I saw a post elsewhere that was just a picture of giant construction machines and I was like HELL YEAH and it reminded me of this story:
A couple of years ago I heard that a nearby city’s public works department was having a BIG WHEELS EXPO where they were going to have all the giant trucks and machines out and people to talk to you about them and I was like, amazing, sounds fun, can’t wait!
So, I make plans to go with my husband. I’m a 40-ish year old lady type. Somehow I was surprised that this was literally an event for children. I became wildly embarrassed and even though my husband was really trying to encourage me to have a good time I was like, nah let’s GTFO.
Anyways, I’ve since leaned in to the joy I feel from GIANT MACHINES AND STRUCTURES (it’s important to capitalize that lol). In hindsight, things like this should have probably been a pretty big sign that my brain worked different and I wish I had figured that our through my joy and not burnout.
I’m also a 40-ish neurospicy guy who had to burn out before realizing this. It sounds trite but learning not to give a fuck and instead “just doing me” has been such a blessing and confidence booster. Lean into what makes you happy! I like to think that those same giant machines were probably designed and built by adults who share your appreciation for them! Happy to hear you’re leaning into what thrills you.
My love for huge structures got me my jobs and I’m very grateful for that. I’m getting more comfortable being the weird goblin at work - people react positively to it and say it inspires them and their staff so that’s great!
In the new year I’m going to get to do more teaching and helping people learn the science behind their work so they can make better decisions. This means less weaponizing my neurospiciness in what is basically quality control tasks which is so draining because all I ever do is tell people they are doing things wrong and they fight about it and uuugggghhhhhhhhhhhhhh
Hah I can relate! My “special interest” wound up having a very niche application related to QC and ergonomics… essentially like you say, by understanding the “why” behind decision making you can help people make better decisions. I’ve been a professional nag before and it took a while to develop the skills to deliver criticism constructively… anyway if you’re getting positive reactions then keep doing what you’re doing! That’s really great!
Good luck with the new work next year. Here’s something else I learned which helped me turn the corner it seems like you’re approaching. Maybe it’ll help you: if you make it easy for people to do the right thing, they will. Easier said than done, and it requires agency to change things, and willing management, but if you can pull it off there’s far less of telling people they’re wrong because… they got it right in the first place.
Thank you so much! 😊