I can't keep a job help me! It might have something to do with my cognitive function... ...?

Question

Okay I have a problem with keeping a job, I really want a job! I love the feeling of being independent. But I have trouble grasping the concepts that they teach me in order to do a job well. It's like they will tell me how to do something but later on I forget to do some steps and it causes problems. Why? and how do I change this?

All my life I have been like that! Never really understanding everything about something, just learning enought to get by. It's like I have trouble learning everything about something and I think it is finally catching up with me.

I want to know if it could have something to do with my cognitive fuction or something that I don't even know was wrong with me. Please help me to fix myself.

Also another thing about me that might come in handy is that I shy away from social situations and making friends for fear that I don't posses the skills to keep them.

Okay, I said I do want a job and I am not new to the work force!

swarr2001 the reason you probably thought this letter was well written was because I try to have the apperance of being smart in order to account for my short commings. I know it's sad.

Answer 1

Sounds like you have adult ADD to me. Do a search on Google about "adult ADD" and see if that sounds like you. There are medications to help. As adults, we should understand that a job isnt a like or dislike.....its a way of life, and its the only way to survive if you want any kind of life. So I hope you get your problems fixed!! Good luck to you.

Answer 2

I have an arachnoid cyst that causes the exact same problem. I have dementia as a result and I am only 21 and have always had this problem and it has followed me into my marriage! You should probably look into getting a neurological workup and see if you have a cyst or tumor that would be putting mass effect upon your brain. An MRI can tell this. A CT scan will complement the MRI in the fact that a CT will tell what kind of proteins are in the brain, while an MRI will tell how it corresponds to the blood vessels in your brain. My cyst is causing mass effect in a very mild sense and I don't even feel it, but have the problem of emotional lability, that is to say, uncontrollable moods that change like the weather without my control, and very short term memory. There is non-invasive surgery called endoscopic fenestration that only takes about 30 minutes and 1 night in the hospital and has over a 95% recovery rate. Hope this helps.

Answer 3

Firstly have you ever been diagnosed as having attention defecit disorder or ADD?

Years ago ADD wasn't as readily diagnosed as it is now , people were just dismissed ' dumb' or ' trouble makers'. Generally it is known that those with ADD often are as smart or more smart than the average person, they just don't perform as well.

That could be why you have a problem keeping a job, remembering the sequence of things to do on a job and also why you avoid social situations, because you fear rejection. ADD people sometimes are blurters, they say whatever comes into their heads, no contemplating the possible consequences of those actions for others and themselves. They are also often impulsive and or argumentative .

There are treatment centers for people with ADD and ADHD, a subsequent companion disorder where they can teach you how to remember things, and be employed and independent. It's also becoming very common. We were taught that at least 10 per cent of each class had some sort of learning disability, thirty years ago and I expect as we now know more that number may have increased. ADD and ADHD are common to young boys , but we're seeing an increase in girls as the diagnostic tools improve. So you're not alone with this diagnosis.

It must be very frustrating, but knowing what it is and knowing there is help for you will partly remediate your anxiety over losing your job.

Contact your local learning disabilities group as a starter, but make sure they realize that you are an adult and not a child.

Good luck .

Answer 4

A guy had a similar question to you a while back and I answered it. Here it is:

theeternalre...
Level 1
I cant find a good job or keep one, Help!?
Im depressed all the time, i did one day of a warehouse job. It sucked and it was horrible. I dont want it anymore. Know im trying to decide if i should keep it or lose it even though im dreading it. Im 18 and i need money. But this job sucks. It feels like im running out of options. help

(1 month ago - 23 answers )
You've already answered this question.

0 0 Add/Save
Add to Watch List
Save to My Web
Add to Del.icio.usAdd to My Yahoo!
RSS




Lorraine
Level 2
Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

Have u tried seeing a doctor about being depressed???? If I was u...I would first keep the warehouse job for right now, and then i would right down 3 lists.....
LIST 1: What I enjoy doing....
LIST 2: What are my good skills.....ex. hardworking,people friendly, ect
LIST 3: What are things that I struggle with and/or are unable to do....ex. have a bad back so i can't lift up heavy things, or blood makes me want to be sick so i can't work where i'll be interacting w/ blood, ect
THEN, start looking on the enternet, in newspapers or at local advertisments that will qualify for the 1st two list and doesn't qualify for the third list and when u find that job take it and quit the warehouse job...

