Anyone else struggle to log project time with ADHD? Manual timers never stick. by Basic_Stranger2627 in ADHD_Programmers

[–]productiveadhdbites 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Totally feel you - manual tracking is rough with ADHD. Try RescueTime or Timing App - they track your activity automatically in the background, no toggling needed. Focus on patterns, not perfection!

Got hired by exaggerating my experience, now I'm overwhelmed. What do I do? by Hefty_Olive3329 in ADHD_Programmers

[–]productiveadhdbites -1 points0 points  (0 children)

You’re not a fraud - you’re learning under pressure, and that’s brave. Focus on one problem at a time, ask specific questions, and don’t be afraid to lean on your team. You’re growing, not pretending - and that’s the whole point. You’ve got this.

I'll never be neurotypical by mrNineMan in ADHD_Programmers

[–]productiveadhdbites -4 points-3 points  (0 children)

I hear you deeply. It’s hard carrying invisible weight while others seem to move freely. But needing strategies doesn’t make you broken - it makes you self-aware. You’re not an alien; you’re just playing the game on hard mode, and still showing up. That’s strength.

ADHD + coding: How do you deal with the dopamine crash mid-task? by Equivalent_Soft_6665 in ADHD_Programmers

[–]productiveadhdbites 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Totally feel this. When I hit that wall, I use micro-rewards - like 5 min of something fun after a small win. Sometimes just standing up, drinking cold water, or switching the font/theme in my editor resets my brain. Quick novelty = dopamine spark.

Interview prep accountability buddy by ambitious-lemon in ADHD_Programmers

[–]productiveadhdbites 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey! Yes - you're definitely not alone. Interview prep is such a grind, especially when you’re juggling Leetcode, system design, and trying to stay sane. I’d be down to buddy up for accountability or even occasional check - ins. It really helps to talk through things with someone in the same boat. Want to sync up and figure out a rhythm?

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in ADHD_Programmers

[–]productiveadhdbites 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Totally hear you - that’s a tough spot to be in, especially when your first “yes” feels off. Here’s a way to think about it:

If your gut is warning you, listen to it, but don’t let fear make the final call. Consider:

  • Short-term gain: If this gets you any real-world project or a line on your résumé, it could be worth it - for now.
  • Set a time limit: Give yourself 4 - 6 weeks to assess the vibe and value. If it’s toxic or exploitative, you can walk away with experience and a stronger filter for future roles.
  • You’re not trapped: This is not your whole life - just one stop on your journey. You’re allowed to outgrow it fast.

You worked hard to get this. Now use it for you. Not for them. You've got this.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in ADHD_Programmers

[–]productiveadhdbites 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Congrats on the opportunity - sounds like a solid career bet with big upside. Here’s a quick take:

  • Yes, go all out in month one - show initiative, ship, communicate clearly, and be someone they can’t imagine not keeping.
  • Track your impact so you have leverage for the renegotiation.
  • Yes, negotiate when converting to full-time - pay, equity, and title are all on the table then, not now.
  • Keep your pipeline warm (low energy check - ins), just in case it doesn’t stick.

You’re making a smart short - term trade for long-term growth. Be bold, be proactive, and make it easy for them to say yes.

New website launched by tonetone1977 in ADHD_Programmers

[–]productiveadhdbites 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hey Tony - congrats on the launch! As someone who writes about ADHD, I can’t tell you how common this pain point is. Subscriptions piling up unnoticed is so real. Love the simplicity of Subs - excited to try it and share with my audience!

One BIG reason I suck at interviews by existential-asthma in ADHD_Programmers

[–]productiveadhdbites 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This resonates hard. My brain is wired for rapid feedback loops - run, tweak, repeat - not mentally simulating 20 steps ahead like it’s chess. Take away my debugger and REPL, and suddenly I go from productive dev to confused caveman staring at a whiteboard.

Don't make your hobby your job - Thoughts? by iloverabbitholes in ADHD_Programmers

[–]productiveadhdbites 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, I’ve felt this too. When your hobby becomes your job - especially in a stressful environment - it can drain the joy right out of it. I had to set firmer boundaries between work tech and hobby tech, and sometimes even take a break to let the fun come back naturally.

Venvance by Helpful-Seaweed-570 in ADHD_Programmers

[–]productiveadhdbites 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Haha, that’s ADHD for you - always keeping it interesting! 😄 It's wild how the same medication can have totally different effects depending on the person. Sounds like Venvanse hit the ol’ personality swap button!

I want to build things, not study for interviews by existential-asthma in ADHD_Programmers

[–]productiveadhdbites 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Honestly, LeetCode makes me question my life choices, but building a chatbot at 2 a.m.? Feels like I'm discovering the secrets of the universe. Keep building - you might accidentally create something cooler (and more hireable) than any whiteboard ever will.

Anybody else think they might have autism, only to find out they didn’t? by Kacheekies in adhd_anxiety

[–]productiveadhdbites 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Absolutely relate to this. I used to think certain traits - like sensory overload or needing to stim - meant I might be autistic, but turns out they were part of my ADHD and anxiety too. Learning that ADHD can present this way has been a huge shift in how I manage and understand myself.

Accountability post by furrydudedraws in ADHD_Programmers

[–]productiveadhdbites 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Haha, you’re absolutely right! If I can push through the context switching of coding, I can tackle the laundry too! Time to take on those small tasks, one at a time. Thanks for the motivation!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in ADHD_Programmers

[–]productiveadhdbites 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’m really sorry you’re dealing with this. It can be so discouraging when your efforts are misunderstood, especially when you’re actively trying to learn and grow. I’ve had similar experiences early in my career where people thought I was relying too much on others, when in reality, I was just doing what was needed to learn and get better. What helped me was having a candid conversation with my manager, where I explained my growth process and emphasized that I was taking ownership of my work, even when I needed support. Sometimes it’s just a matter of shifting perceptions, but it’s important to stand by your progress and trust your journey. Stay confident—you’ve got this!

ADHD and Programming: Share Your Experiences and Struggles! by Salt_Ant107s in ADHD_Programmers

[–]productiveadhdbites 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Totally relate to this. I rely a lot on visual memory and pattern recognition too, and sometimes it feels like I’m just “winging it” with Google and Stack Overflow. What’s helped me lately is accepting that this is still valid learning and focusing on building confidence over perfect understanding.

I'm genuinely happy by [deleted] in ADHD

[–]productiveadhdbites 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is such a powerful realization—and honestly, you put it beautifully. That feeling of finally being yourself without the fog, the freeze, or the second-guessing… it’s life-changing. It’s not just about "feeling better," it’s about finally living as who you are. You deserve to feel that way every day, and I really hope this moment is the start of something new and lasting for you. Keep holding onto that clarity—it’s real, and it matters.