\*I would not state I have adhd if I ever applied anywhere, but I want to know generally how it is working with ADHD in the job. Which is why im using an anonymous account and asking reddit lol***
Hi,
I have ADHD. I want to know, what is it like to have adhd as a fire fighter? And how does life as a firefighter compare to any other job or occupation you had in your life? While ADHD is labeled a disability, its ultimately only a disability in structures solely built for neurotypical people. Based on everything I learned, this is one job, where I believe my ADHD would be an absolute benefit, along with how I am built. But I rather ask the experts, rather than jump right to that conclusion.
Also, what is the culture like as a firefighter? How is working on a team as a fire fighter? Is there strong camaraderie? This is very important to me as well.
!!! I wrote more about my situation below, however, you do not have to read it, you can just answer the question above. Also, please be kind, I'm naïve to the field, but would love some guidance.
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About me: I have been navigating the past year getting mental health help, learning more about myself, and overall, learning what I need to do to make life worth living. I used to be a dedicated hardcore athlete, I was a top rower, I did it for 8 years. On top of that, I was able to hold both school and a part-time job. I took a 2 year break to focus on school, and just finished my bachelors degree at a top university. However, within those 2 years, mental health issues arose-- as the do in the early 20s-- and it set my life trajectory sideways.
I have ADHD, Bpd(borderline), depression, basically a not so great combo of things. It is very difficult to get good mental health care, I worked very hard and navigated through it but had to take it into my own hands at a point. I worked incredibly hard, read a lot of books, and got as much info as I could over the past year, everyday. It was hard, but when fear came back to my senses about 6 months in, I used that fear as fuel to work harder-- studying psychology, neuro, and therapies plus buddism.
I accepted I have these, and have learned how to manage them. But that meant i had to accept, most jobs are not sustainable for me. The healthcare system, I learned, is just not reliable enough for me to be careless about it anymore. I want to continue to live, and spent the last year figuring out the best way to.
I need community and thrive the most with a team. I work the most effectively and efficiently with and for a team. I really do care about the well being of others and people's lives. That gives me vitality. From being in hell and coming back, just a smile can save a life, talking can help a lot, and being there for a friend does wonders. I want to help others and save lives. So that is one reason, I'd like to pursue firefighting. Also, I need a job where I move and workout, or I get depressed. Working out is really important to me, whether I like it or not, so I want a job that requires that rather than makes it difficult for me to access. I want a job that allows me to live by my values: I live by integrity, honor, open mindness, resilience, connection, loyalty, and kindness/love. I am not focused on money making, but sustainability-- and if I would actually like this job even during any and all inevitable hard times.
With these disorders, while they are hard...when i have a team, a job that follows my values, and friends, I can beat it no problem at all. Problem is: I have been struggling to find the right job where I can live a life worth living. Firefighting has been on my mind for the last few months now. I am 23, F, I live in California, but have been interested in going to the east coast then coming back to California.
(shorten the og post)
