So, here’s the deal. I’ve had ADHD all my life, but didn’t get the diagnosis until a few years ago. I’m 52 now with a lot of miles under my feet (and my noodle). Fun fact: I went remote before remote was even cool. Early in my tech career, I had dreams of being a road warrior, armed with my trusty laptop and PDA, ready to conquer the world from anywhere. That dream didn’t quite pan out as planned, but about 15 or 16 years ago, I got a taste of it. I became the only full-time remote employee at a small New England company. It wasn’t the full "digital nomad" life, but it came pretty close. Over those years, I picked up a few tricks about remote work, managing ADHD, and surviving in a world that isn’t exactly designed for people like us.

1. Remote Work Is the Best Thing for My Noodle
ADHD brains (a.k.a. noodles) thrive on independence. Sure, you need structure and systems, but give me my space, and I can hyperfocus like nobody’s business. When I went remote, I quickly realized that working solo, away from office distractions, was great for my productivity. The quiet, the control—it was ADHD heaven. But here’s the thing: it’s also harder for noodles like us to stay focused in a remote environment. Distractions are everywhere, and without a boss lurking nearby, it’s easy to find yourself six hours deep into an Amazon rabbit hole looking for a 'better mouse trap.'

But when you hit that hyperfocus? Wow. You can do the work of ten neurotypical norms in half the time. It’s like being a superhero, except instead of saving the world, you’re just really into spreadsheets. Of course, there are drawbacks—burnout, for one. You might find yourself so deep in the work that you can’t stand to look at the subject again for weeks. But when you’re in that flow state, you’re unstoppable (until you forget you had a flow state, because ADHD memory is a thing).

2. Isolation Is a Real Issue
Let me tell you, I started out strong in my remote journey. I had regular contact with coworkers, I was talking with overseas clients on the hour—it felt like I was still in the office, just without the awkward elevator chats. But as time went on, things changed. I wasn’t on the front lines anymore. I didn’t have those daily interactions, and slowly, the isolation started creeping in. For someone with ADHD, that isolation is a double-edged sword. On one hand, you don’t have people breathing down your neck, but on the other hand, there’s no one there to snap you out of a focus tunnel (or remind you to eat lunch).

That’s why now, I make it a point to work in different locations. Libraries, coffee houses—anywhere with people, noise, and life happening around me. Being around others reminds me that, yes, I’m alive, and it’s a great way to combat the 'remote worker hermit' problem. Plus, people-watching can be an excellent source of dopamine. Another ADHD trick I’ve picked up is simulating the office environment. Sometimes, hopping on an all-day Zoom call with coworkers, even if we aren’t talking, helps recreate the in-office vibe. It keeps me accountable, engaged, and makes it easier to stay productive​

3. Routine Helps, but It’s Gotta Be FlexibleADHD brains crave structure—but we also hate being told what to do (even if we’re the ones telling ourselves). Over the years, I learned that routine is key to staying productive, but that routine has to have some wiggle room. Set up work hours, plan breaks, but don’t be afraid to switch things up if you need to. The trick is building in enough variety to keep the noodle happy while maintaining enough discipline to actually get things done.

Final Thoughts:
If you’re a young professional with ADHD and you’ve landed in the remote work world, you’re in for a ride. But trust me, with the right mindset and strategies, you can make it work. Hyperfocus is your superpower, just don’t forget to take a break before you burn out. And if you start feeling isolated, get out of the house and find your flow again. You might just rediscover that road warrior dream—laptop and PDA optional.


Need more info? Check out this ADDitude Magazine article on ADHD and Remote Work Tips. It’s packed with expert advice on staying focused and productive while working from home.

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