What do successful people have in common? It’s their unwavering determination to rise above life’s challenges and make the most of every situation. Sometimes, a challenge may appear in the form of a mental health condition, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but many people having it lead fulfilling lives.
While there is some stigma around ADHD, it should never be a barrier to professional success. If you strive for a successful career, this guide will help you learn more about some of the best jobs for people with ADHD.
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Understanding ADHD
ADHD is still surrounded by misconceptions. For a long time, it was believed that this condition subsided after adolescence. However, recent
- Predominantly inattentive ADHD. High distractibility is natural for people with predominantly inattentive ADHD. People with this type of disorder rapidly shift their focus and are unable to pay attention for a long time. When it comes to choosing a career path, people with high inattention usually consider jobs that don’t require prolonged concentration.
- Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive. People with this kind of ADHD fidget a lot. Hyperactivity and impulsivity are hallmarks of their behavior. They are restless, often interrupt others during conversations, and find prolonged concentration to be a difficult feat. This characteristic can be useful for jobs requiring high physical activity levels and energy, such as chefs and athletes.
- Combined presentation. ADHD with the symptoms from both categories makes a person less attentive and more impulsive. People with combined ADHD may have excess energy.
ADHD and IQ
The presence or absence of ADHD doesn’t affect a person’s intelligence quotient (IQ). People with the disorder may have lower, the same, or higher IQ than those without it. However, a
The above fact indicates that cognitive obstacles set by this mental condition may be challenging to overcome regardless of IQ. Still, it is possible to establish a successful career with ADHD if you are confident about your abilities. It is even possible to turn ADHD symptoms Into strengths.
See a qualified mental health professional to get your questions about ADHD answered.
Common Challenges of Employees With ADHD
Because of ADHD symptoms, people may face additional challenges in daily life and in the workplace. It can be more difficult to focus, pay attention to detail, or organize tasks. Below, we review some of the challenges a person with ADHD faces at their workplace:
- Sleep issues may lower work quality. In people with ADHD, the production of melatonin is delayed. Since melatonin is a sleep-inducing hormone, such a change may lead to sleep deprivation or other sleep issues. This results in a shifted sleeping pattern that worsens ADHD, and the person cannot benefit from typically normal quality or quantity of sleep.
- Noise pollution may increase distraction and agitation. Noise pollution in an office can cause agitation and higher distractibility in people with ADHD. They may find it difficult to filter the noise around them and feel continually attacked.
- Hyperexpression of emotions may affect communication. Adults with ADHD can manifest an overflow of feelings that may be perceived negatively. It is important to explore and use emotional regulation techniques and educate others on the
Other problems ADHD adults can face in the professional world include:
- Time management difficulties.
- Problems following instructions.
- Difficulties getting assigned tasks done on time.
- Struggling with timely arrival to work.
- Issues with listening when others are speaking.
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Building a Thriving Career Despite ADHD
According to the American Disability Act (ADA), ADHD is considered a disability. Employers have a moral and legal obligation to ensure that everyone with ADHD gets equal opportunities as their co-workers. Additionally, this act requires businesses to create necessary accommodations for the needs of individuals with ADHD—for example, headphones, flexible work schedules, or a separate office away from the noise. So, despite the possible challenges for you in the career world, don’t despair. Be brave and confident in the pursuit of your career. You can leverage your restlessness, impulsiveness, and constant desire to learn into an asset for your business or job. Finding a career option that complements your unique qualifications is the key to maximizing your potential.
15 Best Jobs for People With ADHD
The right motivation and the ability to manage your ADHD symptoms can help you accomplish any career goals. However, there are many jobs that are simpler to pursue due to their nature. Below are some of the most common examples.
1. Healthcare professional. If you have a passion for healthcare, your high energy levels and tendency to perform well in a fast-paced environment can be helpful. As a doctor or nurse, you handle new patients every day and don’t have monotonous tasks very often. According to a study conducted by the Journal of the American Medical Association, 3% of medical students had disabilities, with ADHD being the most common one (34% prevalence). You can be hyperactive and still excel in the healthcare setting.
2. Marketing specialist. If you have cutting-edge social skills, high energy, and an ability to work well as part of a team, you may fit well into the marketing world. Today, it is much easier to work in marketing because of online technology. You get a chance to transform hyperactivity into creating winning advertisements, leading effective campaigns, having successful networking, and impressing clients.
3. Teacher. The enthusiasm that comes with ADHD can make you a good teacher. It’s important to work on time management and communication skills, but enthusiasm resulting from ADHD may help achieve that. In addition, a teacher with ADHD can better understand students in inclusive classroom environments.
4. Construction professional. You can be a boat mechanic, an electrician, a builder, or a constructor if you are good with your hands. A variety of tasks and clear planning and instructions can make this kind of job suitable for people with ADHD.
