Like many Comprehensive Copywriting Academy students, Caleb was a burnt out teacher looking for a different career.
On this Build Your Copywriting Business podcast episode, he’s generously sharing how he made that transition, including how he’s learned to use his ADHD as a strength.
Several people in the community have asked about working as a copywriter with ADHD and, whether or not you are managing it yourself, Caleb’s tips are wildly helpful.
As he says, he can’t just rely on “feeling” like working, but has to set up his environment so that getting started is the easiest thing to do.
And when he’s working, Caleb uses the “sprint” method to avoid the mid-day fog.
Listen to hear him explain these tactics—and others (and let us know if you try any!!).
TUNE IN: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Stitcher
Prefer to watch the episode? Hit play below (plus, hit “cc” to toggle on closed captioning!).
A Sneak Peek at the Episode
[01:44] I grew up in a house full of books with an English teacher for a father, which is how I first fell in love with words and storytelling.
[02:07] I initially set out to be a journalist, studying it in college and even doing some freelance work for a paper in Birmingham, Alabama, before realizing the field wasn’t the right long-term fit for me. After a marketing communications internship, I discovered that marketing was a field where I could actually make a career out of my writing skills.
[03:00] I took on a role that involved a bit of everything—writing, photography, and videography—but the broad scope of the work eventually started to burn me out. While I was working as a teacher, I decided to finally dive into the world of copywriting after being inspired by the show Mad Men and finding the Build Your Copywriting Business podcast.
[07:33] I came to my interview with a spec ad I had already created for their company, and they told me later that seeing my writing in action was a major factor in hiring me.
[08:53] I initially struggled with burnout from teaching and managing my ADHD, but picking the course back up in 2025 gave me the structure I needed to move forward.
[11:45] I have learned that I can’t just rely on “feeling” like working; I have to set up my environment so that getting started is the easiest thing to do.
[13:30] My ADHD actually helps me in the research phase because I can go down these rabbit holes and find really unique angles that other people might miss.
[16:12] When I am writing, I use a “sprint” method where I work intensely for a short period and then give my brain a complete break to prevent that mid-day fog.
[19:45] I landed a role on a creative team where I get to collaborate with others, which provides the external accountability that my neurodivergent brain really craves.
[26:30] I am currently in the process of refreshing my website and adding all the new client work I’ve finished over the last few months, which is a great problem to have.
[29:15] My background in journalism still serves me every day because it taught me how to interview people and get to the heart of a story quickly.
Must-Hear Takeaways
As with every episode, we highly encourage you to listen to the entire conversation! But here are a few of the highlights:
“ There’s still a bunch of stuff in there (CCA) that I want to go back to visit, but… I could just take stuff in chunks as I need it, which that helps a lot.” – Caleb
“ Consistency looks different for different people, different seasons of your life.” -Caleb
“I pursued copywriting because I felt like it would give me more freedom to spend more time with friends and family.” – Caleb
“ Cool thing about copywriting is you could switch up your arrangement just however it suits you.” – Caleb
Mentioned in the Episode
- Caleb’s LinkedIn
- How to Put Together a Copywriting Portfolio (Even With No Experience)
- Ep. 37: Improve Your Copywriting Productivity and Professionalism
- Ep. 237: AI is Going to Take My Job!!! … But Is It
Related Links
- Finding Your Copywriting Flow State
- BONUS Laser Coaching: Tips for Neurodivergent Copywriters
- Ep. 256: From Teaching to Copywriting While Facing Life’s Biggest Tests – Joanna’s Story
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About the Build Your Business Podcast
Ready to turn your love of writing into a successful copywriting career?
Join professional copywriters Nicki Krawczyk and Kate Sitarz to get the tips, tools, and training to help you become a copywriter and build a thriving business of your own. Nicki and Kate have 20+ and 10+ years of experience, respectively, writing copy for multi-billion-dollar companies, solopreneurs, and every size business in between.
Whether you want to land an on-staff job, freelance full-time and work from wherever you want, or make extra money with a side hustle, the best place to start learning is right here.
