What jobs are best for people with ADHD?

ADHD and career switching

A guy sat on his yellow couch while typing on his laptop in his living room table - with a lamp on it. Graphic by Canva

Hi, ADHDers! How’s it going?

News update! I quit my job after working for just under 5 years in the public sector! *Exhalessssss*

Risky. Pretty risky, during the cost of living crisis, considering I don’t have a job lined up.

But, I needed to make the jump and I am figuring it out along the way. And I have to trust that God has something better for me!

Shall we get started?

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What jobs are best for people with ADHD?

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I’ve been asked this question during the talks I give at companies and as a panelist at MCM Comic Con London.

I’ve also seen people attempt to answer this question by creating a list of jobs that would suit ADHDers. I’ve seen those lists, and I’d probably dislike doing 80% of those jobs. Sorry!

I would say I have noticed a high proportion of people with ADHD in technical coding roles. The psychiatrist that diagnosed me told me most of his patients were coders. But I’d never advise that this is definitely a role for people with ADHD.

So how do you decide?

Well, I’ve worked in procurement (with project management elements), finance, contract management, category management, policy, and negotiations. I’ve also been learning how to code on the side for a few years. A mixed bag!

There are a few things these jobs had in common:

1. INTEREST

• I need to be very interested in what the role entails, the product/service, or the industry the company operates in.

• As an ADHDer, my attention shifts quickly, I get distracted, restless here and there, and procrastinate a lot - you know the drill! However, some of this fades away or is less disruptive when Im doing something I really enjoy and I’m interested in. My brain shifts into hyperfocus mode quite quickly and I am Speedy Gonzalez when I enjoy the role especially what I’m learning!

• So starting with what you’re interested in or what you care about could help.

3 women gathered around carrying books and pointing to a lightbulb. Graphic by Canva.

2. NOVELTY

• I cannot deal with a monotonous way of life. My ADHD brain won’t let me. This goes for jobs as well.

• I need a job that has variety, like a bow with many strings. One that consists of thinking up ideas to solve problems, working with people, some written work, and new interesting challenges. The type of variety could be different for you but is this similar for you?

A dollar bill like image with ‘You earned it’ written on it. Graphic by Canva.

3. PAY

• As a first-generation immigrant who has been working class my whole life, the pay has been a big factor. There have been some scenarios where I had little choice but to accept a lower salary, but this isn’t something I’ll budge on at this stage in my career.

• I’m not financially motivated but I am a firm believer that I should be compensated for the work and value I bring to a role. Don’t sell yourself short or undervalue yourself. We’ve all seen the gender and race pay gap - I know it’s not that simple but I’m going to advocate for myself and negotiate my ass off.

A group of people sat around a desk with their laptops as if they were in a meeting. Graphic by Canva.

4. WORK CULTURE/MORALS/OFFICE ENVIRONMENT

• I am someone that has always found mates with colleagues. I like to socialize and I think work is more fun and bearable when I get on with the people I work with. This is not to say I haven’t worked with people that have made work-life difficult for me, whewww.

• Work culture is at the top of the list for me. I check Glass Door reviews and if there’s a common theme of negativity I’m not applying for the job. I made this mistake once and it was costly. If you’re able to, you could reach out to past or current employees via LinkedIn to ask about the work culture -many people don’t mind.

I have been in positions in life where I kinda had to take what I could at the moment. I wasn’t in a position to go through the above wish list.

Also, you don’t have to love what you do, especially if you want to just do things you’re good at or that have a financial incentive. But in the words of Beyonce, a job like that would BREAK MY SOUL.

I have many job TURN OFFS but this deserves its own newsletter, and it’s gonna get it!

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One size does not fit all

Many of us ADHDers are creative good at solving problems, entrepreneurial, and find it easy to build a rapport with people (thank you for oversharing!). It’s not the same for all ADHDers so I don’t want to generalize, but based on the ADHDers I have come across many of us share these attributes.

Linked to the above, there are many ADHDers that are in :

🎥 🎙️ Creative fields - writers, artists, TV/Film, comics, fashion.

👩‍💻👩🏾‍🎨 Entrepreneurs/Freelancers/Content Creators - Across many different industries.

🎮👨‍💻 IT/Gaming

👩‍🏫👷‍♂️Other - This is where I’ve been until I started ADHD advocacy and creating content

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Light at the end of the tunnel

If no one else has told you this, it is ok to try out different career paths. Yes it might be daunting, and there is a learning curve, but if you’re able to, don’t let what society might think stop you from taking the leap.

I’m currently looking to switch to a technical role, cloud computing or cybersecurity. I’m studying for professional certifications. Wish me luck!

A picture of the ADHD Traits Cards ‘Inattentive Type’ and the ‘Hyperactive-Impulsive Type’ box I created. Writing ‘25 cards which include ADHD traits, examples, and top tips; written on it.

🚨 If I haven’t shouted about this enough, I made some ADHD traits flashcards to help people learn more about ADHD and to help those needed tips and a greater understanding of how to work with their ADHD brain. Many people have said it’s been great to get them started and explain their ADHD to family and friends. 🚨

You can check them out here: ADHD Flashcards.

MASSIVE THANK YOU TO EVERYONE THAT HAS PURCHASED AND GIFTED THEM TO OTHERS. I designed them from scratch ❤️❤️

So what jobs are best for people with ADHD? You tell me. What type of jobs have you enjoyed doing? That’s your answer! Share some in the comments so people can find inspiration.

That’s all from me!

Rach, with ADHD.