Nonlinear Careers: Finding Purpose After Teaching with Shannyn Schroeder

In this episode, Amy Stone welcomes Shannyn Schroeder, a former English teacher, curriculum writer, and executive function coach, who shares her journey from teaching and raising three children to launching a blog dedicated to providing resources and support for neurodivergent women. They dive deep into how unexpected life changes can inspire new paths, why adult ADHD and autism diagnoses are on the rise among women, and the importance of redefining self-care and success in adulthood.About the Guest:Shannyn Schroeder is a mom, teacher, writer, and executive function coach. After raising 3 neurodivergent children, she created EF Bomb Coach. Shannyn helps neurodivergent women who feel scattered, stuck, or burned out understand how their executive function actually works—so they can create systems that feel doable, not overwhelming. Shannyn’s work blends practical tools with self-acceptance—because they’re not lazy, stupid, or broken, their brains just work differently.Main Topics Covered:Shannyn’s nonlinear career journey: from classroom to online businessThe modern (and still relevant) role of blogging as a platformChallenges and realities of balancing career and parenting, especially with neurodivergent childrenThe rise in adult ADHD and autism diagnoses among women—and the power and pitfalls of self-diagnosis via social mediaWhat executive function really means (in science and in “adulting”)The meaning of neurodivergent, and why representation mattersOvercoming imposter syndrome and finding purpose through serving othersBuilding an authentic online community and the realities of slow and steady business growthQuote from the Episode:“Once I knew who I was writing for, then I knew what to write about. For me, it was that perfect intersection—knowing what my purpose was that made it make sense... and I was like, I can do this.” – Shannyn SchroederTimestamps:00:00:06 – Welcome and intros; calling Chicago home00:01:08 – Shannyn’s definition of self-care00:04:15 – Shannyn’s background in teaching and career pivots00:09:30 – What inspired Shannyn to start her blog00:11:48 – The surge of adult ADHD/autism diagnoses in women00:18:23 – Navigating imposter syndrome00:22:32 – What is executive function?00:24:08 – What does neurodivergent mean?00:27:46 – Growth of Shannyn’s blog and online community00:29:54 – How the blog has changed her life00:33:23 – How to connect with Shannyn and a special free resource for listeners00:36:22 – Fun rapid fire questionsConnect with Shannyn:Website & Blog: https://efbombcoach.com/Free Facebook Community: Executive Function Support for WomenSpecial Offer for Listeners: Free Productivity Blueprint Course normally $27 but free with this link-- https://efbombcoach.com/PBfreebieNote from the host. Guest offers are almost always limited time and limited quantity. If you have trouble redeeming the offer please reach out directly to the guest. Never Miss a Moment of Imperfect AdultingWe invite you to join our email community and let us bring the podcast directly to you! As a subscriber, you'll receive notifications about new episodes, exclusive offers from our amazing guests, and easier access to any of the important links mentioned on the show—no more scrambling to write down websites or remember special codes.Why subscribe?Stay up-to-date without checking your podcast appGet guest offers delivered straight to your inboxAccess all important links in one convenient placeCatch the highlights even when you don't have time to listenAre you ready? Join us at https://www.imperfectadulting.com If you love the show and you'd like to support it directly you can tip the host here https://imperfect-adulting.captivate.fm/supportIf you have a story to share and you'd like to be a guest on The Art of Imperfect Adulting, here are the steps for how you can make that happen. Pitch yourself at https://www.imperfectadulting.com/be-a-guestHere are a few resources that Amy uses to make all this great content. These are affiliate links :-)For livestreaming and recording ECamm https://www.ecamm.com/mac/ecammlive/?fp_ref=amy69Podcast hosting and distribution: Captivate FM https://www.captivate.fm/signup?ref=ntczmwi Website hosting with Siteground https://www.siteground.com/?referrer_id=9115590Ai Transcription Tool: Castmagic https://get.castmagic.io/ugrmjjrt8ofjFor Email I recently switched to Beehiiv https://www.beehiiv.com?via=Amy-Stonebefore that I used Kit. Books I like and books written by show guests on Bookshop.org https://bookshop.org/lists/podcast-guest-authors