I stopped asking “How do I fit in?” and started asking “What can I build?”
For a long time, I thought the answer was to become better at fitting into the workplace.
I thought I needed to be more productive.
More adaptable.
More energetic.
Less affected by the things my body and brain were going through.
But eventually, I realized something:
I wasn’t necessarily failing at work. I was trying to succeed in environments that weren’t built with people like me in mind.
Living with an invisible disability changed what I need from work. Flexibility isn’t a luxury for me—it’s accessibility.
I don’t want to spend my life forcing myself into a traditional work structure just to prove that I’m capable.
I want to build a life where my work supports my health, my relationships, my goals, and the way I actually function.
So I stopped asking, “How do I fit into this workplace?”
And started asking:
“What can I build that fits me?”
If you’ve ever felt like you’re “too much,” “not enough,” or simply not built for traditional work, I hope you know this:
You don’t have to build your life around someone else’s definition of success. 🤍
Sometimes creating a different path isn’t giving up.
It’s finally choosing yourself.
Having struggled with invisible disabilities myself, I deeply resonate with the idea that traditional work environments often fail to accommodate different ways of functioning. In my experience, striving to 'fit in' by pushing harder or seeking to be more 'normal' didn't lead to sustainable success but rather to burnout and frustration. The shift to asking 'What can I build that fits me?' opened new possibilities. For example, embracing flexible work hours and remote options allowed me to manage energy levels and health needs effectively, without sacrificing productivity. This mindset helped me design a workday that aligns with my peak focus moments rather than conforming to rigid schedules. Moreover, building a supportive community or network that understands and respects diverse work styles can be empowering. Sharing challenges openly with colleagues or employers can lead to accommodations that benefit everyone, such as modified deadlines or alternative communication methods. Ultimately, recognizing that success does not have a one-size-fits-all formula is liberating. It’s about constructing a career and life built around personal strengths, health, and authentic goals. This approach fosters not only professional achievements but also well-being and fulfillment, which are essential for long-term sustainability.
all the time. I just quit my job today actually. It's really difficult.