A helpful guide for people with ADHD, written by an author unaware ADHD, yet who describes theses traits in herself and others and offers helpful advice – so despite no mention of ADHD, the advice is relevant.
Dr Eikleberry’s research for this book, written in the 1970s, was based on the Holland Codes, three-letter codes designed to describe work interests that map very closely to the the traits of creativity, unconventional, intuitive, out-of-the-box thinking we connect today with ADHD.
She states “findings from psychological and vocational studies indicate interests in art, music and literature are associated with more neurotic problems”, the “artistic person perceives a complex world in which certain elements are wrong or don’t fit” , “creative people tend to be independent in their relation to authority figures” , “a sensitive, intuitive, expressive nature is no advantage when the task is to handle everyday maintenance chores by established rules”.
Eikleberry realises that finding the right career involves not just pursuing your interests but working with people who share your values too. People need to take salary into account too as many artistic occupations do not pay well, so there are suggestions on creative career choices to support you fully; or taking “normal” jobs as day jobs and working on your art in your own time; and in composing your own career.
This is a wonderful, focused, goal-directed book that should be able to help nearly any confused creative (ADHD) person find a better direction in life, particularly if you dread the thought of conformity and working in a traditional office setting.
Andrew Lewis is an ADHD Coach, writer and founder of SimplyWellbeing. He has over 16,000 hours and 20 years of experience in coaching over 600 ADHD executives, ADHD business professionals and ADHD creatives. Andrew ran a major ADHD support group and an ADHD diagnostic clinic for a while. He is an ADHD specialist backed with business expertise from a twenty years career in software, from roles in programming, through marketing, sales and to running a few software start-ups.
