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Adhd/add

So aside from the one person that can take a conversation 40 different directions How many of you all have ADHD? I heard a while back that having ADHD/ADD is essentially a super power when it comes to programming of any kind and also ADHD people typically gravitate towards programming jobs.

I got diagnosed while I was in the military. When I separated I started a job at a calibration company. They had a CMM and I wanted more than anything to play with it. So I asked my boss what it would take to get me over there and he handed me a list of the GD&T symbols. He said "learn this and we will consider it."

I came back the next day after a 12 hour hyperfocus on learning GD&T and was programming by the end of the week. Fast forward a year later and my boss had said he had never seen anyone pick it up so quickly in his 40 years. Now this was still a more basic level of programming. Nothing like what you all are capable of. But I have since developed myself into a pretty confident (not arrogant like some of ya's) programmer.

Not trying to toot my own horn or anything just simply stating that ADHD is the sole reason I am a programmer and the constant hurdles and obstacles presented has kept me highly intrigued and motivated unlike most things I get myself involved in.

I am curious if any of you guys are in the same boat I am and maybe we could give tips and advice on how to tackle the more daunting stuff like the dreaded........ reprogramming a part already programed or waiting for the CMM to run through a 30 minute program.
Parents
  • I was diagnosed with ADD as a child and was on meds for it but the meds gave me headaches. We finally found one that worked without headaches but my mom talked with me and said that she noticed it changed my personality. She asked me if I wanted to keep taking them or stop so I chose to stop (I was 14 or 15 at the time). I know I have ADD because my mind and focus is always jumping around but, when it's something I'm interested in, I am easily able to hyperfocus on it. CMM programming is one of the few things I can hyperfocus on, the other being racing my motorcycles. The things I can hyperfocus on, I pick up on and excel at very quickly. I have had people tell me (both in CMM programming and racing) that I pick it up much quicker than most people.

    Most will say that ADD is a weakness... F that, learn how to harness it and make it a strength!

    Edit to add that I don't mind reprogramming. Give me a program to work on, let me put my headphones on and let me go. My new job is very hands off with me and it is fantastic. My last job was a little too micromanaged and it was enough to make me want to get out. There were other personal reasons why I left but the management was the big one.
Reply
  • I was diagnosed with ADD as a child and was on meds for it but the meds gave me headaches. We finally found one that worked without headaches but my mom talked with me and said that she noticed it changed my personality. She asked me if I wanted to keep taking them or stop so I chose to stop (I was 14 or 15 at the time). I know I have ADD because my mind and focus is always jumping around but, when it's something I'm interested in, I am easily able to hyperfocus on it. CMM programming is one of the few things I can hyperfocus on, the other being racing my motorcycles. The things I can hyperfocus on, I pick up on and excel at very quickly. I have had people tell me (both in CMM programming and racing) that I pick it up much quicker than most people.

    Most will say that ADD is a weakness... F that, learn how to harness it and make it a strength!

    Edit to add that I don't mind reprogramming. Give me a program to work on, let me put my headphones on and let me go. My new job is very hands off with me and it is fantastic. My last job was a little too micromanaged and it was enough to make me want to get out. There were other personal reasons why I left but the management was the big one.
Children
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