Mindfulness

17 of the Best Career Choices For People With ADHD

January 25, 2024

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When we are choosing a career field to enter, it’s important to choose something that lines up with our passion, experience, and personality. Sometimes when you are struggling with mental health illnesses it can be easy to dismiss the fact that you can excel at a career.

The truth is that you absolutely can, you just need to find a job that is better suited for you and your unique strengths. In today’s article I’m sharing some career ideas that are great options for anyone that has been diagnosed with ADHD. First, let’s discuss what ADHD means.

What is ADHD?

The meaning of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), according to the National Institute of Mental Health, is “an ongoing pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development.” Some of the common symptoms of ADHD include a short attention span, restlessness, fidgeting, and low self-control.

How Do You Get Diagnosed With ADHD?

While ADHD is mostly diagnosed in children, there are more and more adult ADHD diagnoses happening today though. If you suspect you may have ADHD, it’s best to get diagnosed by a mental health professional instead of diagnosing yourself. Healthline has more information about how diagnosing works.

Why It May Be Hard To Work In Certain Jobs If You Have ADHD

There can be some challenges that arise in your work environment if you struggle with ADHD. It’s important to be aware of them so that you can be more vigilant during your job search.

If a position lists a skill like good time management or great social skills, it may be best to skip that job posting. The good news is that most supervisors will work with you to provide reasonable accommodations to help you do your job to the best of your ability.

17 Career Choices For People With ADHD

The best way to do a great job, even with ADHD struggles, is to find a good fit that values adhd traits as unique strengths. One way to determine this is by making an appointment with a career coach.

By meeting with a career counselor you’ll not only have a better understanding of what type of work you want to do; but you’ll also leave the appointment with resources and tips to help you move forward. In this section I’m sharing over 15 types of jobs that are well-suited for people with an ADHD diagnosis..

Police Officer

Kicking off our list of best career choices for people with ADHD are police officers. This line of work is a great choice because it is fast-paced and always changing. You never know how your workday is going to end up.

Event Planner

This is the perfect job for anyone that is high energy but also organized. Being an event planner is ideal for someone with ADHD because it’s something different happening everyday. Whether it’s a different task or a different event all-together, each day is unique. It’s also a fast-paced career.

Artist

Another great fit for anyone that struggles with ADHD is any career in the creative fields. This will represent the creative professions on the list. Being able to tap into one’s creative brain is one of the strengths that people with ADHD have. That’s why becoming an artist would be a great career path for them.

Small Business Owner

Becoming a business owner may be a great option for someone if they want flexible hours, have an idea for their own business, and are willing to put in the work to get it running. It’s definitely a lot of work, and maybe some long hours at first. However, it’s very rewarding to be your own boss.

This is another way to work for yourself and is great for people with high-energy levels. Someone that chooses this as their career will be their own boss, flex their creative thinking, and more. This is a newer type of career that has had a big burst the past few years. Which means it’s an exciting time for this career choice.

Photographer

Another creative profession that would be a perfect match for someone that has ADHD is a photographer. Choosing this career would work for someone that struggles with this mental illness This is especially true if you are going to do freelance photography.

Personal Trainer

This is a great job for someone that is passionate about fitness. Not only are they doing something that they love, but their high energy will be a great motivator for clients. They will also be helping a variety of clients as a fitness trainer, most likely, which will bring constant change to the workday.

Teacher

Becoming a teacher is a great option for someone that is diagnosed with ADHD. This is because as a teacher there are constantly changes throughout your day. Moving from activity to activity and lesson to lesson. You’ll also be able to empathize with the students that struggle to pay attention in class and help them find ways to learn that keeps them engaged.

Copy Editor

A copy editor could also be a great job for anyone that has ADHD. It’s the perfect job to flex any problem-solving skills they may have, combined with their creativity as a writer. There are different options for this position. One option is to become a freelancer while the other would be to work at a company. The first one gives you flexibility with your hours and projects, and the other would be along with the other structured jobs.

Emergency Room Doctors

Many people with ADHD thrive in fast-paced environments. Becoming an emergency room doctor is the perfect job for that. Things are constantly changing, new patients with serious injuries and/or illnesses are needing help. No two days are ever the same.They’ll be put in high-pressure situations where they have to think fast to be successful at their job.

Journalist

This career path is another one of the fast-paced jobs. News is breaking all day everyday, and someone needs to write about it. That means there will be a broad range of topics and news stories to write about. Creative thinking, attention to small details, and a passion for writing will take a journalist far in this work setting.

Hair Stylist

Being a hairstylist combines both the creativity-focused mind of someone with ADHD, and their need to keep things moving and changing. Some clients may come to you with truly creative looks, while others may have a more classic look in mind. Hair stylists get a variety of requests. Those that have a passion for the beauty industry, especially hair, will have found the right job here.

Chef

Those that have a passion for culinary arts will love the last career choice on our list. Being a chef would combine passion for food, creativity, and focus to make a successful career. Having quick-decision making skills would also be helpful in a career like this, as well as many others on this list.

Graphic Designer

A career as a graphic designer would work great for an adhd brain. Having multiple different projects to complete and deadlines to meet will help the employee thrive. Whether it’s a freelance situation, a creative agency, or somewhere in between, it makes a great choice for someone with ADHD.

