Not everyone is interested in the military, but it might be good career for some people with ADHD.* The National Guard or Coast Guard appealed to me, for example.

If you think that you, dear reader (or your kid with ADHD) might want to enlist and you have an official diagnosis of ADHD or anxiety, you need to show you can manage it without meds and be stable for ~2 years. You can’t have had an active prescription for ADHD or anxiety in the past 24mo.

You should confirm this info with your local recruiter, but that’s what a recruiter just told me. I don’t make the rules; I just want you to know about ‘em! I am ineligible :(.

It’s a tough trade-off, but this might be a reason to delay getting a diagnosis, and to double-down on vigorous exercise as your main form of treatment.

*Why I was interested: - the Guard helps with natural disasters

• the ADHD tax is real and can be really expensive. Having a good pension and good healthcare for life that you don’t have to think much about is really really useful. (Disclaimer: Make sure you understand the actual benefits before enlisting. I’m not military!)

• being in a culture that values structure and fitness and getting shit done helps me stay structured, fit, and motivated

• Clear career ladders. This isn’t common in today’s economy. A clear career ladder is still a thing in the military, and can be a dream for preserving my executive function.

• what else am I missin?