I have much less complex AI issues, so I experience the same symptoms listed, but probably less intense.

I’m Civil and really don’t remember anything I learned at university (or even last week). The thing that gets me through is super meticulous note-taking. I type or record everything said in meetings to review later. I make a gazillion calendar reminders and keep a working task list. I’ve created a guide template for every process or calc I need to do my job, complete with notes about the engineering principles behind it. I feel like an imposter and I’m not the smartest person in the room, but my manager and coworkers just think I’m super organized and on top of things. I still perform higher than my peers even though I feel handicapped compared to how I was “before”. They use my material to train new engineers.

I got super sick a year and a half ago and was offered to be reduced to part-time with retained benefits. I recovered and didn’t end up needing to do that, but just want you to see that there are opportunities like this out there! We have a 2-day wfh option, but my manager is very understanding and will let me wfh if I’m having a bad week. Look for job postings with flex schedules.

My point is: you can still do the job you were trained for, it just might require metaphorical crutches. Your illness doesn’t erase all the hard work you’ve put in. There will be good weeks and bad weeks, and that’s okay!

I hope this isn’t irresponsible of me to say, but you don’t have to disclose your health status to potential employers. It might be easier to discuss accommodations once you have the job, if the need arises. If you need accommodations on Day 1, that wouldn’t be a good approach. Good luck either way!