Feeling Stuck: The Neurodivergent Career Experience (And Why It's Not Just You)
Let's have an honest conversation about feeling stuck in your career as a neurodivergent person. You know that feeling - watching neurotypical colleagues seamlessly navigate office politics while you're still trying to figure out why small talk is considered a professional skill. If you're feeling trapped, frustrated, or just plain lost - first, take a deep breath. You're not alone in this.
Here's something they don't tell you in career advice books: being neurodivergent in a neurotypical workplace is like playing a game where everyone else seems to have been given the rulebook except you. And sometimes it feels like they're playing an entirely different game altogether.
Let's talk about what "stuck" really feels like for us:
Watching others get promoted while you're still trying to figure out the unwritten rules
Having brilliant ideas but struggling to present them in "acceptable" ways
Fighting executive function to meet arbitrary deadlines
Masking so hard you're exhausted before lunch
Feeling like your unique strengths are being overlooked or misunderstood
Sound familiar? Here's why this happens:
The Traditional Career Ladder Was Not Designed For Us
Most career paths assume:
Linear progression
Consistent performance
Standard networking abilities
Traditional executive function skills
"Professional" communication styles
But our brains don't work that way. We might:
Have intense periods of brilliance followed by recovery time
Excel in crisis but struggle with routine
See innovative solutions that others miss
Need different communication approaches
Require non-traditional work environments to thrive
Here's the thing: feeling stuck isn't a reflection of your capabilities. It's often about being in an environment that wasn't designed for your type of brain.
So what can we do about it?
Start With Self-Understanding
Before making any moves:
Identify your genuine strengths (not what others tell you they should be)
Understand your real challenges (not what you're "supposed" to find difficult)
Recognize your natural work patterns
Accept your needs as valid
Look for Alternative Paths
The traditional ladder isn't the only way up:
Consider specialized roles that value your hyperfocus
Look for companies with neurodiversity programs
Explore remote or flexible work options
Think about entrepreneurship or consulting
Consider career paths that embrace different thinking styles
Build Your Own Success Metrics
Stop measuring yourself against neurotypical standards:
Define what progress means to you
Create goals that align with your strengths
Celebrate victories others might not understand
Track growth in ways that make sense for you
Find Your People
Connection is crucial:
Seek out other neurodivergent professionals
Join online communities that get it
Find mentors who understand different brain types
Build a support network that validates your experience
Practical Steps Forward
When you're ready to move:
Start small experiments in new directions
Document your successes and patterns
Identify environments where you naturally thrive
Look for roles that energize rather than drain you
Consider whether you need accommodations
Remember:
Your career path doesn't have to look like anyone else's
Success can be defined in many different ways
It's okay to take longer to find your place
Your different perspective is valuable
You're not broken - you're working in a system that wasn't designed for you
The Reality Check
Here's something important: many incredibly successful people are neurodivergent. They didn't succeed by forcing themselves into neurotypical boxes - they succeeded by:
Finding their unique strengths
Creating environments that worked for them
Building systems that supported their needs
Leveraging their different perspectives
Finding or creating roles that valued their abilities
Moving Forward
If you're feeling stuck right now:
Be gentle with yourself - this is a common experience
Take time to understand what actually works for you
Look for environments that appreciate different thinking styles
Consider whether you need to create your own path
Remember that your timeline is valid
The future of work is changing. More companies are recognizing the value of neurodivergent perspectives (no matter what Trump says). Remote work is opening new possibilities. Alternative career paths are becoming more common.
You're not stuck forever - you're in a transition period. It might take longer than you'd like, it might not look like others' paths, but you will find your way. Your different brain isn't a career liability - it's an asset waiting for the right context to shine.
Keep exploring, keep learning about yourself, and most importantly, keep believing in the value of your unique perspective. The right path exists - sometimes we just have to create it ourselves.
Remember: Being neurodivergent in the workplace isn't about fitting in - it's about finding or creating spaces where you can thrive as yourself. That's not just possible - it's necessary. For you, and for all the other neurodivergent professionals who will follow your path.
You're not stuck - you're preparing for launch. And when you find (or create) the right environment for your brain, watch out world. There's nothing quite like a neurodivergent person who's found their groove.