been diagnosed. And in the U.S. alone, it's tens of thousands, if not 100s of thousands.
Retirement when ADHD goes unrecognized or poorly managed has wrecked more marriages than I can count. The spouse formerly able to organize life around the structure of work is suddenly untethered, left to form new structures and routines. Never an ADHD strongsuit. It takes conscious effort.
Folks with poorly managed ADHD also have trouble with transitions, small and large. Moving from Work to "Afterwork" as you call it is an enormous transition.
I used to hear about people who'd recently retired suddenly being diagnosed with Alzheimer's and simply thought, bad luck. Now I know that many being diagnosed with Alzheimer's actually have ADHD. Their physicians do not understand the contextual nature of ADHD. That is, someone might be a top-notch attorney, where the staff keeps them organized and takes care of paperwork, but can act "addled" at home.
Thanks Don. After retiring and failing a few times I am now working part time in one of my old districts ( where my heart is). It started in March when the person who took my place a few years ago was placed on paid administrative leave. They were desperate. I agree to part time to help an in district teacher who was willing to take on the job. She’s been busy getting the proper credentials and I have agreed to stay on .3 for next year ( her request, my figuring out time) to help her be successful in this job. I’m feeling like it’s good cause I don’t want to work full time. My spouse is supportive.
I may never make the adjustment to full retirement. I've gone through three or four versions. First, I went from a "9-5 - have to be there job" to a "go into work only for appointments one. Then, I had an online work at home job, but still had to follow the rules and guidelines of an organization. Now my work is writing - at home, on my own time, no boss, putting as much as I want into, and enjoying myself.
Great topic! and....great minds.
My post this week is about "ADHD Retirement Syndrome." I'll add a link to this!
Whatever the general population is likely to experience with retirement, folks with ADHD are moreso. Double for folks who have not yet been diagnosed. And in the U.S. alone, it's tens of thousands, if not 100s of thousands.
Retirement when ADHD goes unrecognized or poorly managed has wrecked more marriages than I can count. The spouse formerly able to organize life around the structure of work is suddenly untethered, left to form new structures and routines. Never an ADHD strongsuit. It takes conscious effort.
Folks with poorly managed ADHD also have trouble with transitions, small and large. Moving from Work to "Afterwork" as you call it is an enormous transition.
I used to hear about people who'd recently retired suddenly being diagnosed with Alzheimer's and simply thought, bad luck. Now I know that many being diagnosed with Alzheimer's actually have ADHD. Their physicians do not understand the contextual nature of ADHD. That is, someone might be a top-notch attorney, where the staff keeps them organized and takes care of paperwork, but can act "addled" at home.
https://adhdrollercoaster.org/tools-and-strategies/healing-adhd-retirement-syndrome/
Another great article shining a light on a transition phase of life that most people are woefully unprepared for.
Thanks Don. After retiring and failing a few times I am now working part time in one of my old districts ( where my heart is). It started in March when the person who took my place a few years ago was placed on paid administrative leave. They were desperate. I agree to part time to help an in district teacher who was willing to take on the job. She’s been busy getting the proper credentials and I have agreed to stay on .3 for next year ( her request, my figuring out time) to help her be successful in this job. I’m feeling like it’s good cause I don’t want to work full time. My spouse is supportive.
Your articles are great and keep me reflective.
Janice,
That's about where I am, and that's about as far as I'm likely to go.