Introduction
Hi, I’m Corey, a 31-year-old who’s recently been diagnosed with Inattentive ADHD. After six months on Ritalin, I’ve felt the benefits of improved emotional regulation, reduced anxiety, and some added focus. Yet, even with these gains, I still struggle to muster the energy and drive needed for projects that require sustained effort and learning. This pattern has woven itself throughout my life, from unfinished assignments in school to a lingering sense of anxiety over unmet expectations.
I first ventured into the working world at age 17 with an apprenticeship in solid plastering. It didn’t last. After high school, I bounced from one manual labor job to another—solid plastering to painting, to a year spent largely in my mum’s basement, playing video games and feeling my confidence fade. Without a driver’s license or qualifications, job options were limited, and my sense of purpose dimmed.
While I attempted to find a direction through TAFE and a spare-parts traineeship, each opportunity eventually ended without completion. My only job termination came in this role, and though it wasn’t for lack of effort, the dismissal left me questioning my capabilities. But my mother, a single parent after my father’s passing when I was 12, did her best to support and encourage me, even if her busy life limited her availability to guide me closely.
At 21, I made my first significant step toward independence by moving to a new town, finding work in a bakery, and experiencing life on my own terms. Over the next five years, I held several bakery jobs, even starting an apprenticeship. However, conflict and the pressures of the role ultimately led me to step away.
A turning point came when, at age 25, I inherited a portion of my father’s estate. This financial security gave me the freedom to re-evaluate my career, and I found a rewarding path in disability support work—a field that allowed me to thrive by building close, impactful relationships. Working in this sector has provided stability and a meaningful purpose, though my challenge with completion remained, as I found it hard to finish a related certificate program despite initial enthusiasm.
So, why share all this?
Because I want you to see that I’m human, with my fair share of stumbles and second chances. I’ve made decisions, some of them questionable, and I’ve been fortunate in ways I didn’t fully recognize at the time. At my core, I’m just someone seeking more out of life—hoping to find fulfillment, success, community, and a sense of worth in society.
Why AI?
With AI becoming a significant part of daily life, I see an exciting opportunity to learn and grow. This blog is both a record of my journey into AI and an experiment in completing something truly meaningful.
This blog post has been altered by AI. I initially wrote 1189 words in a jumbled mess and AI refined it to 463 words. I’m not sure how the audience would feel about this method of blog posts. I will be 100% transparent and will be able to showcase my initial efforts before AI alteration if that would be sought after.
I would love to get feedback but also to have conversations regarding this journey!
Leave a Reply