So a couple of years ago, I was diagnosed with ADHD. I had always known I was different from many people and chalked it up to being adopted and family upbringing. But when I started noticing my son’s behavior on a daily basis during the pandemic and learning about ADHD on my own, I realized where he got it from.

ADHD displays very differently in girls and women than it does in boys and men. Throughout my life, I have felt the sting of rejection like a slap across the face. (Unfortunately, I know what that actually feels like.)

I know now about RSD (rejection sensitive dysphoria) and having this knowledge is extremely helpful. I can sit under moonlight, empty myself of tears, and then crack a smile at the ludicrousness of the situation.

Before learning about my diagnosis (early in my adult life), I started developing my intuitive skills and learning how to rely upon them. I still find it an extremely difficult task in a world that prizes validation and outside learning over inner knowledge.

Deep down, I know that the current rejection I am facing has arisen to protect me and to possibly help others. And the rejection still hurts.

And I can also see that it is totally comical and an indication that no computerized employment system was ever designed with a matron with super powers.

It’s also an indication that even with artificial intelligence and computerized systems, an organization’s human resources department is shit if the humans working there don’t know their shit.

(Written by someone who had to endure boring work talk at the dinner table between two management consultants who used to work for large corporations.)