Your Work, Meetings And Are You In The Right Job?

If you've ever felt that meetings drain more energy than they should, you're in good company. Dyslexia makes everything from keeping track of services discussed to deciding if you need another coffee extra challenging. In this episode, I dove into how dyslexia affects daily work life and shared some tips for staying focused among the chaos.

We looked at why dyslexics find sit-down meetings so tricky, along with the constant challenge of deciding what to work on next. If you recognise that inner struggle, you’ll get a good laugh (and some relief) from my stories. I also took a few tangents, because, well, that’s just how the dyslexic mind rolls.

Why Meetings Can Feel Painful

Many dyslexics find the slow pace of meetings tricky. You sit around a table listening to one person after another. Your brain screams for stimulation, but you’re expected to stare at a screen of slides or take in points without going off on tangents. It’s a real test of our attention span.

When the meeting ends, we often look back and think, “Did I miss half of that conversation?” Our minds wander because we process information differently. That’s normal, but it can create guilt.

“I can’t tell you how many times I've nodded along, hoping no one realises that I’m actually drawing mental pictures while they talk.”

Sound familiar? This is why some of us become good at ‘meeting hacks.’ We might scribble notes in a playful way or create quick diagrams. Anything to keep the brain engaged. If that’s you, know you’re not alone.

Challenges in the Workplace

Dyslexia isn’t just about reading and writing. It affects how we structure thoughts, juggle tasks, and manage time. Work can feel like a minefield of responsibilities, from remembering who said what to double-checking you’ve done the right things in the right order.

At times, it can be tempting to hide. Yet, the more we ignore these hurdles, the tougher they become. Here’s what many dyslexics do at work:

• Rely heavily on mental checklists (until they forget them)
• Write sticky notes all over their desks
• Use phone alarms for deadlines
• Check and recheck emails to be sure they’re correct

It’s often a juggling act, and there are days when the balls drop. Being open about these challenges can help normalise the entire process. If you can, try to explain to colleagues or your boss how dyslexia affects you. Clarity can ease tension and create a more understanding environment.

Deciding Where to Put Your Focus

It’s not just meetings and day-to-day tasks that are tricky; dyslexics also wrestle with choosing what to focus on. We see a wall of possibilities, and we want to jump at them all or maybe none of them. This can lead to an odd loop where you feel busy but don’t always get meaningful stuff done.

I’ve found that, for some, an external nudge helps. Something as simple as a daily to-do list or a well-timed reminder from a friend or colleague can keep you on track. If you’re someone who needs variety, building short bursts of different tasks into your schedule can keep the day flowing without turning your brain to mush.

When your mind is racing, a quick break can bring clarity. It might be a fast walk, some water, or a few minutes of daydreaming. As counterintuitive as it seems, a short pause often sparks new ideas.

Mental Tangents and Creative Flow

During the episode, I mentioned how dyslexic minds love tangents. One minute we’re diving into the details of a spreadsheet, next we’re conjuring up a plan for a weekend getaway. That can feel troublesome in a rigid environment, but it’s also a gift. When you allow your brain to roam briefly, you nurture creative thought.

If possible, give yourself windows in your day to explore. Jot down any wild ideas, even if they don’t seem important. Later, you might see how they connect or at least lighten your mood. Those tangents don’t necessarily indicate laziness. They might be your dyslexic mind’s way of refreshing itself.

We also talked about the unspoken pressure to be “productive.” This can bury creativity under a thick layer of guilt. But when you let your mind wander responsibly, you can produce new insights and value that might never appear if you kept everything pinned down.

Key Takeaways

• Meetings can feel long and drawn out, so find creative ways to stay engaged.
• Dyslexia influences task management, and it’s okay to share those challenges with others.
• Short breaks or a quick walk can be an excellent way to regain focus.
• Tangents are normal for a dyslexic mind. Give yourself space to explore ideas.
• Don’t shy away from tools that make life easier—like notes or phone reminders.

If this sounds like your life, there’s more waiting for you in the podcast. The player is at the top of the page, so why not hit play and join the conversation? You’ll hear personal stories, offbeat tangents, and practical insights on how to manage dyslexia in everyday work life. Give it a listen and let me know what you think!