Turning Adversity into Purpose
Ariff Ab Bakar is a communications professional who found his true calling after being diagnosed with ADHD in 2022. Once at his life’s lowest point — a new father who had just lost his job — Ariff re-evaluated his career path and pivoted into creative media. Today, he leads the Communications and Engagement Department at a Malay Muslim charity, building a thriving career where he uses ADHD traits as assets, not obstacles.
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“This period of adversity became a crucial catalyst for change. It ultimately led to a profound insight: understanding my ADHD was not just about managing symptoms, but about aligning my life choices with my strengths and interests.”
“I’m actively working towards building a career where my ADHD is an asset, not an obstacle, and I’m excited about the continued growth and impact I can make.”
Early Signs and Diagnosis
Growing up, ADHD manifested primarily as inattentiveness and in a playful nature. Teachers labelled me “smart but lazy”, while my friends perceived me as overly sensitive and frequently picked on me. These experiences were challenging, but the true awareness of ADHD only emerged much later.
My wife was the first to suspect I had ADHD. She noticed my struggles with various everyday tasks and my behavioural patterns. Her observations, coupled with a friend’s recommendation, led us to participate in a NUS survey for ADHD in 2022. The survey results confirmed I had severe ADHD of the Inattentive type, finally providing clarity on the challenges I’d been experiencing for years.
Challenges and Turning Points
My turning point came in 2022. I started a new job in February, just months after the birth of my first child. This was a period of immense stress, having to prove myself in a new role while being a new parent. Although I did my best to learn and adapt, I was let go in August. Losing my job with a newborn at home was the lowest point of my life, compounding the stress of trying to understand my recent ADHD diagnosis.
When my diagnosis appointment finally arrived in September, I felt a sense of “too little, too late” given my job loss. The doctor also suspected mild depression, a direct result of the immense pressure I was under.
However, this period of adversity became a crucial catalyst for change. It forced me to re-evaluate my career path. For 10 years, I had been working in broadcast operations, despite a long-standing interest in the more creative side of media that led me to pursue a Communications with Multimedia degree. I realised that my previous roles hadn’t fully aligned with my passions, which might have contributed to my struggles.
This low point became a turning point towards self-advocacy and pursuing my interests. I became determined to find a job I genuinely loved. I even turned down several job offers, convinced that now was the time to pivot. This challenging period ultimately led to a profound insight: understanding my ADHD was not just about managing symptoms, but about aligning my life choices with my strengths and interests.
Strengths and Achievements
I am proudest of my journey and achievements at a Malay Muslim charity, particularly my recent promotion to Manager of the Communications and Engagement Department. This achievement is significant because it represents a complete pivot into a field I love. It was achieved through sheer determination and leveraging the unique strengths that ADHD has given me, such as hyper-focus, resilience and determination, and advocacy and courage. My rotation into communications work and my progress at my organization truly showcases how I’ve learned to thrive with ADHD.
Advice to my Younger Self
I would tell my younger self: “You’re not lazy; you’re wired differently.”
And to understand that my challenges were not moral failings but neurological differences that I will eventually discover and get help for. So embrace your unique way of thinking, seek understanding, and find what genuinely ignites your passion.
Don’t be afraid to stand up for yourself or pivot when something isn’t working. Your ‘sensitivities’ can be a strength that allows you to connect deeply and advocate fiercely.
Where I am Today
Today, I am in a dynamic and fulfilling phase of my career. As of April 2025, I lead a team of six managing the communications and engagement efforts at a Malay Muslim charity. I am also a proud father to a boy and a girl. My kids provide immense motivation.
I continue to further my interest in the media and communications field and am currently pursuing a Masters in Digital Marketing. I’m actively working towards building a career where my ADHD is an asset, not an obstacle, and I’m excited about the continued growth and impact I can make.
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