Realising I Have ADHD at 38!
For 38 years, I have carried a puzzle inside me without realising it until now, which admittedly does make me feel incredibly stupid ??
Now, with the clarity of an ADHD diagnosis, everything is starting to make sense to me. The bursts of hyper-focus when something truly interested me, the procrastination, the unfinished DIY projects—it all has a name.
My beautiful wife has been my anchor. She saw the patterns before I did and supported me with patience and understanding. Her belief in me has never waned and for that, I am endlessly grateful.
Professionally, my ADHD has shaped my journey in positive and negative ways. Over 15 years in local government, I’ve gone from being a local taxation officer on ￡11k a year t'up north to becoming Head of Income and Welfare in the big smoke at Enfield Council—an achievement I’m incredibly proud of. My work in local government collections and benefits, with its constant challenges, feeds my passion for problem-solving. I’ve been privileged to work with 14 different councils in shared services, districts, borough, unitary and teckal companies. Serving as Vice Chair of LACEF for the past two and a half years has been an honor, and though I’m stepping down from the exec after the Brighton conference, a new chapter awaits as I become an executive member of the newly revamped IRRV Severnside & South West Association .
I know my ADHD has sometimes tested the patience of colleagues, but understanding it now drives me to adapt. I aim to harness my strengths — passion, and problem-solving — while working on strategies to manage my now obvious challenges.
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ADHD is part of who I am, but it doesn’t define me. What defines me is how I move forward, so enough with this gooey show of emotion Clarky. Writing this at 8:22am in typical ADHD fashion when I should be getting my son to school!
Oh and Annual Billing is on the horizon. Yee Haaaaa let's goooo ????
Tom
Experienced public sector leader
1 周Tom great post, umderstanding who we are and how we work can only only help us to understand ourselves more. We are pleased to have you on the IRRV Severnside & South West Association executive.
On a career break
3 周Ah just seen this, thank you for the recognition. Sometimes you drive me mad ?? but you work so hard, care so much, you’re passionate and you always want to be the best. It shows by how well regarded you are professionally?? Keep being yourself…and maybe start making a to do list! ??
Senior Solicitor IAA (formerly the OISC) Level 3 Advisor / Supervising Senior immigration and Asylum caseworker IAAS
3 周Great post Tom ?? I’m so proud of everything you have achieved in your life x
It's a little known super power!
Head of Welfare at London Borough of Barking and Dagenham
3 周Fabulous post, Neurodiversity should be embraced and your post did just that. Certainly, bought a warm smile on a Friday afternoon with annual billing afoot!