Thinking about self-employment as someone who’s AuDHD (autistic + ADHD) or neurodivergent? You’re definitely not alone. For many they say it’s medically needed to be self-employed. So how do we know when the moment is right? And, more important, how do we even get started?
That’s exactly where Brett (the AuDHD Boss) and Liora (founder of Colorful Futures) kick off their conversation. Here’s a peek into what they discussed: the honest highs, the awkward hurdles, and the little wins that come with forging your own path as a neurodivergent entrepreneur.
Brett opens up about the frustrations of job hunting as an AuDHD individual: 150+ applications, AI systems that seem impenatrable, and informational interviews that never advance into opportunities. After months on the job market, Brett realized the side hustle was more than just a backup plan—it was a genuine source of energy and passion. “Do I really want to do that right now when I’m having so much more creative energy doing this?” Brett asks.
Liora’s journey echoes a lot of the same themes. Laid off in a tough job market, armed with a little financial runway, and motivated by a long-held idea, Liora decided to try building something new. But as they point out, there’s no single formula for when it’s “go time.” Sometimes it’s burnout building up over years; sometimes it’s the slow realization that a traditional job just isn’t sustainable for your needs. Often, as both discuss, it’s a combination of necessity and the spark of an idea you can’t shake.
Liora is offering a workshop on Thursday 7/16/2026 to help better understand the steps to take for unemployment details here.
Together, Brett and Liora talk about what happens when you finally step away from the 9-to-5 grind and into the unpredictable world of self-employment. Suddenly, flexibility is real: you can nap when you need to, work from your favorite coffee shop, and choose work that fits your mood. Liora says, “The more I learned about my brain, the more I realized I can’t realistically get all of this accommodated for in a full-time job.” Brett admits it’s still a work in progress—sometimes feeling guilty or pressured to match old standards, but then reminding themself, “Wait. It’s just me here. I’m the boss now.”
They also get real about managing expectations. You don’t have to do it all at once. Both Brett and Liora have taken on contracts, picked up part-time work, and wondered if that meant they were “backsliding.” Spoiler: it doesn’t. As Liora puts it, “It’s an active choice.” Building your thing doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing. Sometimes the best move is to take it slow—cover your bills, try stuff out, and see what sticks.
And the emotional rollercoaster? Brett talks about the struggle to stay motivated and keep on top of things when you’re your own boss—hello, executive dysfunction. Liora’s advice: “We don’t need to know steps one through 100. We just need a sense of where we’re heading and what the next right step is.” It’s a lot about riding the waves, dealing with setbacks, and giving yourself permission to ebb and flow with your energy.
Community matters, too. Brett and Liora both miss the creative spark of an office, but they’ve found new ways to connect: virtual coworking, online groups, even creative collectives. Sometimes just a quick accountability call or body-doubling session can make all the difference. As Liora admits, “Doing it on your own is rough”—but finding your people changes everything.
If you’re curious about self-employment or just want to feel less alone, check out the upcoming Entrepreneurial Horizon Workshop. Liora and career coach Caitlin Fisher are leading it, covering everything from dreaming up your business to managing motivation, executive function, and stress. It’s accessible and affordable, and it comes with a replay, a transcript, and resources for everyone (link coming soon).
About Brett Whitmarsh, The AuDHD Boss:
Brett Whitmarsh (he/they), founder of The AuDHD Boss, is late-diagnosed autistic and ADHD. Brett spent twelve years in corporate leadership at a national education publishing company, most recently as VP of Professional Books and Media and, before that, VP of Digital Content and Communications. He served as co-chair of the company’s Pride and Mental Health employee resource groups, an active member of its Black Alliance and AccessAbilities ERGs, and a founding member of its inclusion leadership committee.
Brett advises leadership and HR teams on building neuro-inclusive workplaces, including organizations running neurodivergent hiring programs. He also coaches late-diagnosed autistic and ADHD adults navigating their careers and speaks at corporate events and conferences on neurodiversity at work.