Finding the right job can be a difficult and frightening task for anyone. And it can be even more challenging to find good jobs for people with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder).
Nevertheless, if you have ADHD, there are still many career paths you can pursue and thrive in. In this article, I’ll walk you through some of those jobs.
What Is ADHD?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, is a neurobehavioral disorder with symptoms such as short attention span, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. Although millions of people suffer from some form of ADHD, no two cases are identical. For instance, some persons with ADHD are highly reclusive, while others are outgoing.
Good Jobs for People with ADHD
As I said earlier, there are good jobs for people with ADHD. Such jobs typically serve to amplify their strengths, and they include:
Fast-paced Jobs
Fast-paced job situations are ideal for people with ADHD. They frequently emphasize adaptability and involvement in various tasks. Their dynamic and ever-changing quality requires you to rely on decision-making, thus making it suitable for people with ADHD.
Structured Careers
You can easily work around some of the challenges of having ADHD by taking on career responsibilities that require you to work in a highly organized work environment. Time management, procrastination, and managing paperwork are three of the key difficulties that many people with ADHD encounter in their workplace. Consequently, working in a structured environment helps you to manage it. It is easier for you to carry out your tasks when there is a well-defined procedure and guideline.
Jobs That Require Creativity
Creative jobs generally allow people to exercise their brains, and many people with ADHD value these jobs. You are able to express yourself properly through whatever form of art you choose to use.
23 Best Jobs for People Living With ADHD
People living with ADHD have many strengths which make certain jobs or professions fitting for them. Here are 23 best jobs for people living with ADHD.
1. Teacher
The teaching profession is one of the best jobs for people with ADHD. Interacting with kids daily may test your patience, but it really utilizes your vibrant personality and thoughtful innovation. You must think fast and switch between tasks when working with children. And it is also a bonus if you are familiar with the difficulties of pupils with ADHD and can help them manage it.
2. Small-Business Owner
Starting a small business is advantageous to people with ADHD. You are your own employer and have greater control over the hours you choose to work (although they are frequently also more plentiful). The variety of work environments also gives room for the restlessness and boredom peculiar to people with ADHD
3. Food Industry Worker
Adults with ADHD also excel in culinary arts. This is a result of the creative nature of this job. Cooking does not require much preparation or a lot of working memory. But it does require you to concentrate on the task at hand and perform quick actions to produce a final result.
4. Emergency First-Responders
This is another one of the best jobs for people with ADHD, as it requires one to be able to think quickly under duress. People with ADHD flourish in high-pressure situations and have a natural capacity to stay attentive and concentrated during crises. Hence, you might find the fast-paced nature of emergency services appealing to you. Your ADHD brain shifts into high gear, enabling you to see issues clearly and finish the task where others may become anxious in a chaotic situation.
5. Artist
People with ADHD literally ooze creativity. Therefore, it’s no surprise that being among other artists usually helps them flourish. Anyone who thrives in creative chaos would benefit from working in a fast-paced, creative setting. Hence, adults with ADHD thrive when their jobs allow them to show their artistic talent.
6. Sales and Marketing
People with ADHD are frequently excellent communicators and can be quite enthusiastic. This makes them suitable for jobs requiring quick thinking and social contacts like sales and marketing. If you have excellent communication skills, energy, and the capacity to make quick decisions, then this is a job for you. These qualities can be helpful in sales professions that involve interacting with clients and closing deals.
7. High-Tech Field
Due to the constant technology change, the ADHD brain is ideal for high-tech industries such as IT. While software engineers typically work alone, writing and troubleshooting computer code for programs, websites, or apps, computer technicians typically rove throughout an organization solving computer problems alongside others.
8. Athlete
Another example of the best jobs for people with ADHD is athletics. ADHD athletes frequently have high energy levels making this job suitable for them. They may also perform particularly well in team sports or other activities which require quick reflexes and strategic thinking.
9. Copy Editor
Editors work nonstop. They frequently help edit online blog entries, fix spelling and grammar mistakes, and more. As a person with ADHD, working as an editor might be best for you.
The fact that there are constantly short deadlines to meet makes this work ideal for you, as it pushes you to be efficient and not to procrastinate.
10. Accountant
Time management can be difficult for some people living with ADHD. You might feel more at ease if you have a highly organized career that involves routine duties. For instance, accountants are in charge of maintaining a company’s financial records. Many of their tasks have set deadlines and are repetitive. Thus, this is a suitable job for people with ADHD.
11. Data Analyst
Data analysis is another example of the best jobs for people with ADHD. They frequently have great analytical thinking and pattern identification skills. These skills are instrumental in analyzing and understanding complicated data sets.
12. Entrepreneur
It takes a lot of passion and desire to become an entrepreneur. But if you have ADHD, it can be a fantastic fit for you. As an entrepreneur with ADHD, you get to launch companies, produce goods, and handle a wide range of responsibilities that allow you to express yourself and your creativity.
13. Theatre Stage Manager
Stage managers in theaters are creative experts who plan and oversee every aspect of a theatrical production, such as a play or musical. They must be proficient communicators and have a thorough understanding of the business. Once the curtain rises, their responsibilities increase significantly as they ensure that everything goes off without a hitch.
