Hacking Your Job And Choosing Your Future

Have you ever wondered if there’s a way to fast-track your career without feeling like you’re forcing yourself into a boring box? If you have, that’s exactly what we’re exploring today. This episode dives into how I hacked my job years ago and found a path that made sense for my dyslexic mind.

In the podcast, I share my strategies for adjusting a traditional job role into something more flexible and suitable for someone who thinks differently. The focus is on spotting hidden gaps in your workplace and then stepping up to fill them. I also reveal a powerful insight I had recently about matching your strengths to a job that’s truly your own. You’ll hear practical tips, personal stories, and a little encouragement to look at your day job with fresh eyes.

Hacking Your Job Mindset

It all starts with a shift in perspective. Instead of waiting for your manager to hand you the perfect to-do list, look at the problems around you. Chances are there’s a challenge nobody’s addressing. That’s your golden ticket: you can say, “Let me handle it,” and turn that overlooked task into a rewarding opportunity.

I remember realising I had been forcing myself to follow the old routine. Then I thought, “Why not do something interesting that everyone else avoids?” That sparked a new way of thinking. When you pick something that both excites you and benefits your team, your sense of purpose goes through the roof.

“I realised I could bring my unique viewpoint to the table and solve problems nobody else wanted to touch.”

Spotting Hidden Opportunities

You might find a process that’s outdated or spot those moments when people say, “We wish we had a better system for that.” Don’t just brush it off. Dig in with curiosity. Sometimes it’s a simple spreadsheet that needs reorganising. Other times, it might be a clunky customer service process that could stand a revamp.

Look for little cracks in the workplace. They’re those things people moan about but never fix. They can range from communication hiccups to technology shortages. Listen closely. The more you pay attention to these moments, the clearer your action plan becomes.

Try listing out three things that frustrate you at work. One of them could be the door you need to push open:

• Broken or repetitive processes
• Time-consuming admin tasks nobody enjoys
• Outdated or disorganised digital tools

Crafting Your Own Growth Path

Once you spot these gaps, don’t wait for permission to start making small changes. Test a new tool, draft a new procedure, or reach out to a coworker who could help. Even if you don’t get it perfect the first time, show your willingness to learn and adapt. Most employers love self-starters, especially those who take on tasks that aren’t in the official job description.

This approach helps you stand out. You’re not just clocking in and out. You’re actively shaping the role in a direction that suits your strengths. Over time, people dip into your expertise because they see the value you’re creating. That’s how promotions, new responsibilities, and leadership roles start naturally forming around you.

Leveraging Dyslexia and ADHD Superpowers

For many of us with dyslexia or ADHD, the standard way of doing things can feel constraining. We sometimes need more stimulation or a focus on our stronger creative side. By identifying new projects or tasks that truly engage your brain, you often boost your productivity in ways you didn’t expect.

Dyslexic and ADHD brains are usually wired for out-of-the-box thinking. This means we can see patterns others may miss. We connect dots in unusual ways. When you align that skill with a work problem that needs fresh ideas, you can deliver powerful results.

Try to focus on tasks that play to your strengths. You’ll feel more energised, and you’ll produce better outcomes:

• Opt for visual or creative tasks if reading lots of text drains you
• Solve tangible problems if you love hands-on problem-solving
• Ask for voice notes or short meetings instead of lengthy emails

Finding That Powerful Insight

The next time you’re tempted to say, “That’s not my job,” pause and check if it might be your calling. The powerful insight I saw is this: the more you let yourself do purposeful, exciting work, the easier it is to handle the dull stuff. Hacking your job isn’t about throwing out your entire position. It’s about mixing everyday tasks with projects that fuel you.

You don’t need to quit and find a new job every time. Sometimes it just takes a creative nudge. A tweak here, a new project there, and suddenly your day feels a lot more engaging. Your unique mind thrives when challenged in the right way. The question is, do you dare to step into that role?

• Identify where you can add value beyond your official role
• Propose small experiments or pilot projects
• Keep track of your wins to show tangible results

Key Takeaways From This Episode

• Embrace the gaps you see in your workplace and make them your own
• Use your unique thinking style to solve problems that others skip
• Shape your role to fit your strengths, not the other way around
• Don’t wait for permission to innovate
• Start small, learn, and build momentum

I hope this inspires you to look for new opportunities in the everyday flow of your job. If you’re eager to hear the full conversation, including my personal stories and real-world tips, be sure to check out the podcast episode above. There’s always something to learn when you let your mind wander beyond the usual boundaries and into new, exciting possibilities.

If you found this helpful, go ahead and give the episode a listen. It might just be the spark you need to reshape your job into something that truly works for you.