Banking w/ ADD
Anyone else relate? Trying to determine if this is a blessing in disguise, or if something that will cause issues over time, or a mixture of both. Quick background: Never been on Adderall or related meds, never had a big enough problem to see a doctor until recently, so I would say my symptoms are somewhat mild, but somehow definitely check every box on the ADD checklist.
On one hand, this job is perfect for those with ADD due to the constant variety, high-stakes, changing environment, problem-solving, fast-paced work etc. It's almost perfect. I never get bored, I am constantly stimulated, I am fulfilled mentally, I am rewarded by continuous problem-solving, replying to Teams DMs working 1,000mph. It feels hard to burnout.
On the other hand, it's been increasingly challenging to keep track of everything (due to the lack of working memory), remember minor details about past deals/processes that may be applicable to new processes (always remember the big things/always learning and building on the past still), controlling the impulsive nature when participating in a discussion/replying to emails, staying calm and collected etc. If I don't write every single task down with extreme detail, I will forget, or if I don't do a new task right away, I can procrastinate / have difficulty coming back to it.
Generally, I've proven to be a strong performer despite having generally mild ADD. I'm into my 2nd yr as an ASO. However, I'm unsure as to how sustainable this is from a work and life perspective. For those that don't know, there is only so much capacity in the working memory for someone with ADD. For me, it is 95% filled with work (due to this job), so managing life outside of work is extremely difficult. I am thinking about and working to remember all work related tasks ~95% of my time. This makes living life outside of work challenging.
Does anyone have any tips for managing day-to-day life, along with managing the workload and tasks we get in this industry, all while feeling sane? Yet to figure out a solution... can't imagine what this would be like once I have a family/kids, or other high-priority life things equally as important to work.
1st year ana with adhd here. Interested in how different people deal with ADD/ADHD on the job… any reccuring issues? Things that have helped?
I struggled a lot in the beginning due to a bad case of ADHD. I refused to take medicine for it for a long time but finally gave in and take adderall a few times a week (I try to take as little as possible so normally M-T, ideally even less if I don’t have much work). The medicine has been game changing for me, I can finally focus and don’t zone out during calls. I’m concerned about long term effects and getting too used to it but it has been career changing.
>On one hand, this job is perfect for those with ADD due to the constant variety, high-stakes, changing environment, problem-solving, fast-paced work etc.
people still really think about investment banking this way?
It absolutely can be, maybe in a sleepy satellite product group you can punch in and out drafting CIMs and sending out dial-ins all day but on lean M&A teams on multiple live engagements you can frequently experience true fire drills that will really make you feel alive.
Start every day by looking at your notes: what to do today (best case scheduled in calendar with times) and mark it off when done. Best case you’ve something with regular blocks, like 9-10am daily catch up, 2-4pm working on xyz or so, so you get a routine to hang on. Not always easy but helps tremendously.
Focus on your nutrition: don’t eat junk food, too much sugar or other crap that makes you go crazy. Same for coffee; some sip it like water and are relaxed, others get a heart attack after their 3rd. Find a solid balance.
Try to keep it as healthy as possible (same goes for sleep and alcohol).
Get some exercise in, even if it’s just a 20-30 min run or some homework out but do something before and/or after work and keep it consistent.
While working try to find out by yourself how focussed / thrilled your brain is. Sometimes it’s a lack and you’re loosing focus due to this, other times it’s too much. If it’s too low, you could spice it up with some music (nothing crazy, something simple to get you on top and help focus. review without music after). If too hyped, take a quick walk to the coffee machine or bathroom and try to calm down, use breathing exercises (meditation at home can be great too to help with that).
Communicate, if possible. If your supervisor / partner / whatever position is open / relaxed, bring it up, tell how you’re dealing with it and that you sometimes might seem awkward but just trying your best to keep the boat afloat. Most will understand it, but you’ve to communicate it to them.
Didn’t take medicine since high school, so can’t comment on that.
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