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 business
• The modern (and still relevant) role of blogging as a platform
• Challenges and realities of balancing career and parenting, especially with neurodivergent children
• The rise in adult ADHD and autism diagnoses among women—and the power and pitfalls of self-diagnosis via social media
• What executive function really means (in science and in “adulting”)
• The meaning of neurodivergent, and why representation matters
• Overcoming imposter syndrome and finding purpose through serving others
• Building an authentic online community and the realities of slow and steady business growth

Quote 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 Schroeder

Timestamps:

• 00:00:06 – Welcome and intros; calling Chicago home
• 00:01:08 – Shannyn’s definition of self-care
• 00:04:15 – Shannyn’s background in teaching and career pivots
• 00:09:30 – What inspired Shannyn to start her blog
• 00:11:48 – The surge of adult ADHD/autism diagnoses in women
• 00:18:23 – Navigating imposter syndrome
• 00:22:32 – What is executive function?
• 00:24:08 – What does neurodivergent mean?
• 00:27:46 – Growth of Shannyn’s blog and online community
• 00:29:54 – How the blog has changed her life
• 00:33:23 – How to connect with Shannyn and a special free resource for listeners
• 00:36:22 – Fun rapid fire questions

Connect with Shannyn:

• Website & Blog: https://efbombcoach.com/
• Free Facebook Community: Executive Function Support for Women
• Special Offer for Listeners: Free Productivity Blueprint Course normally $27 but free with this link-- https://efbombcoach.com/PBfreebie

Note 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 Adulting

We 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 app
• Get guest offers delivered straight to your inbox
• Access all important links in one convenient place
• Catch the highlights even when you don't have time to listen

Are 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/support

If 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. Click here and pitch yourself.

Here are a few resources that Amy uses to make all this great content. These are affiliate links :-)

For livestreaming and recording ECamm

Podcast hosting and distribution: Captivate FM

Website hosting with Siteground

Ai Transcription Tool: Castmagic

For Email I recently switched to Beehiiv before that I used Kit.

Online Shopping Cart: ThriveCart

Networking and support with Entreprenista League

Connection with Polka Dot Powerhouse

Books I like and books written by show guests on Bookshop.org

Grab a $20 coupon for Nutrafol here

Do you need a bank account? Ally