Computer Programmer

This, along with a software developer, make good jobs for someone that struggles with ADHD. Fixing computer problems can provide an exciting challenge ready to be solved. For anyone passionate about computers, this is the career path they’ll want to go down.

Firefighter

Much like the police officer and emergency room doctor occupations, a firefighter’s day can be unpredictable. For anyone that is brave and willing to walk into burning buildings, this job can be the fast-paced career they are looking for.

Makeup Artist

The last career choice on this list is another one in the beauty space. Being a makeup artist includes something different everyday. One day you may be servicing a client that is looking for a simple night out look, and the next you might be in charge of getting a bridal party wedding ready.

The consistent not knowing what’s coming next can be exciting for someone with ADHD. This occupation also requires creative thinking as well, which suits them as well.

What To Avoid In a Career If You Have ADHD:

Certain jobs may pose challenges for individuals with ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) due to the nature of the tasks involved and the demands of the work environment. Some reasons why certain jobs might be more challenging for individuals with ADHD include:

Repetitive or Monotonous Tasks: Jobs that involve repetitive or monotonous tasks can be challenging for individuals with ADHD, as they may struggle with maintaining focus and interest over extended periods.
Limited Autonomy and Flexibility: Jobs with rigid structures and limited autonomy may be difficult for individuals with ADHD who thrive in environments that allow for flexibility and autonomy in task management.
Strict Deadlines and Time Pressure: Jobs that require strict adherence to deadlines and involve time-sensitive tasks can be challenging for individuals with ADHD, as they may struggle with time management and organization.
Minimal Physical Activity: Sedentary jobs that involve minimal physical activity may be challenging for individuals with ADHD, as movement and physical activity can help regulate attention and concentration.
Highly Detail-Oriented Tasks: Jobs that require meticulous attention to detail may pose challenges for individuals with ADHD, as they may experience difficulties in sustaining attention on intricate tasks.
Limited Variety and Stimulation: Jobs lacking variety and stimulation may become monotonous for individuals with ADHD, who often thrive in environments that offer diverse and engaging experiences.
Inconsistent Feedback: Jobs that lack regular and constructive feedback may be challenging for individuals with ADHD, as they may benefit from more immediate reinforcement and guidance.
Open Office Environments: Open office environments with constant stimuli and potential distractions can be challenging for individuals with ADHD, who may struggle to filter out irrelevant information and maintain focus.
Lack of Clear Structure: Jobs that lack clear structures or provide minimal guidance may pose challenges for individuals with ADHD, who may benefit from well-defined expectations and routines.
High Stress and Pressure: Jobs with high levels of stress and pressure may be challenging for individuals with ADHD, as stress can exacerbate symptoms such as impulsivity and distractibility.

It’s important to note that people with ADHD can thrive in various professions, and success often depends on factors such as job fit, accommodation, and individual strengths.

Creating a supportive work environment, utilizing strategies for organization and time management, and seeking accommodations when necessary can help individuals with ADHD navigate the challenges associated with certain jobs.

Resources for Living With ADHD

If you have been recently diagnosed with ADHD, I’m sure there are lots of questions that you have. Maybe you have grown up with ADHD but want more support as you start navigating your career. This section is full of resources that will give you more information and support about the neurodivergent illness that you have.

ADDitudemag.com: This site is a treasure trove of information that makes you feel informed, less alone, and empowered about your ADHD diagnosis. ADDitude has a medical advisory board so you can be sure that the information you are reading is factual.

You Mean I’m Not Lazy, Stupid or Crazy?!: The Classic Self-Help Book for Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder by: Kate Kelly and Peggy Ramundo – This book was written as a guide for adults with ADHD, by authors who are also adults with ADHD. That means you’ll get a lot of great information that you will be able to relate to; because the authors themselves go through the same things.

ADHD Reddit community: If you want to have conversations with people navigating the same things you are, there is a Reddit community thread that has just that for you.

How to ADHD: This YouTube channel has loads of helpful information about ADHD. From goal setting to work from home tips and socializing to working out, you’ll have a variety of topics to check out.

Understood: Understood offers resources and support for individuals with ADHD and learning disabilities, including articles, expert advice, and community forums.

Final Thoughts

As you can see there are a good mix of career paths on this list. That means most any career can be a successful one, even with ADHD. It’s all in how you utilize your strengths and figure out your passion. Once you do that your focus will be clear.

The Americans with Disabilities Act protects you from any discrimination from an employer, or potential employer. According to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission The Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, “prohibits private employers, state and local governments, employment agencies and labor unions from discriminating against qualified individuals with disabilities in job application procedures, hiring, firing, advancement, compensation, job training, and other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment.” Anyone with ADHD can feel confident that they have the same chance as anyone else to get the job they want.

Knowing this information will give you more confidence and power in your job search decisions. You shouldn’t have to settle for any job just because you have a mental illness. The best companies will accept you based on your skills and what you bring to the table.

I hope you got some ideas of what a great fit for a career for someone with ADHD looks like. Is there another career choice you would add to the list? Let me know in the comments.