Blogging became my professional anchor for nearly two decades, and coding played a surprising role in helping me rebuild my cognitive abilities after they were severely impacted by PTSD. Starting this journey without understanding my ADHD meant navigating many hurdles and learning from mistakes. This experience is why I want to share insights about the world of coding and blogging, particularly if you’re considering a career path that values independence and creativity.
Finding My Path: From “No People” to Tech
Early in life, the traditional work environment felt incredibly challenging. Group projects in school were met with internal resistance. “Working with people? No, thank you” was almost an unspoken motto. High school group assignments were managed by taking full control to avoid the discomfort of collaborative chaos. This wasn’t about being a “loner” but a deep-seated difficulty in syncing with conventional work styles – a trait I now recognize as connected to ADHD. The traditional career path of law, chosen under external pressure, led to burnout and mental health struggles. The turning point came with creating a website and embracing freelance writing, eventually evolving into blogging with the rise of WordPress.
For neurodivergent minds, especially those with ADHD, passion and interest are key drivers. A career misaligned with this intrinsic motivation can feel stifling and lead to a sense of inadequacy. The need for work that resonates with our neurological wiring is paramount for fulfillment and success.
Rebuilding Executive Functions Through Coding
My journey took a dramatic turn when, after juggling multiple degrees and a demanding freelance writing career (think writing entire theses in a month while managing untreated ADHD and PTSD), my cognitive functions crashed. Initially drawn to coding out of necessity – needing to customize my websites without budget for professional help – it became more than just a tool. The intense workload, combined with ADHD and PTSD, led to severe burnout in 2017, impacting my executive functions to the point where I struggled with basic recall. Faced with neurological challenges, I turned to coding as a form of cognitive exercise.
Starting with just 15 minutes of focus per day, consistent coding practice gradually rebuilt my concentration, extending to two 45-minute sessions within months, even without medication, dietary changes, or exercise. Coding, initially a practical skill for website customization and a creative outlet, transformed into a powerful tool for cognitive rehabilitation.
Blogging: A Creative Career for the Neurodivergent
If ADHD fuels your creativity, blogging offers a fantastic avenue to share it. Imagine blogging as running an online magazine – it encompasses writing, editing, idea generation, visual content, and even promotion. For individuals with ADHD, who often excel at multitasking, the diverse nature of blogging can be particularly engaging.
Careers that suit ADHD strengths often emphasize originality and self-direction. Blogging perfectly aligns with these needs, offering a platform for creative expression and independent work. Qualities like empathy, energy, enthusiasm, and hyperfocus under pressure, often associated with ADHD, are valuable assets in blogging and content creation. Blogging allows you to leverage these strengths while building a career around your passions.
Coding: A Career of Logic and Focus
Expanding on the “blogging as a magazine” concept, coding is akin to building the magazine’s infrastructure – its design, structure, and functionality. Think of web browsers as interpreters that read code to display websites. Coding involves writing instructions in languages like HTML, CSS, and PHP to construct the visual and interactive elements of a website or application.
The detail-oriented nature of coding, demanding focused attention, can be a good match for individuals with ADHD who can harness hyperfocus. The process of learning coding languages can be intellectually stimulating and provide a structured outlet for problem-solving and creativity.
Coding and Blogging: A Synergistic Path
For me, blogging provided a platform for passion, location independence, and work aligned with my ADHD tendencies. Coding became a brain-training exercise and a source of empowerment. Knowing how to code means having the autonomy to manage the technical aspects of online platforms, reducing reliance on external support.
However, the typical advice on blogging and coding often overlooks the executive function challenges common with ADHD, such as time management and organization. A tailored approach is needed. Embracing a “reverse-engineered” strategy, focusing on ADHD-specific workflows, can unlock the potential of both blogging and coding as viable and fulfilling career paths. These fields offer not just income but also the opportunity to create, innovate, and thrive on your own terms in the digital world.
References
[3] WebMD. Best Jobs for People With ADHD [Last visited: February 2020]
[4] ADDitude Mag. 16 Good Jobs for People with ADHD [Last visited: February 2020]
[6] Tustin, Rachel. Jobs That Might Be a Good Fit for Your ADHD Child