14. Journalist
Journalists perform a wide range of responsibilities, and the pace of their job makes it ideal for those with ADHD.
You can work as a journalist for an offline newspaper or an internet media organization. Whatever the case, there are many job prospects in this industry, though often you must have a degree in writing or communications to be eligible.
15. Fitness Instructor
Exercise is often found to soothe ADHD patients’ minds and enhance their quality of life. You may choose to work as a fitness instructor, get daily exercise, and earn money, too, all at once. Now, that’s what I call a win-win!
Working for a gym or fitness company will enable you to share your love of exercise with others. After that, you can always start a new exercise or routine. You might also use your limitless energy to motivate others to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
16. Nurse
Another one of the best jobs for people with ADHD is nursing. The nursing field is high-pressure work. Thus, it is perfect for those with ADHD, just like the emergency medical services we discussed earlier. In hospitals and clinics, you’ll get to work with other medical professionals and patients and attend to their needs.
17. Hair Stylist
A hair styling career is a good fit if you’re creative, outgoing, and enjoy working with your hands. Whether you work in a salon or travel to other areas for each assignment, you’ll always meet new people and try out new things.
18. Stockbroker
For jobs like stock brokering, the ability to take calculated risks is extremely desirable. A stock broker is responsible for purchasing and selling stocks on a client’s behalf. You must possess self-assurance and the capacity to function under pressure in order to be successful in this position.
19. Photographer
People with ADHD can also thrive as photographers. There are different types of photography you can choose from and different subjects as well, such as nature, weddings, and others.
You can work as a freelance photographer and sell your images to the highest bidder or as a photographer for a company or newspaper.
20. Writer
Writing is a great way for people with ADHD to express their thoughts and ideas. And the best part of being a writer is that you earn money while doing what you love. Your ability to concentrate intensely on a subject you are enthusiastic about helps to produce very captivating and innovative results.
21. Engineer
People with ADHD also do well in the engineering field. There are different kinds of engineers, but every engineering role depends on problem-solving and attention to the small details that guarantee product performance and safety. Additionally, engineers often earn a lot of money. So, if you have ADHD and have a very spatially oriented mind, engineering can be the right career for you.
22. Carpenter or Builder
Due to the hands-on nature of the work, the chance to see tangible results immediately, and the opportunity to solve real-world problems, careers in carpentry or construction may appeal to those with ADHD.
23. Musician
For those with ADHD, music can be a perfect way to release their emotions and energy. They may be drawn to multi-instrument playing, composition, or improvisation—aspects that musicians frequently embrace.
Types of ADHD
There are three (3) different types of ADHD namely:
- Inattentive Type
- Hyperactive- Impulsive Type
- Combination Type
Inattentive Type
The symptoms listed below are typically present in a person with ADHD, along with some hyperactive-impulsive signs.
- Making errors as a result of carelessness
- Inability to maintain focus
- Lack of focus or mind wandering
- Avoiding tasks which require prolonged attention
- Forgetfulness
- Procrastination all the time
- Poor time management
Hyperactive- Impulsive Type
Most of the symptoms listed below are typically present, along with a few indications of inattentiveness.
- Being unable to sit still, or wriggling or fidgeting
- Sitting down and frequently getting up, i.e., leaving the office
- A requirement to “burn off” excessive vigor or restlessness
- Irritability
- Difficulty working silently
- Excessive talking and improper conversational habits
- Interrupting speech or conversation
Combination Type
The most frequent form of ADHD is called the Combination Type. People with this type of ADHD exhibit roughly equal amounts of both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive symptoms.
Symptoms of ADHD
The symptoms of ADHD in adulthood are more difficult to pinpoint. This is mostly because there isn’t enough study on adults with ADHD.
As a developmental disorder, ADHD cannot manifest in adults without first manifesting in infancy. The symptoms of ADHD in children often become apparent before age six.
The primary symptoms of ADHD in children are:
- Having a short attention span and being quickly distracted
- Making casual errors, such as in homework
- Being forgetful, or misplacing items
- Being unable to focus on laborious or time-consuming jobs
- Unable to listen to or follow instructions
- Having trouble organizing duties due to a continually changing activity or assignment
- Being unable to remain motionless especially in a tranquil environment
- Excessive chatting
- Frequent fidgeting
- No/little awareness of risks
- Interfering with conversations
- Behaving hastily, etc.
These signs can lead to serious issues in a child’s life, including poor academic performance, bad social contact with other kids and adults, and discipline issues.
When it comes to adults, ADHD symptoms in kids and teenagers can persist into adulthood if not properly managed. Such symptoms in adults include:
- Irresponsibility and disregard for details
- Never finishing old jobs before commencing new ones
- A lack of organization
- Difficulty to prioritize or concentrate
- Constantly misplacing or missing stuff
- Forgetfulness
- Jitteriness and restlessness
- The inability to manage stress
- Mood swings
- Irritability
- A quick temper
- Extreme impatience
- Taking risks frequently with little or no regard for one’s own safety or of others
Managing Your ADHD at Work
Many people are living with ADHD and are doing well in their different industries regardless of their condition. You can still deliver your role and duties optimally in your workplace, and here are some steps to doing so.