5. Graphic designer. People with ADHD can reach
6. Photographer. Photography is an art that doesn’t require a particular schedule. You can plan your day according to your cognitive rhythms: learning new skills and editing photos in periods of hyperfocus and having photoshoots during hyperactivity periods.
7. Software developer. Technology is changing the world in ways no one could have imagined. Almost every business needs a website or an app. Many people with ADHD thrive in the computer programming world. Since communication is reduced in this kind of job, you may find it simpler to adjust to the office setting or work remotely.
8. Chef. Chefs have to juggle many things at any given moment and still have to establish routines and ensure predictability. You may find that your ADHD traits, such as a high focus on things that interest you, can be helpful in the kitchen. If you have a passion for cooking, you may consider exploring it professionally.
9. Artist. It is common for people with ADHD to think outside the box, so choosing a job that requires creativity may be a good decision. Artistic jobs for people with ADHD could be in fashion design, painting, or acting.
10. Small business owner. The advantages of entrepreneurship include tailoring your business model as you like, controlling your working hours, and choosing the right employees you need to run the business. There are many opportunities for you, including physical and online start-ups.
11. Fitness trainer. As a fitness trainer, you need to be energetic and highly active. Your energy should motivate others. If you are ready to learn more about anatomy, physiology, sports, and training techniques and share this knowledge, you may find this job suitable. Particularly in light of the current times, you also have an option to become an online trainer. It is a chance to turn hyperactivity into fuel for your and your clients’ fitness and health.
12. Athlete. If you love sports, there is a chance that you could be a successful athlete despite ADHD. Many people who have ADHD are drawn to sports and games as a way to manage their symptoms. A person with ADHD may use their hyperactivity to supercharge their performance as an athlete. Further, collaborating with your teammates and participating in team events can increase your self-esteem and confidence.
13. Sales representative. Sales jobs typically require enthusiasm and mastery of the art of persuasion. A sales representative undertakes either one-on-one customer interactions or makes cold calls to promote new businesses. People with hyperactive tendencies such as ADHD may make better salespersons because they act fast and are full of ideas. Another plus is that this job can help you improve your communication skills since it exposes you to a wide range of people.
14. Stage manager. Stage managers often need to work quickly and efficiently to complete their tasks and oversee stage activities. A person with ADHD may find this to be a fulfilling career owing to its fast-paced nature. Because stage managers don’t always have to work with the same people or on the same schedule as shows constantly open and close, they don’t need to stick around with one routine for a long time. This is also a flexible profession that doesn’t enslave you to one management style.
15. Social media influencer. There is an increasing number of YouTube and social media influencers. Social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and others) have a broad reach, empowering young individuals to earn an income as influencers. Being an influencer requires constant energy and getting other people’s attention. The advantage is that you can work on your schedule. It doesn’t matter what your skill is, whether it is acting, singing, cooking, or any other, all you need is confidence to bring it to light through social media.
Without treatment, ADHD symptoms tend to disrupt usual daily life.
Tips for Managing Adult ADHD
Staying motivated all the time can be challenging for a person with ADHD. From education to finding a suitable career, low motivation due to any cause can lead to poor performance. Motivating yourself is critical, but it becomes even more crucial for a person with ADHD. You can enjoy a successful and fulfilling career despite having ADHD challenges. Here are some tips that will help you:
- ADHD coaching and professional counseling. Adults with ADHD may require understanding and support more often. Seeing a psychologist, a counselor, or a coach specializing in ADHD may allow you to master ways to succeed and thrive in the workplace and other areas of life.
- Refining time management skills. Keeping a diary and using specific applications can help to measure time better and reduce distractibility due to planned breaks. It is also beneficial to make detailed schedules and break down large tasks into smaller deliverables.
- Setting realistic deadlines. Plan the tasks so that they are all carried out within the set deadlines. In this case, you can benefit from “quick wins,” a feeling of short victory that propels your determination and ambition.
- Valuing your achievements. If you start writing down your successes in a “victory book,” you get a chance to reread your achievements afterward. It may help you identify and appreciate your real positive qualities, even in times of doubt. Also, try positive self-mirroring such as hanging your diplomas on the wall.
- Exercising. Physical activity is a great way to regulate yourself. Set aside time for light-intensity exercise every day, and activity will help balance neurotransmitters in the brain and promote clear thinking.
- Improving sleep habits. Improve your sleep hygiene by implementing new habits. For example, avoid using a tablet, PC, or smartphone 30 minutes before going to sleep. The blue light from screens less than one meter from the face inhibits melatonin’s natural production and delays physical and mental relaxation.
In summary
With the right skills and information, people with ADHD have higher chances of success in the workplace. Traits such as hyperactivity and hyper-focus can be leveraged for higher productivity through creativity, multitasking, and problem-solving. If you want to learn more about ADHD and how to manage it effectively in your particular case, reach out to MEDvidi healthcare providers.
