Advice on dealing with ADHD and remote work?

In the past, I've done hybrid work, I'd finish all the easy stuff at home and keep the hard stuff for the office, and I'd go in for a couple of days to finish it all.

I got a really good offer from a different company, and I've taken it, but unfortunately, this company only does remote work and does not provide you with any equipment. Problem is that I have a powerful desktop but no laptop, which means my options are either to buy my own laptop and work somewhere else when I need to get work done or make a partition/new user on my desktop that's strictly for work, but I am scared that its going to affect my productivity.

Any input or advice would be appreciated. Thank you.

oretoise,

I second what others say about having a dedicated device for work, as well as have a separate physical space for it, even if it's just another desk facing a different way in the room. I find it helps me to not use my main fun/hobbies area when I need to work. A trip to a local coffee place is a nice change once in a while, though.

Welmo,

A work laptop would be more useful because you can use in a lot of places and give you that mindset of "Now this is work" when using the laptop

But i think the most important thing is for you to look into exactly what was different from working on the office to now remote on this company.

I worked in a project that i was the only developer, had no one to help me with the legacy code and had to do all by my own. This made my ADHD go to the skies because it was confusing and really boring. I could be at an office and my result would be the same.

Also, i remember that when i worked in the office, i would get up more to get coffee/water, would chat with others in the day, would go out of the office for lunch and walk a little bit. When i started remote, i didnt do any of this and would get agitated in my chair and was not able to focus properly. I know some people that started working standing and it actually helped. And of course, stuff like fidget spinners/cubes and other "toys" made to help us focus can help a lot.

funbike,

Buy a work laptop and only use it for work.

Don't do any work on your existing personal desktop system, and don't do any fun non-work activities on your work laptop. Further, you shouldn't work at the same desk as your desktop. Keep work and play 100% separate.

You should be able to write off the laptop on your taxes.

JackbyDev,

Apart from getting a laptop my only suggestion is to create a new user account on your desktop. I've done this for when I need to do remote coding sessions for interviews (I have a laptop for work). I only install exactly what I need there. I don't want the interviewer to see some goofy message from a friend or to judge me for a silly desktop background image.

clyne,
@clyne@discuss.tchncs.de avatar

I've had success combining these two ideas: my desktop has a separate user for work, and I'll access it through SSH or a remote desktop from anywhere with my old Thinkpad. Using this setup at the library really helps me focus, for example.

The laptop (a Thinkpad X201) I picked up off of ebay for $100 or so too, so it's a decent option if you don't want to spend extra on a high-spec laptop.

chris,
@chris@l.roofo.cc avatar

My solution: Methylphenidate

pwshguy,
@pwshguy@programming.dev avatar

I kind of do both. I have a powerful desktop with 4 monitors. I can't stand working on a single laptop screen unless I'm traveling. And I also want to keep work separate. So, I have my laptop sitting next to my PC and I just RDP into it. This way all 4 screens are work only stuff when I'm working. Then at the end of the day I can just disconnect the session and have my personal stuff. I also have ADHD, so I try not never leave the work session during work times. I've been working from exclusively for about 6 years now and it has been the best system I've tried.

wowthatsawful,

this is pretty much what I do. I had a hybrid schedule prior to this newer job which I got riiiiiight as the pandemic was starting. it's fully remote. I definitely hated working from home previously because I feel like I can't get anything done on one tiny little screen. with the new setup, I don't mind working from and I feel like I get plenty done. no complaints from the bosses either.

burt,

Fellow ADHD remote dev here. I started using my own computer in the middle of the main living are of my home, that was a disaster. Ended up getting my own laptop (later replaced by company laptop), setting up a corner in my unfinished basement as a work area and haven't looked back.

greysemanticist,

Actually that is kind of scary, most companies supply you with a work device so it can be securely administered. That's kind of a red flag that they accept you working from whatever you have.

Get the laptop if you can, you can probably claim it for a reduction of taxes (keep the receipts). Keep it separate, always. You'll appreciate being able to close the "work device" when the day is done. Also, very much lock it down--do not let friends/family "borrow" your laptop.

People do the worst crap on computers that aren't their own.

DelorisDei,

Actually that is kind of scary, most companies supply you with a work device so it can be securely administered. That’s kind of a red flag that they accept you working from whatever you have.

I agree, they are having me work as a "consultant" for a few months if it works out they will relocate me and provide me with the equipment. Until then, I have to set up a few things on whatever machine I will be using for security purposes. It's a pretty reputable company and they are paying way more than my previous job so I am fine with it.

Thanks for all the tips; I'm probably getting a laptop.

VeryAmaze,

Tbh that arrangement sounds kindy sus, but yes good that you are getting the laptop. Keep work and shiny separate!

DelorisDei,

I understand, if sussy stuff happens, then I can leave whenever with a 1 week notice. I always have multiple options on hand and I am really not short on money at all, thank god.

bhj,

my options are either to buy my own laptop and work somewhere else when I need to get work done or make a partition/new user on my desktop that's strictly for work

1000% option 1. You need to have a work space that is only for work and nothing else. Get the laptop and set it up in a room far away from any other devices(TV, desktop, etc).

the_nightman,

Agreed. Spent a few weeks in a fog before I finally did this. It all starts blending together after a while, especially if you live in an apartment.

DelorisDei,

I have access to an apartment close to where I live but it's completely unfurnished. I'll probably buy a couple of chairs and tables and set up some wifi there, that should be good enough. Thanks for the advice.

thesanewriter,

Indeed, that's perfect. Coming from another dev with ADHD, the enemy of productivity is distractions. A space dedicated to working, free of other things to do, is the best way to keep you on track.

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