Very similar story for me. I’m at a new place after my last one abruptly laid off thousands. Here I can’t exactly disappear amongst the noise of a massive company. I’m watching the newly hired, younger neurodivergents burn out (one particularly violently) after barely a year. It is frustrating. I mean, what advice can you tell them? Mask more? 😑

Management has surprisingly recognized this for one that had a meltdown right in front of an higher-up, and offloaded their work into a more focused role so they’re less overwhelmed. But I’m seeing them start to spiral again after a personal issue happened… I have a dreadful feeling they will not have their contract renewed. It breaks my heart because they are very talented and I like them. It’s like watching a mirror of my younger self having done the same crap. I try to take the pressure off when they ask for help but it’s affecting my own stress. I can’t save the world. Too old. Too tired.

Part of problem I think is when you excel, they expect that level of performance all the time. I try not to show my whole hand in all things as a result as a sort of defense mechanism. Because I know they’ll just keep piling more work and expectations. It is hard to find a balance. I know I can’t always be full-on. Annnnd I still get bored and have to keep the slop in check.

If this doesn’t work out I’m probably going your route and starting my own thing.