A Career With Undiagnosed Tourettes

[eclips2007]

I am hoping to make a move to middle management and the interviewing process begins soon. It's quite a jump from where I am now, but I need the drastic change, and a drastic challenge. I am concerned that I might fail, that I might not quite make it to this next level - that somehow my facial tics and anxiety will get the better of me. The combination of the two sometimes make others feel uncomfortable.

Is anyone here in middle to senior management and do you have any suggestions on how to make this next step?

Thanks!

[Cathy]

Hi:

I am assuming you are trying to move to within your current company.

Do you have a mentor (either official or unofficial) who is high enough up in the company to provide you with feedback on how you are perceived in the company? If not, the first step I would take would be to find someone who can act as a mentor.

Additionally, when you say you need a drastic change, that is often difficult to do. Putting aside any possible issues about how your tics etc. are perceived, do you have the skills/knowledge you need to make the move? Does the company recognize these skills? A mentor, or your current Sr. Manager/Director should be able to provide you with feedback on how ready you are to make the move. If you have the confidence in your own abilities and skills, the anxiety you have around how your tics are perceived may be diminished.

Do you openly address your tics in conversations with co-workers? How do you respond when you think others are uncomfortable with your facial tics?

[Janet]

Hi and welcome.

I second what Cathy said and seek the feedback.

When you say "The combination of the two sometimes make others feel uncomfortable." I would like to ask how you have been handling this? If people are uncomfortable it is usually because of the unknown.

I work in management and over the years had some difficulties with managing various types of people because I was not self-aware. My diagnosis and education of TS has heightened my self-awareness and hence my self-management. It is important to seek the feedback you need to move ahead. Many companies don't give al lot of feedback or coaching so if you have a connection with someone like Cathy suggested then maximize that partnership.

[hyzenthlay]

Undiagnosed TS and career progression. This is me right now, with no way of getting an official diagnosis without possible career implications. Sucks.