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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
  • It is interesting that you ask, because I was wondering the same thing just the other day. I wouldn't be surprised if there is a correlation between having ADHD and sticking with and excelling in this line of work.
    I have never been diagnosed with ADHD, but I certainly have a lot of the traits. I can say that my mind it always going and that trait can be both a useful tool and a challenging obstacle. I struggled with school for many years until my junior year of high school. It was then that something finally clicked and I better learned how to manage my tendencies.
Reply
  • It is interesting that you ask, because I was wondering the same thing just the other day. I wouldn't be surprised if there is a correlation between having ADHD and sticking with and excelling in this line of work.
    I have never been diagnosed with ADHD, but I certainly have a lot of the traits. I can say that my mind it always going and that trait can be both a useful tool and a challenging obstacle. I struggled with school for many years until my junior year of high school. It was then that something finally clicked and I better learned how to manage my tendencies.
Children
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