Meet Bent
Job title: Dyehouse operator
Has worked at DILLING since February 2022
Diagnosed with ADD at 32 years old
Why is it important for your colleagues to know you have ADD?
I mentioned it at my job interview at DILLING’s dyehouse because, by being open about it, I feel like it helps me get off to a better start. I believe that honesty helps bring out the best in what I can do and who I am. Before, I used to fear that I might lose a job if my employer knew about it.
I got my diagnosis at 32, and over the years I had developed some bad habits. So, there’s been a whole mindset that I’ve had to change, and I’m still working on that.
What challenges have you faced?
I’m not great with time and punctuality. Sometimes, people also think I’m shouting because my voice is quite deep and loud, but I’m not always aware of it in the moment.
For example, I used to work on five different machines at once, which stressed me out, so Charlotte and I found that it works better if I focus on just one.
When I have bad days, I’ve also told Charlotte, and together we’ve dealt with it.
I believe challenges can be solved with good communication. That’s why I need to stay open about my ADD after sharing it from the start. It’s not enough to mention it once and then leave it.
Why is ADD an advantage in your work?
My ADD is a huge advantage for me because I'm a worker. When there’s a plan, I follow it through and don’t stop until we reach our goal. It also helps me and my colleagues understand why I am the way I am, what I can do, and what I can work on.
My diagnosis has motivated me to look inward and I know myself down to the smallest detail, which is an advantage in my work. The need for honest conversations with my colleagues has also made it feel like we’re a unit, supporting each other – even on the tough days.
