How'd You Get THAT Job?!

Michael Upshall Senior and Junior both have ADHD. This father-and-son duo doubles as boss and employee in their carpentry business, Probuilt Design + Build. In both work and life, they understand how the other thinks.  For Michael Sr., school never matched how his brain worked, and he left high school in the 10th grade. That’s when he took up an apprenticeship, eventually starting his own business. He’s now a master carpenter. And he was diagnosed with ADHD in 2012.  Michael Jr. was diagnosed when he entered high school, so he got the support to help him finish school. He’s been working at his father’s business since he was 12. Now, as an adult, he’s learning the ropes of running a business — while picking up ADHD strategies from his father along the way. Listen to this week’s episode of How’d You Get THAT Job?! for our first interview with two guests. Get tips to keep track of your thoughts, and learn why contracting could be the right fit for you. To find a transcript for this episode and more resources, visit the episode page at Understood.   We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at thatjob@understood.org.  Related resourcesIs ADHD hereditary?After high school: Different ways to thriveADHD and the myth of laziness Introducing "MissUnderstood", the first-ever podcast channel for women with ADHD. Listen Now: lnk.to/missunderstoodUnderstood is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

Darcey Gohring was diagnosed with dyslexia as a child. But she didn’t feel comfortable disclosing her dyslexia at work until she was a manager. She was scared that her co-workers in the editing and writing world would look at her work differently. Now, she teaches writing classes and is an editor at Zibby Magazine. When Darcey was diagnosed, her father didn’t believe that her dyslexia was real. He thought she just needed to “try harder.” This shame followed her into adulthood. And it made her worry about what her colleagues would think of her learning difference. But when she got her promotion, she realized that she didn’t need to worry. Now, as a manager and teacher, she supports others in being vulnerable and sharing their stories.  Listen in to hear more about disclosure in the workplace, and how Darcey’s own life experience inspired her upcoming novel. To find a transcript for this episode and more resources, visit the episode page at Understood.  We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at thatjob@understood.org.  Related resourcesDarcey’s Business Insider article: I hid my dyslexia at work for 25 years because I was tired of being labeled. Now I’m embracing it.Pros and cons of disclosing a disability to employersDyslexia and creativity: What you need to know Introducing "MissUnderstood", the first-ever podcast channel for women with ADHD. Listen Now: lnk.to/missunderstoodUnderstood is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

Isaac Zablocki always had messy handwriting and trouble getting his thoughts down on paper. When he was growing up, teachers in both Israel and the United States assumed his challenges had to do with switching between languages. It wasn’t until college that he was diagnosed with dysgraphia, dyslexia, and ADHD.  Because it was hard for Isaac to express himself through writing, he found himself drawn to film. Now, he’s the director of film programming at the Jewish Community Center (JCC) Manhattan. He’s also the co-founder of the ReelAbilities Film Festival, the largest U.S. film festival dedicated to showcasing films by or about people with disabilities. Learn how Isaac’s work in the disability film world highlights differences and promotes stories of those who are often unheard.  To find a transcript for this episode and more resources, visit the episode page at Understood.  We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at thatjob@understood.org.  Related resourcesReelAbilities Film Festival New YorkWhat is dysgraphia?Signs of written expression disorder Introducing "MissUnderstood", the first-ever podcast channel for women with ADHD. Listen Now: lnk.to/missunderstoodUnderstood is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

Trying to figure out the right job can be challenging — and feel pretty lonely — especially when you have learning and thinking differences. But luckily, there are ways to smooth your career path, and people to get advice from.  In this bonus episode of How’d You Get THAT Job?!, host Eleni Matheou shares what we’ve heard throughout the show so far, and things we’ve learned. Tune in to explore common threads, like trying new things and being open to failure. Listen now to learn how to stack your skills into the perfect combo for both you and your employer.  To find a transcript for this episode and more resources, visit the episode page at Understood.  We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at thatjob@understood.org.  Related resourcesWork advocacy 101: Asking your boss for what you need to thrive40+ examples of career examples of people who learn and think differently3 big myths (and truths) about workplace accommodations Introducing "MissUnderstood", the first-ever podcast channel for women with ADHD. Listen Now: lnk.to/missunderstoodUnderstood is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

Dina Ragab is a lawyer with ADHD working on the California high-speed rail project. Dina has always known that she was “neurospicy,” but therapists couldn’t see past her anxiety to the ADHD underneath. It wasn’t until after law school that she was diagnosed, went on medication, and realized there were ways to manage her sometimes all-consuming emotions. Dina’s job path wasn’t always a smooth one. She went through a few positions and work environments until she found the honest, straightforward boss that she needed. In this week’s episode of How’d You Get THAT Job?!, hear Dina describe her journey through misdiagnosis — and how self-advocacy is an opportunity for co-workers to take one another’s needs into consideration. To find a transcript for this episode and more resources, visit the episode page at Understood.  We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at thatjob@understood.org.  Related resourcesADHD and emotionsWhat is self-advocacy?A day in the life of an employee with ADHD Introducing "MissUnderstood", the first-ever podcast channel for women with ADHD. Listen Now: lnk.to/missunderstoodUnderstood is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