*Everybody has the days when the hate their jobs and our having bad days...just because u have those days doesn't mean u r depressed but if u think u r depressed, see a doctor for help but frist try this tip:
Look at the good side of a situation.
For example, u get to work and your boss tells u that u r going to have to work over time. U could whine and be upset all day that u r going to have to delay your date or time w/ the guys OR u could be happy that u r going to make a couple extra $$$ for the next date or time with the guys.
*Humans usaly take things in the negative way but u can take them in the positive way too and if u do that u will be a lot happier...

0 0
Asker's Rating:
Love you, Thanks

------
I think you should try the list thing too. If you find a job that has your intrest in it you'll enjoy it more. Now about the forgetting part, take a notepad and a pen with you and take GOOD notes. That way if you are unsure about a step of how to do something or where something is you can look at your notes. Also, you can take your notes home and study them so eventually you'll remember it.
If you are worried about something being wrong with you, go see a doctor but don't look at the situawation negativly.....by you having a hard time remebering things you are going to work harder at your job b/c of the studying.....

Well, GOOD LUCK and i hope that the other question helps.
:-)

Answer 5

This answer may cause a few people here to respond but none the less here it goes...

When you go to a doctor, a Psychiatrist....to be evaluated, make sure they specialize in ADD, ADHD, and BI-POLAR dysfunctions, there is a fine line between all of these, and it can not be diagnosed immediately.

If this Doctor places you on Medication, Please make sure you have regular and routine Blood test, and do not presume that just because the Doctor tells you so, it is right for you. Get second opinions if you feel this need.

Also...IF Bi-Polar is diagnosed, this does not mean you qualify for SSI, nor does it give you an excuse to get a "Free Ride" within the government policies and guidelines....it does place you in a percentile of others with your same Issue and it would benefit you to look into it.

Keep a journal of your "Cognitive Functions" and relate these thoughts to your Doctor, Good Luck.

Answer 6

ADD could be the problem but I'd also get tested for Asperger's syndrome. Asperger's is a extremely mild form of autism that affects how you socially connect with people. People with asperger's have a hard time reading normal social cues, like facial expresions, and reading between the lines of what people are saying. They are unable to grasp double meanings in conversations and if they are not treated can have trouble in all the areas you're talking about. Good luck.

Answer 7

Here is what I always did. Now, I am very successful in a job I've had 2 l/2 years and even got a raise, recently... When you get a new job, write alot of notes as you learn and put them on the wall next to you for reference purposes. You could even keep your notes on a floppy disk and make updates on it, like I do. If you shy away from people (like I do), you don't need to change yourself if you feel that you can't. Co-workers will actually come to accept you the way you are and expect you to behave whatever way you do. I now have a reputation as being "the quiet one", but that's O.K. because it fits in with my personaltiy. You said you know just enough to get by. That is because you like to follow strict guidelines and not think for yourself about any possible details about the job. That's how I am, too. My own trick is to be as detail oriented as possible. Ask yourself, "why am I doing it this way when I can do it that way better". In other words, find new and better ways to deal with the details. I've gotten so good at my own job now that I have time to help my co-workers with their jobs! I just got a raise, yesterday, for doing this very thing. Make your job a "science" by not sticking with only the basics when you first started. I am now an expert at what I do, and you can be too!!!

Answer 8

Maybe you need to write down the steps and review them from time to time. We all get in a rut and forget details. Don't be afraid to ask questions until you understand the process completely. Just say, "I want to make sure I've got this right" or some such. A thorough understanding of whatever you're doing should make it easier to remember all the steps involved. No one is comfortable in social situations. Fake it 'til you make it.

Answer 9

I agree with diagnosis Adult ADD. So many people have this and don't even know it. So many people try to say it is because your lazy, stupid or just plain not motivated enough. This is all wrong and those people are wrong. You can be tested for it and treated for it. The first step is talking to your doctor, and being honest when telling him/her what you are experiencing. ou will feel so much better about yourself.
Good Luck to you.
Today is the first day of your new life. Enjoy it.

Answer 10

Your letter was well written and clear. I am wondering what you think is wrong with your cognitive functioning? Usually, anyone who understands what 'cognitive' is has a good education and is part of a human services community. Please tell me you are not looking for an SSI disabilty as a way out of the 'workforce'. If that nasty little thought is wrong, please forgive me. The best thing to do is see your doctor to rule out physical problems. Next, see a job coach about what 'steps' you are missing and good luck to you.