Does anyone else have a problem with taking instructions?

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I'm always accused of not listening. I am listening, I'm paying attention. But "Take the trash out" leaves me confused. What trash? Do I drop it in the dumpster outside? Wait, there is no dumpster, what do I do with it now?

I can't take directions either, but that's another thing.

Yes.
I do learn things from experience e.g. by thinking what they are trying to achieve (take out trash)-and asking if I am stuck. Often things go in one ear and out the other. On one level I hear it and understand, on another I don't take it in properly.

I had the same problem for years.
But these days i'm the one giving directions so i've encountered the reverse, i tend to give directions that would make sense to me if i were to teach myself how to complete the task. The problem is it makes them feel stupid, but at the same time doesn't convey all the info they need.

i'm not sure what advice to give you, try taking a job as a stage hand if you enjoy hell and can't take directions. If you can adapt to that environment it will do you a lot of good. of course there's other jobs like that as well too.

I have a similar problem, but I deal with it by writing directions down and trying to get the person to wait while I do it. Then, as I write their instructions down, it gives me time to think through the task and ask questions to clarify. "OK, you need me to take out the trash. Which trashcans are you talking about, exactly? Where are the garbage bags, where is the dumpster, what time does it need to be taken out by?" Etc.

Yes. That is why I ask questions if I don't understand. At work if there is no dumpsters. I just leave it there anyway and that way when they do come back, someone can just dump it in there for me.

But I always think take out the trash means dump it in the dumpster or huge trash can so I would have less problems there.