Omar Mouallem is a journalist and filmmaker with ADHD. Omar has worn many hats — journalist, documentary filmmaker, “fake dean” of his self-made school Pandemic University School of Writing, and real professor — all without a college degree. When he began writing Praying to the West, he struggled to focus on one topic for an entire book. That led Omar to his ADHD diagnosis. As a freelance writer for many years, Omar flourished as his busy mind moved from project to project. He’s won awards for his investigative journalism, where hyperfocusing down research rabbit holes is a strength. When the pandemic hit, and work dried up overnight, he had a lot to reconsider. Listen to this week’s episode of How’d You Get THAT Job?! to hear how he got his start from a Craigslist ad — and how impulsivity can actually work in your favor. To find a transcript for this episode and more resources, visit the episode page at Understood.  We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at thatjob@understood.org.  Related resourcesPraying to the West: How Muslims Shaped the Americas, by Omar MouallemAmazing Cats, by Omar MouallemDigging in the Dirt documentaryADHD and hyperfocusWhat is self-awareness? Introducing "MissUnderstood", the first-ever podcast channel for women with ADHD. Listen Now: lnk.to/missunderstoodUnderstood is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

Delia Gallegos combined her love of fandoms with her business experience to create the perfect job for her ADHD. Delia is the chief financial officer of Black Nerds Create (BNC), a collective for marginalized creators to make fandom content.  Delia first joined BNC as a side hobby to her business operations career. But during the pandemic, she took part in the great resignation and left a job she loved at the Smithsonian. Delia realized that everything she loved about that job was about being there. Without the stimuli of in-person work, she couldn’t get a thing done. Delia’s resignation led her to transition her hobby to full time when she saw that BNC could use her business skills. Listen to this week’s episode of How’d You Get THAT Job?! for tips on forming habits with ADHD — and how sometimes you need to throw everything against the wall to see what sticks.  To find a transcript for this episode and more resources, visit the episode page at Understood.  We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at thatjob@understood.org.  Related resourcesBlack Nerds CreateADHD and anxiety4 ways I stay organized with ADHDADHD symptoms at different ages Introducing "MissUnderstood", the first-ever podcast channel for women with ADHD. Listen Now: lnk.to/missunderstoodUnderstood is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

Scottie Donovan is a New York City wastewater engineer with ADHD. When she entered the field, being on the frontlines of a pandemic wasn’t what she expected. But since wastewater helps determine positive COVID-19 cases, she’s played a vital role in public health information. She’s also heard enough poop jokes to last a lifetime. Scottie chose to study civil engineering because of how interactive it is. She’s worked in water treatment plants, and eventually found herself at a desk job in a consulting role. This transition wasn’t the easiest for her ADHD. But with tools like lists and time chunking, she makes her days work for her. In this week’s episode of How’d You Get THAT Job?!, get Scottie’s tips for being honest about how much work you can take on. Plus, get a history lesson on how the sewer system advanced our civilization.  To find a transcript for this episode and more resources, visit the episode page at Understood.  We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at thatjob@understood.org.  Related resources4 ways I stay organized with ADHDADHD and sensory overload30 examples of workplace accommodations you can put into practice Introducing "MissUnderstood", the first-ever podcast channel for women with ADHD. Listen Now: lnk.to/missunderstoodUnderstood is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

Luke Kolpin is a chef with dyslexia. He’s cooked in high-pressure environments, from Top Chef to the critically acclaimed Noma in Copenhagen.  Luke didn’t have the best relationship with school when he was first diagnosed with dyslexia. After high school, he started taking community college courses. But he still wondered what he really wanted to do. That’s when his best friend suggested culinary school. After all, Luke’s nickname was Lunchbox when he was a kid.  Culinary school changed Luke’s world. He excelled in the hands-on work — but he also had to get past the academics. A teacher who recognized his skill set made all the difference.  In this week’s episode of How’d You Get THAT Job?!, Luke shares how he handles challenges that bring up old anxieties — and that asking for help is OK. To find a transcript for this episode and more resources, visit the episode page at Understood.  We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at thatjob@understood.org.  Related resourcesAfter high school: Different ways to thriveClassroom accommodations for dyslexiaDyslexia and anxiety in children Introducing "MissUnderstood", the first-ever podcast channel for women with ADHD. Listen Now: lnk.to/missunderstoodUnderstood is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

Hanna Brooks Olsen is a freelance writer with ADHD. Coming to her ADHD diagnosis was a long journey. Like so many, Hanna thought ADHD was purely hyperactivity, and she didn’t fit that description. But when she learned about the inattentive aspect of ADHD, she saw the connection to her life. She realized that her ADHD symptoms were intertwined with her bipolar disorder, anxiety, and eating disorder.  As a freelance writer, Hanna does it all — from editing nonprofit newsletters to writing tweets. But she didn’t set out to become a jack-of-all-trades writer. Like many college graduates, she just wanted to earn enough money to pay her rent and student loans. After working a few odd jobs, Hanna discovered that she could use her skills on her own time to do what she loves: write. To find a transcript for this episode and more resources, visit the episode page at Understood.  We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at thatjob@understood.org.  Related resourcesWhy some people with ADHD self-medicate — including me, by Hanna Brooks OlsenADHD and eating disordersADHD in girls Introducing "MissUnderstood", the first-ever podcast channel for women with ADHD. Listen Now: lnk.to/missunderstoodUnderstood is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give