Reduce Distractions
Managing distractions at work presents the largest obstacle for many adults with ADHD. Numerous distractions could come from sounds and movements made by coworkers.
To assist in controlling external distractions, you can do the following:
- Use noise-canceling headphones while facing the wall at your desk.
- Start working early before coworkers come in.
- Ask for a private office.
- Directly route incoming calls to voicemail and respond to them at a specific time each day.
Distractions can also originate internally. Internal distractions can take the form of creative inspiration, unexpectedly recollecting tasks you need to complete, or daydreaming.
You can do the following to reduce internal distractions:
- Any abrupt ideas should be written down so you can deal with them later.
- To help you remember all of your tasks, appointments, and deadlines, use a planning system or calendar.
- Focus on one task at a time.
- Create attention reminders, such as an alarm or a pop-up message, to help you stay focused.
Control Your Time
If you have a short attention span or go through phases of hyperfocus, time management might be difficult. Here are some tips for managing your time effectively:
- Divide large projects into smaller assignments with separate due dates
- Reward yourself when you complete chores
- Use alarms and timers
- Set reminders five minutes before a meeting
- Avoid overcommitting or making rash decisions
Be Active
Hyperactive individuals might do best in an active, fast-paced job setting. Take breaks during the day to move around if your employment demands you to sit at a desk for extended periods.
For example, you could stretch your legs by strolling to get a cup of coffee. Also, instead of calling or messaging someone in the same workplace, go in person and speak with them.
Be Organized
Working memory issues can make it challenging to organize yourself and hold a lot of knowledge in your head at once. Try the following to strengthen your working memory and remain on top of tasks:
- At meetings, record the conversation or take notes.
- To keep track of the things you need to complete, use checklists and sticky notes.
- Divide difficult jobs into smaller components.
- Create alerts on your phone to remind you of impending appointments and meetings.
- Consult with your boss frequently.
Apply Mindfulness Strategies
Utilizing mindfulness relaxation techniques helps a lot if you frequently exper outbursts of anger. They encourage you to take your time and think before you act.
Consider the occasions when you have battled impulsivity and emotional outbursts. By identifying the scenarios that triggered your outbursts, you can develop the appropriate tactics to assist you in dealing with similar circumstances.
Ask for Opinions
Asking for advice from reliable people, such as a boss or a close coworker, can help you develop your social skills at work.
You can also speak with a coach in order to learn ways to improve your experience at your workplace.
Job Interview Tips for People With ADHD
Acing your interview with your prospective employer is one goal that should be at the forefront of your mind as a job seeker. It is important that you adequately prepare before going for your interview.
Before the interview, be sure to stay focused and prepare your answers. Prepare responses to often-asked interview questions, such as “Tell me about yourself”, “Why do you want this job?” and so on. Also, research the business and have responses to 2 or 3 interview questions already.
Another thing to consider when preparing for the interview is the possibility of forgetting what you want to say due to nerves. To avoid this, make some quick notes and bring them with you. You can also use a checklist to track your work and tick them off as you go along.
Finally, avoid bringing anything that can make you fidget throughout the interview, such as a clicking pen. Ask a family member or friend to observe you during a practice interview so they may give you feedback on your body language.
Do Disability Rights Apply for ADHD?
Yes, disability rights apply to people with ADHD as well. Whether you conceive ADHD as just a condition that affects how the brain concentrates or you think about it as an interference in the workplace, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA, enacted in 1990 and amended in 2008) covers ADHD. Adults with ADHD are entitled to specific protections at work. ADA prohibits employers with more than 15 employees from discriminating against disabled workers and mandates that they provide reasonable accommodations for such employees.
Are There Successful People With ADHD?
A resounding yes! Some successful people have ADHD and are doing well in their respective fields. Some of them include Bill Gates, Walt Disney, Richard Branson, Leonardo da Vinci, and John F Kennedy, amongst others. If properly managed, people living with ADHD have many strengths that make them excel at what they do.
Do I Have to Tell My Employer I Have ADHD?
No written rule states that you must disclose your ADHD diagnosis to your employer or not. However, it might be best to keep this a secret so your employer doesn’t think you’re making up excuses for not working hard. On the other hand, if your career is in jeopardy, it may be best to let your employer know. And your employer is legally obligated to make reasonable accommodations for you.
Can People With ADHD Hold Jobs?
People with ADHD tend to change their professions impulsively. They also procrastinate to the point that they are unable to meet deadlines or might frequently miss work, all of which will affect their effectiveness in the organization they belong to.
The secret to working well with ADHD is to design your employment environment to maximize your strengths (such as your creativity or people skills) and minimize the negative effects of your shortcomings.
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing a career path as a person with ADHD, be sure that you are actively seeking out what works best for you based on your own strengths. That way, you’re able to build a life that enables you to maximize your full potential with the appropriate support and care.