📉Neurodiversity and Tenure at Work

Understanding Tenure Through a Neurodiverse Lens

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Neurodiversity in the workplace is all about embracing different brain wirings, like autism and ADHD, to boost innovation and productivity.

Tenure isn’t one-size-fits-all. For some autistic individuals, longer stints feel like home base:

  • Familiar routines

  • Reduce sensory overload and

  • Build deep expertise

On the flip side, many with ADHD thrive on:

  • Novelty

  • Jumping between projects or gigs like consultants to keep the dopamine flowing.

I’ve done both long- and short-term roles. This isn’t universal, neurodiversity is a spectrum!, but it’s a solid starting point for a discussion.

Long-Term Tenure: The Autistic Sweet Spot

Pros:


Stability Superpower

Predictable environments let autistic folks master their craft without constant adaptation. Think: Becoming the go-to expert on a team, potentially leading to promotions and job security.

Deep Focus Wins

Extended time fosters hyperfocus on complex tasks, driving innovation in fields like tech or research.


Loyalty Boost

Companies retain institutional knowledge, reducing turnover costs and building inclusive cultures.

Cons:


Stagnation Risk

Without fresh challenges, boredom or burnout can creep in if roles don’t evolve.

Adaptation Hurdles 

Sudden changes (e.g., mergers, a new supervisor/line manager) might overwhelm, leading to higher stress or exits.

Opportunity Miss


Staying put could mean missing diverse experiences that broaden skills.

Short-Term Tenure: ADHD’s Adventure Mode


Pros:


Novelty Vibes

Frequent shifts keep engagement high, channeling hyperactivity into creative problem-solving across projects.


Flexibility Freedom

Consulting gigs allow autonomy, perfect for managing executive function challenges with self-paced work.


Skill-Building Sprint

Quick exposures build a versatile resume, making ADHDers adaptable innovators in dynamic industries like marketing or startups.


Cons:


Instability Pitfalls

Job-hopping might signal unreliability to employers, hindering benefits like pensions or seniority.


Networking Fatigue

Constant transitions require rebuilding relationships, which can drain social energy.

Depth Dilemma

Shallow dives might limit mastery, potentially capping career growth in specialized fields. Jack of all trades…

Tenure through neurodiversity flips the script from “loyalty vs. flightiness” to “matching brains to roles.” It’s about creating workplaces where everyone shines.

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In other neuro-related news…

This should help the people-pleasing neurodivergents… Trevor Noah, an ADHDer, explains why we should start by saying NO

Lastly,

Stay Different,

The AuDHD Exec

Disclaimer: I am not your psychiatrist, coach, doctor. Neurodiverse Diary does not provide medical services or professional counselling and is not a substitute for professional medical care. Everything I publish represents my opinions, experience, not advice.

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