Do Women with Late ADHD Struggle More in Their Careers Than Men? 

Late ADHD in women can result in unique career struggles that men often don’t face to the same extent. Women with undiagnosed ADHD often experience workplace challenges that affect their job performance, advancement, and overall satisfaction. Because the symptoms of ADHD in women can be subtler and less recognised, late ADHD women struggles in career are often overlooked, leaving women to manage their professional lives without the support they need. 

Why Do Women with Late ADHD Face More Career Struggles Than Men? 

Several factors contribute to why women with late ADHD experience more career struggles than men: 

Subtle symptom presentation 

 While men with ADHD often display hyperactivity and impulsivity, women typically exhibit inattentive symptoms, such as forgetfulness, trouble organising, and difficulty focusing. These symptoms are less disruptive and harder to detect, making them less likely to be addressed early on. As a result, women with late ADHD often face workplace challenges like missed deadlines, poor time management, and difficulties prioritising tasks—issues that can hinder career progression. 

Gender differences in workplace expectations:  

Society often places higher organisational and emotional expectations on women, especially in the workplace. Women are expected to manage multiple tasks efficiently, be detail-oriented, and remain composed under pressure. Gender differences in these expectations can create additional stress for women with ADHD, who may already be struggling to manage symptoms. The pressure to perform at the same level as their peers without the proper support can contribute to career struggles and burnout. 

Delayed diagnosis and lack of coping strategies 

 Many women with late ADHD don’t receive a diagnosis until adulthood, which means they’ve spent years managing the condition without knowing its source. Without the right workplace accommodations or coping mechanisms, women may continue to struggle with disorganisation, forgetfulness, and difficulty focusing, which impacts their job performance. This delayed recognition can stunt their career growth and lead to missed opportunities. 

Impact on self-esteem and job satisfaction 

Late ADHD in women often leads to frustration and feelings of inadequacy. Women may feel like they are working harder than their colleagues but not achieving the same success. These self-esteem issues can lead to dissatisfaction, a lack of confidence, and even job dissatisfaction or high turnover rates. As they struggle to meet expectations, women may also feel overlooked or undervalued, further affecting their career trajectory. 

Overcoming Career Struggles with Late ADHD Diagnosis 

While late ADHD women struggles in career can be significant, receiving a diagnosis later in life offers an opportunity for growth. Once ADHD is identified, women can start to implement coping strategies, such as using organisational tools, seeking workplace accommodations, and learning time management skills. This can help women overcome workplace challenges and thrive in their careers. 

Visit providers like ADHD Certify for personal consultations and career coaching to address ADHD-related workplace challenges and support women in overcoming their career struggles. 

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to Late diagnosis and gender differences.