Where does the creative, flexible, ideas-driven job hunter start to explore the various jobs that are available? Unlocking ADHD Writer, Jedt Virabhak finds out what the best types of jobs for ADHDers could be.
Choosing the right career is difficult for most people. For ADHDers, choosing a career not suited to you can have adverse effects on your performance at the workplace and consequently, your life choices and trajectory.
If you are considering a career, a good starting place is to know yourself better.
To do this, try:
- Making a list of the type of activities that you enjoy and/or are good at
- Reflecting on the feedback you have received from family, friends, colleagues and teachers on what your strengths are
- Taking personality and strengths tests such as the Strengthsfinder, 16 Personalities Test, Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) Test or DiSC personal assessment tool
- Speaking with a career counsellor or career coach
- Taking a career profiling test such as Morrisby Careers.
Types of Jobs ADHDers enjoy
Structured
Structured jobs have fixed routines and clear-cut goals with established working procedures and methods. The inherent rigidity of the routines in these types of jobs can help compensate for the ADHDer’s difficulty with organisation and planning. Clearly defined procedures and goals allow you to focus solely on one task as it eliminates nuances that may prove distracting.
Examples of structured jobs include:
- Military positions
- Data analysts
- Lawyers
- Accountants
- Factory assembly line workers
Fast paced & ever-changing
Jobs that are fast-paced and ever-changing are often in rather chaotic and hectic environments. ADHDers can put their high energy levels, adaptability and split-second decision-making to good use.
Examples of fast-paced jobs include:
- Retail clerks
- Restaurant staff
- Pre-school or elementary school teachers
Intensive
Intensive jobs require a high level of concentration on the task at hand and are usually adrenaline-filled. ADHDers may find these jobs to be a good match for their high energy levels. They can channel their energy into focusing on and completing the tasks accurately and efficiently.
Examples of intensive jobs include:
- Police officers
- Nurses
- Trauma doctors or surgeons
- Emergency Room nurses
- Firefighters
Creative and artistic
Creative and artistic jobs provide room for individual thought and execution. People with ADHD tend to be creative, brimming with ideas and able to think out of the box.
Examples of these types of creative jobs include:
- Musicians
- Artists
- Dancers
- Entertainers
- Mechanics
- Architects
- Fashion
- Graphic designers
Independent with risk taking elements
Jobs that provide independence combined with risk-taking elements appeal to those who are self-starters and driven. Some ADHDers might enjoy these positions which allow for greater flexibility in scheduling and in how goals are achieved. You may also find the novelty of trying something new to be thrilling and greatly rewarding. However, ADHDers should note that with independence comes issues of planning, organisation of tasks and time management. These executive function issues tend to be areas that ADHDers struggle with.
Examples of careers that provide a combination of independence with risk taking elements are:
- Software designers
- Stockbrokers
- Race car drivers
- Entrepreneurs
- Construction foremen
Bottom Line
Choosing the right fit for your diverse personalities and interests Is the key to a fulfilling, lengthy and successful career. Good luck!
