6. The 6 Best Jobs for People with ADHD
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The gravity to behave “normally” is tremendous. Go to school, get a safe job, get married, buy a house, have kids, retire, die. The pursuit of all these things is undoubtedly going to cause stress for anyone. There’s healthy stress, and there’s not-so-healthy stress. But the difference between the two depends on who you ask.
If you have ADHD, pressure from your career could have much more dire consequences, such as low self-esteem and depression. For your sanity, here are the six jobs you may be able to tolerate and even enjoy with ADHD.
6 Journalism
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A career in journalism almost requires you to have ADHD to be successful. Hyper focusing on one exciting subject for a long time. All the researching, chasing and compiling information about leads. Often in dangerous or life-threatening situations. Every story is an exciting puzzle, and once it's solved, you start over again on something entirely new. ADHD brain, heaven.
5 Sales
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Sales is another exciting career. It involves talking to people, which already excites many neurodivergent people. It’s also challenging in the right ways. The challenge is figuring out how to successfully sell what you’re trying to sell to each unique customer—arguably the most critical factor, its high stakes. Your success or failure depends solely on whether you can close the deal. In a neurotypical mind, thoughts of leaving the “settlement” may cause crippling anxiety. Someone who thrives on this type of pressure and NEEDS it to feel whole faces it with utmost ovarian/testicular fortitude.
4 Hairstylist
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Hairstylists get a string of different clients daily, making it exciting. It’s also ideal because it’s a highly creative profession. Someone comes in with a photo of Beyonce’ and says, “Make me look like this.” Now you use your tools to figure it out.
3 Doctor
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What!? I know. Believe it or not, a doctor is a perfect gig for someone with ADHD. At first, you might associate ADHD with an impending malpractice suit, but take a closer look at the profession. Trying to diagnose symptoms, treat them, going to school for many long days of hyperfocus on one particular area of interest. This is an excellent job for a hyperactive, problem-solving mind.
2 Artist/Entertainer
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This encompasses many careers—actor, chef, painter, poet, writer, musician, and more. Whichever you choose, all of these are highly creative fields. Exhilaration comes from attention, inspiring others, and other types of public validation. This is nearly a perfect job for the ADHD’er. *chef’s kiss*
1 Entrepreneur
Did you know that if you have ADHD, you’re 3-4 times more likely to start a business? No strict rules, or dress codes, and the hours are flexible. Those are a few of the perks of entrepreneurship. Companies also sink or swim in nature. All the pressures of success are on the individual, which constantly motivates someone with ADHD. Monetary success is validation. Some of the world's most successful entrepreneurs have ADHD. Facts.
In Conclusion
Do you see the pattern? I know you do. The jobs listed aren't only available to you if you have ADHD. Pretty much any job that :
has high stakes
requires creative problem solving
involves travel/movement
changes frequently
Is socially validating or involves lots of talking
has flexible hours
Is interesting to you personally
These are the types of features that should become a MUST during your job search. Finding the right job for your ADHD brain will improve your life undoubtedly. Much love!