Hello fellow neurodivergents,

I’m applying to a job that I’m really excited about for various reasons, about to have my second interview so things are looking good but obviously I’m not guaranteed anything yet.

The only problem is it’s an office job, and specifically an open concept office.

Right now I have a remote job and I’m honestly not that bummed about working in an office. It’s super close to me and I could use the physical and mental work life separation. I’d prefer a hybrid job but meh. Besides, if I really end up hating it I can just quit, I think I’m pretty hireable. I want to make a life change.

I’m nervous about the open concept part, and I have some questions but also I’d just be happy for anyone to talk about their experience.

  • Are people going to be annoyed at me if I fidget, move around, and pace a lot? All of these activities help me think and soothe my anxiety.
  • Are people going to be like, constantly looking at my screen? Am I going to feel judged the whole time?
  • I have the classic ADHD “do double the work in half the time, do nothing the other half”. Am I going to be judged on my work output, or how busy I make myself look?
  • If I have downtime, would it be acceptable to read a book or something?
  • If I have a chat with my coworker sitting next to me, is the whole office going to hear it? Am I going to be interrupting and bothering everyone? I like talking to my coworkers.
  • Did you disclose ADHD to your boss? Did you get any accommodations for it?

Like I said, I’d just be happy to hear anyone’s experiences.

  • gdog05@lemmy.worldEnglish
    38·
    9 days ago

    This is just my experience. Every workplace is a bit different, but I think my answers will be generally applicable.

    • Are people going to be annoyed at me if I fidget, move around, and pace a lot? Yes
    • Are people going to be like, constantly looking at my screen? Am I going to feel judged the whole time Yes
    • I have the classic ADHD “do double the work in half the time, do nothing the other half”. Am I going to be judged on my work output, or how busy I make myself look?
      Busy work is going to be the most important aspect of your time. Looking busy without being busy is an important art
    • If I have downtime, would it be acceptable to read a book or something?
      No
    • If I have a chat with my coworker sitting next to me, is the whole office going to hear it? Am I going to be interrupting and bothering everyone? Everyone will hear and short conversations are often considered fine
    • Did you disclose ADHD to your boss? Did you get any accommodations for it? Not ADHD but anxiety and depression. They don’t really care. Make sure you do the paperwork for FMLA to cover your ass if behaviors become disruptive in your environment
      • gdog05@lemmy.worldEnglish
        12·
        9 days ago

        I want to add, you will likely find your own solutions to these problems to make things more bearable. But you’ll likely be on your own in the process. The office is made for and made up predominately of an idea of business perfection and mostly contains neurotypical people. They will not understand your issues if you ask for ways to navigate your needs and the environment. But, you will likely find the things you need to manage. It might be a little scary and overwhelming at first. But it’s definitely not impossible. Give it some time before giving up and you might even find new ways to thrive.

        You will quickly find that neurotypical people also find their own ways to cope in this environment. They’ll just seem more normal to everyone when they do it.

      • hangonasecond@lemmy.worldEnglish
        1·
        9 days ago

        I definitely have a different experience to other people here, so it’s not all bad. A lot of managers and employers are cottoning onto the fact that some aspects of neurodiversity are a strength in the workplace, and being supported through the challenges means you’ll have an easier time accessing those strengths.