for me, its about getting into the task as instantly as possible... Say im returning from the toilet, i sit on my desk, open code editor, and code the next thing, all in like 2 seconds. Being adhd for me actually means i can get in to the zone TOO quickly. But that usually means the zone of music or other white noise at youtube.
The wrong sequence would be like sit down at desk, open youtube to set music/white noise, open editor, check slack, get into the code cause you are already in the youtube zone.
Ask HN: How to deal with constant interruptions at work (with ADHD)
51–60 of 97 posts
Re: Ask HN: How to deal with constant interruptions at work (with ADHD)
#52In my younger, crazier days when I was OK with giving up work/life balance, I dealt with this by not really trying to get things done in the office (by which I mean not bothering trying to reach or maintain flow state). Instead, I'd mostly warm my office chair and do my real work after hours at home. Now, though, I think "screw that". I want a life. So I just found a way to accept that working in an office environmen…
Sounds like me exactly.
On days I go to office I focus on being present physically so my attendance is noted.
The commute (1 hour each way through dust and traffic) tires me out and I don't get much done that day either work wise or on personal front and go to sleep tired and early.
For remote work days I am able to take breaks in between and come back to desk when feeling productive and energetic. And I mix in some personal work during the day or office work till 8 or 9 PM as I feel like that day.
Re: Ask HN: How to deal with constant interruptions at work (with ADHD)
#53I'm autistic, and quickly become very frustrated by distracting sounds and unexpected or unproductive interruptions. Unfortunately, this is a "me" problem, and I've found that I'm the only one interested in solving it. After years of carefully managing/challenging expectations of me, here's what my work situation looks like today. - I work 100% remotely. If I go into the office, I will only be interrupted constantly,…
This is fascinating, thanks for sharing! Do you find that you and your coworkers typically agree on the definition of an unproductive Teams message?
Re: Ask HN: How to deal with constant interruptions at work (with ADHD)
#54I'm autistic, and quickly become very frustrated by distracting sounds and unexpected or unproductive interruptions. Unfortunately, this is a "me" problem, and I've found that I'm the only one interested in solving it. After years of carefully managing/challenging expectations of me, here's what my work situation looks like today. - I work 100% remotely. If I go into the office, I will only be interrupted constantly,…
You will only be effective in a high performant environment. The way you conduct yourself is considered toxic by most people.
I would press you to either make some consolations on your lack of response and ignoring of messages.
Unless you’re in HFT or an environment that is not dependent on relationships but systems, like government.
Re: Ask HN: How to deal with constant interruptions at work (with ADHD)
#55I'm autistic, and quickly become very frustrated by distracting sounds and unexpected or unproductive interruptions. Unfortunately, this is a "me" problem, and I've found that I'm the only one interested in solving it. After years of carefully managing/challenging expectations of me, here's what my work situation looks like today. - I work 100% remotely. If I go into the office, I will only be interrupted constantly,…
You will only be effective in a high performant environment. The way you conduct yourself is considered toxic by most people. I would press you to either make some consolations on your lack of response and ignoring of messages. Unless you’re in HFT or an environment that is not dependent on relationships but systems, like government.
To be quite honest, demanding an ADHD individual deal with focus-thieves on their own and claiming that it is "toxic" to set boundaries that enable them to do their best work is kinda like expecting a recovering alcoholic to work at a liquor store and saying that it's "toxic" for them to refuse to do so.
Re: Ask HN: How to deal with constant interruptions at work (with ADHD)
#56I write my to-do list for the day on the previous day just before I go home.
Then, as soon as I come in, I have an unambiguous list of things to do, one by one, and I commit to not deviating from the list, unless the world is on fire.
That makes it easier for me to ignore Slack, but even if not, I'll see messages come in, and unless they sound like fire, I go back to my list.
Not sure if helps, but I found it quite helpful.
Re: Ask HN: How to deal with constant interruptions at work (with ADHD)
#57Earlier quoted context omitted.
You will only be effective in a high performant environment. The way you conduct yourself is considered toxic by most people. I would press you to either make some consolations on your lack of response and ignoring of messages. Unless you’re in HFT or an environment that is not dependent on relationships but systems, like government.
To be quite honest, demanding an ADHD individual deal with focus-thieves on their own and claiming that it is "toxic" to set boundaries that enable them to do their best work is kinda like expecting a recovering alcoholic to work at a liquor store and saying that it's "toxic" for them to refuse to do so.
Except it is toxic; you can't redefine the behavior because of someone's affliction no matter how unfortunate that may be. If you have Tourette's with coprolalia, you can't go around the office yelling "cunt" at the top of your lungs and expect everyone is okay with it, or that you deserve an accommodation.
Re: Ask HN: How to deal with constant interruptions at work (with ADHD)
#58Earlier quoted context omitted.
To be quite honest, demanding an ADHD individual deal with focus-thieves on their own and claiming that it is "toxic" to set boundaries that enable them to do their best work is kinda like expecting a recovering alcoholic to work at a liquor store and saying that it's "toxic" for them to refuse to do so.
Except it is toxic; you can't redefine the behavior because of someone's affliction no matter how unfortunate that may be. If you have Tourette's with coprolalia, you can't go around the office yelling "cunt" at the top of your lungs and expect everyone is okay with it, or that you deserve an accommodation.
Except it’s absolutely not if managed appropriately.
If they’re behaving that way unannounced then yeah, it’s not good but if the manager is aware then all that’s needed is “hey team, Andy is on the spectrum and prefers to work this way. Please try to accommodate, any issues let me know”
Those requirements aren’t challenging to meet for a coworker.
Re: Ask HN: How to deal with constant interruptions at work (with ADHD)
#59I'm autistic, and quickly become very frustrated by distracting sounds and unexpected or unproductive interruptions. Unfortunately, this is a "me" problem, and I've found that I'm the only one interested in solving it. After years of carefully managing/challenging expectations of me, here's what my work situation looks like today. - I work 100% remotely. If I go into the office, I will only be interrupted constantly,…
You will only be effective in a high performant environment. The way you conduct yourself is considered toxic by most people. I would press you to either make some consolations on your lack of response and ignoring of messages. Unless you’re in HFT or an environment that is not dependent on relationships but systems, like government.
I am delighted to work with people who set clear boundaries. I do think remote teams need to prioritize human connection, but part of that is respecting attention. If there were a problem, I'm sure after years GP would have heard about it.
Re: Ask HN: How to deal with constant interruptions at work (with ADHD)
#60Earlier quoted context omitted.
Only if his expertise is highly relevant and beneficial to the company
It’s weird that an employee who opts out of noise specifically for productive work gets this treatment. Some of the most incredible programmers I’ve had the pleasure of working with were just like this, and I felt like it was my job as their boss to help them keep it that way. There’s a bias for visibility and not actual work that I think makes it really difficult for those on the spectrum or who have adhd or just di…
Do you hold daily standup or scrum?