What Are the Best Jobs for People With ADD?
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What Are the Best Jobs for People With ADD?
ADD (now known as ADHD) affects about 2.5% of adults worldwide. That may not seem like a large percentage, but it includes millions of people. If you have ADD/ADHD, you're not alone.
Many people don't even get their diagnosis until later in life, and then it all makes sense. It can be challenging to work or even go to school with ADHD, so being able to support yourself can be a problem.
We're here with some of the best jobs for people with ADD. The sky is the limit, but these jobs are a great starting point!
Art or Design
Jobs that allow for creativity and flexibility can be a great fit for people with ADD or ADHD (though they may experience some challenges depending on their symptoms).
This includes jobs such as graphic designers, artists, and content creators, among others. Really, anything that allows the person to flex their creative muscles can be a good option.
These jobs often offer the opportunity for spontaneous thinking and tasks that change day to day. When you're working with a disability such as ADD, it can be hard to do the same thing day in and day out, especially if the task isn't at all engaging or interesting.
Some people with ADHD find it challenging to maintain their creativity on demand, but with the right therapy and medication, they can thrive in this career path.
Entrepreneurship
Starting a business or working as a freelancer allows people with ADHD to create their own schedules and pursue projects that align with their interests. In some cases, this can be fantastic.
Entrepreneurial tasks involve multitasking and problem-solving. People with ADD often excel in these areas, especially with proper treatment.
However, it is important to consider whether or not you're someone who needs a set schedule. If you are, this may not be the right career for you. Maintaining a self-set schedule can be challenging for people with ADD.
Creating a daily planner and forcing yourself to stick to routines can help with this.
Tech or IT Professional
Jobs in technology, such as software development and IT support, can be fantastic for people with ADHD/ADD. These roles often involve solving complex problems and adapting to new challenges. This can be stimulating and engaging for someone who struggles to maintain attention at a normal desk job.
If you're someone who's comfortable with computers and loves solving puzzles, a career in tech may be right for you. Try to find a specific niche to avoid industry oversaturation.
Many tech jobs are remote, but there are also companies that prefer their tech workers to be on-site. Whether you prefer remote work or in-person work, you should be able to find something.
Healthcare
Jobs that require quick thinking and adaptability, such as paramedics and emergency room staff, can be a good fit for individuals with ADD. Many people think that people with ADD can't handle jobs that require focus and attention, but this isn't the case. As long as the roles are stimulating and interesting, people with ADHD can thrive.
These roles often involve high-stress situations in which workers need to think on their feet and make split-second decisions. There isn't much sitting around and there are new challenges every day.
For someone with ADHD who can't tolerate a desk job, a more hands-on role in healthcare can be an incredible option. There's also always a demand for more healthcare workers, and the pay can be quite good.
Sales
Roles in sales and marketing can be perfect for people with ADHD due to the dynamic nature of the work. Workers also get to talk to new people every day, which can keep them feeling focused and engaged even if the tasks themselves can feel repetitive.
Sales representatives often thrive in fast-paced settings where they're able to flex their communication skills and creativity. Sales isn't always the most exciting job, but a good sale is often just the dopamine boost that someone with ADHD needs.
Outdoor and Active Jobs
Jobs that involve physical activities and outdoor work can be appealing to people with ADHD who prefer hands-on work and movement. These roles often offer variety and opportunities to work in different environments day to day.
This category includes a wide range of jobs. Someone could work at a national park, work in construction, be a camp counselor, and so much more. As long as they're getting outside and moving their body, it qualifies.
All of this movement is great for people with ADHD who may have pent-up energy. Again, it's also great for dopamine release.
Teaching
If you've always wanted to be a teacher, but thought you couldn't because of your ADHD, you may be surprised to learn that teaching can be an excellent job for you.
Teaching requires you to adapt to changes and do new things every single day. It can be challenging, but it's always engaging. It has a built-in reward at the end of each school year in the form of summer break, which can be incredibly motivating for someone with ADHD.
There are many different types of teachers as well. If you feel incapable of teaching more complex topics, you could teach something you're interested in.
Food Industry
Jobs within the food industry (primarily the service industry, such as bartenders and servers) are fantastic for people with ADD. They require you to be on your feet often and to be able to respond to situations quickly.
The jobs are social and usually tipped, which is fantastic for anyone who is reward-motivated.
The food service industry is incredibly accessible for people looking for their first jobs and it's easy to move up the ranks if you're good at it.
Those Are the Best Jobs for People With ADD
These are just a few of the best jobs for people with ADD or ADHD. Your condition doesn't have to limit you. If you have other careers in mind, accommodations can be made to support your needs, but these careers give you a strong starting point.
At disABLEDperson Inc., we aim to help people with disabilities support themselves by finding suitable employment. We connect disability-friendly employers with workers with all types of disabilities.
View our job board today.