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Product manager opens up about being laid off due to ADHD challenges: ‘Biggest flaw was exposed’
In a Reddit post, the product manager described being “creative” but admitted that ADHD made it difficult to fully finish tasks.
A product manager’s candid post about losing a job due to ADHD has struck a chord online, highlighting how invisible struggles at work can quietly build up over time.
In a Reddit post, the product manager described being “creative” but admitted that Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) made it difficult to see tasks through to completion.
Creativity had helped sustain a career for years, but this time, the inability to stay focused and finish work became too visible to ignore.
The post explained how multiple responsibilities were taken on, yet most tasks remained incomplete.
“I got into many responsibilities and was not able to complete most of them due to constant distractions (of my mind) and inability to focus and take the task to its end,” the manager wrote.
Constant mental distractions and difficulty maintaining focus meant projects were often left midway. This pattern eventually led to a layoff.
Also Read: 'Doing good work isn’t enough': Product manager lists 4 habits that got him promoted
Creativity clashes with ADHD struggles:
The product manager acknowledged that the outcome was not surprising, as the gap between expectations and delivery had been growing.
ADHD was described as the “biggest flaw” in a professional setting, despite also being closely tied to creativity, the very strength that supported the career for so long.
“I managed to survive using my creativity, but this time my biggest flaw was exposed,” the manager wrote.
Now unemployed, the product manager is dealing with the challenge of upskilling and building better focus.
The post mentions reluctance to take medication due to fears it could affect creativity, the key strength relied upon for work.
“I have to choose to be optimistic because my family depends on me,” the manager adds.
Also Read: Man gets raise for leaving on time, saying no to extra work: 'Corporate logic makes no sense'
Check out the post here:
Here's how people reacted to the post:
Reddit users reacted strongly to the post, with many sharing similar experiences and offering support.
Several users said they related to the struggle of starting multiple tasks but finding it hard to finish them, especially while dealing with ADHD.
One of the users commented, “As a person with ADHD, I can totally relate to what you mean. I hope you overcome this, although medication helps.”
A second user commented, “Same. Got laid off 2 weeks ago. I never felt like a bigger fraud than this. Every little flaw of mine seems to have gotten amplified and picked.”
“Broo, this is me, I always literally live in fear that I may be exposed anytime, I am just riding my creativity, when it stops, I am done,” another user commented.
(Disclaimer: This report is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.)
