
To Fix A Career.. Or To Find Another.. That Is The Question
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Ever feel like dyslexia is the big obstacle holding you back at work? You’re not alone. This podcast episode explores whether “fixing” dyslexia is necessary or if something else might be going on. It’s an eye-opener if you’ve ever wondered how to handle those challenges in your job or whether telling your boss about dyslexia is the key.
This discussion goes beyond surface-level tips. It looks at deeper psychological and practical elements like communication habits, self-awareness, and making your environment work for you. Because sometimes the real issue isn’t the dyslexia itself, but the stories we tell ourselves about it!
Why “Fixing Dyslexia” May Not Be the Real Problem
So many people ask, “How do I fix my dyslexia?” The truth is, dyslexia isn’t broken. It’s a different way of processing information that can be an advantage if you know how to harness it. “Fixing” suggests there’s something wrong with you. That mindset alone can create frustration.
Sometimes the struggle lies in how you communicate or the systems you’re using, not in your brain. Shifting how you approach your day or adapting your tasks to your thinking style can do wonders. When you focus less on what’s “wrong” and more on how to optimise what’s “right,” you give yourself permission to grow.
Telling Your Boss: Pros and Cons
Do you tell your boss about your dyslexia? It’s a question that causes anxiety. On the one hand, transparency can lead to support, tools, and understanding. Your employer may offer flexible arrangements or assistive tech if they know what you need.
On the other hand, you might fear being judged. Disclosure can feel like baring your soul. Some workplaces handle it well, others don’t. Weighing the pros and cons is about examining your specific environment and deciding if it’s safe to open up.
Adapting Your Environment
One of the biggest takeaways: your surroundings matter. Rather than change yourself, it’s often better to tweak your environment. That could mean:
- Setting up organisation systems tailored to how you think
- Using voice-to-text or screen-reading software
- Creating visual boards instead of endless written notes
When your workspace aligns with the way your brain works, you’ll notice less stress. This approach helps you function at your best without burning through all your energy just trying to keep up.
Shifting Your Perspective
A huge part of this episode looks at the personal journey of acceptance. As one listener asked, “Should I just push through and pretend it’s not an issue?” Usually, the answer is no. Embracing how you’re wired can lead you to better possibilities than trying to force a square peg into a round hole.
“Dyslexia isn’t always the main obstacle. Sometimes, it’s our perception and the beliefs we’ve absorbed along the way.”
That quote from the podcast underscores that the real shift often starts between your ears. If you keep telling yourself you’re broken, you can’t see the opportunities. If you remind yourself that a dyslexic mind offers creativity and resiliency, you’ll start to notice the job duties or environments that suit you best.
When your mind shifts, your actions follow. You’re more likely to speak up for what you need, experiment with new tools, or have honest conversations about your work. Suddenly, the “big problem” may not seem so big anymore.
- Recognising dyslexia as a different way of thinking, not a flaw
- Weighing your decision to disclose based on your workplace culture
- Adapting your environment instead of forcing yourself to fit rigid systems
- Being mindful of the stories you tell yourself about dyslexia
Ready to dive deeper? Listen to the full episode above to hear the extended conversation and practical tips for transforming dyslexia challenges into strengths. Give it a go and let me know what you think!