If your nine-to-five has begun to fill you with dread, you’re not alone. For those of us with ADHD, jobs requiring dull, repetitive tasks that are not aligned with our interests can be downright painful.
Whether you’re a young adult with ADHD trying to decide what profession to pursue or a professional considering a career change, we’re here to help. Read on to discover the best jobs for people with ADHD that might make the most of your unique skills.
Harnessing Your ADHD Strengths in the Workplace
ADHD symptoms differ from person to person, but the predominant characteristics are executive function issues– trouble with concentration, memory, impulse control, or time management. Each of these can obviously impact your productivity and quality of work. You may have even stumbled upon some statistics or research stating that people with ADHD have higher unemployment rates and lower income rates than their neurotypical peers.
It’s natural to feel discouraged or uncertain but hold on.
Sure, some jobs may not be the optimal choice for someone with ADHD, but there are plenty that can play into your strengths. Let’s look at how the characteristics often associated with ADHD – such as high energy and creativity – can make you more suited for certain careers.
Passion
Do what you love—you have probably heard this cliché a million times. Whether you’re neurodivergent or not, it’s helpful to find work you’re passionate about. It’s much easier to keep your concentration and motivation when you love what you do. Even more so when you have ADHD.
Your ADHD brain tends to focus more on things that interest you so passion for your work can keep you driven and help you be more productive. More importantly, it can give you a sense of meaning and purpose, which in turn improves your well-being and resilience.
Some of the best jobs for people with ADHD that you can bring your passion to:
- Athlete
- Psychologist
- Actor
- Researcher
- Coach or trainer
- Teacher
Creativity
Research shows that people with ADHD tend to be more creative, innovative, and curious, especially when engaged in endeavors that fit their skills and interests. If creative expression is a vital part of your life, then how about pursuing the life of a creator, especially if you have a passion for art?
Here are a few examples of such careers:
- Painter
- Musician
- Photographer
- Graphic designer
- Writer
Remember that you don’t need to become an artist to unleash your creativity and problem-solving skills. There are plenty of occupations that are not seen as traditionally artistic that require such abilities, for example:
- Hairdresser
- Marketing Specialist
- Inventor
- Architect
- Teacher
Justice Sensitivity
As a person with ADHD, you may have strong feelings about the unfairness and suffering of others. Research shows that people with ADHD, especially those diagnosed with the inattentive subtype, tend to be more sensitive to injustice.
Not to mention, neurodivergent people are more likely to face discrimination or other traumatic events. Such experiences can make you more empathetic and compassionate.
Your lived experience and compassion can prove invaluable in such roles as:
- Social worker
- Counselor
- Doctor
- Special education teacher
- Politician
- Veterinarian.
Fast Pace
If you have ADHD, chances are you’re drawn to work that is intense and fast-paced. No wonder, as ADHD brains tend to get bored quickly and crave novelty.
A high-intensity, rapidly changing environment can be highly stimulating and allow you to release excess energy in a productive, meaningful way.
Some fast-paced careers also carry a lot of responsibility and are high-risk, which can also give you that extra boost of adrenaline:
- Surgeon
- Emergency room nurse
- Journalist
- Firefighter
- Chef
Of course, there are plenty of high-intensity jobs that give you much more room to breathe:
- Tour guide
- Mechanic
- Bartender
- Flight attendant
Structure
Another vital factor to consider when deciding what career to pursue is how structure—or lack thereof—impacts your functioning.
Some people with ADHD work best when they have a lot of flexibility and autonomy. If that sounds like you, then you might prefer jobs where you can have a lot of freedom, for example:
- Freelancing
- Journalism
- Remote jobs
However, if you find time management and staying organized difficult and have a tendency to procrastinate, consider a career with a more rigid structure and predictability, such as:
- Military service member
- Factory worker
- Software tester
- Project manager
Entrepreneurship
You may feel like any nine-to-five job with a boss is too constricting. How about starting your own business? It’s a lot of hard work but also an opportunity to pursue your passion while enjoying plenty of flexibility and freedom. No wonder that people with ADHD often choose the path of entrepreneurship and self-employment, especially when they have high hyperactivity.
Aligning your passion with work is even more critical here. Some people with ADHD function better with rigid structures, and this much autonomy can negatively impact their executive function skills. Having a sense of purpose and genuinely enjoying what you do is crucial to staying self-disciplined and motivated so that you can thrive as a freelancer or a business owner with ADHD.
To Recap
It’s definitely possible to have a successful career or business as an adult with ADHD. The key is to find a job where your unique strengths can shine and, most importantly, you genuinely love what you do. Wondering if you should reveal your ADHD diagnosis at work?
And let’s not forget about self-care, which is also a vital part of achieving success. Even if you’re passionate about your work, you can still burn out if you do not care for yourself. Remember to get plenty of rest, eat nutritious meals, and spend time with people you love. Check out these tips for succeeding at work with ADHD.
