What are some survival tips for slow learners in the workplace?

Question

I'm 37, and I've been a slow learner since grade school. I eventually get very good at things, but only if I'm given a chance to learn slowly. I get fired or pushed out of about half of jobs because of this trait. Yesterday, I got myself and workmates in trouble because I didn't finish a job because (it turns out) I didn't understand the directions. In hind sight, if I had asked for clarification, that would have been seen as a flag of incompetence. Should I just gently demand clarification?

Answer 1

Maybe corporate America isn't for you?

There isn't much you can do about being a slow learner besides taking jobs you have experience in so you don't have to learn much. At age 37 you MUST have some experience in a field. So get jobs you have lots of experience in and take work home with you so you have extra time to grasp things.

Don't work in places with a "fast paced" office culture. There are many companies that are slow paced and laid back (usually the smaller ones). So avoid the big corporations.

Answer 2

Is this a fairly new position?  It would have been better to have that "incompetent" flag on you instead of causing grief for your coworkers.  That is a sure what to create friction and they might start to work against you than with you.  Personally, if I thought someone was incompetent, I'd rather they ask for more clarification than to get me into trouble.  I may not necessarily like him, but I'd surely start to despise the ones who impede my work or get me blamed for something.