When we think of ADHD, we often picture what ADHD looks like in children. We imagine children jumping around a classroom, off task, talking too much, and having trouble focusing on their work and getting organized. 

However, ADHD presents a different picture for adults.  About 60% of children with ADHD continue to experience symptoms as adults, but those symptoms show up in different ways. There is often less hyperactivity and more problem with focus. Adults with ADHD may also experience disorganization, distractability and restlessness; however, they also show up with unique strengths for the job market. 

Choosing a career that makes the most of those strengths and minimizes the need for those weaker skills can make all the difference for career success in those with ADHD.

Yes, we’re talking about ADHD strengths for careers. While most of those with ADHD have felt challenged and labelled by the school system, the truth is ADHD brings some real positives for the real world of work. 

These strengths include

• Passion for individual interests

• Ability to work at a fast pace

• Independent thinker and worker

• Social skills and the ability to build relationships

• Deep creativity, especially for hands on work

• Willingness to take risks

What I hear from individuals with ADHD is that they feel unsuited for the traditional workplace.  They find themselves distracted, bored and disorganized in a typical office job. That 9-5 grind just isn’t appealing at all, but the rent always comes due.  

The first step in choosing a career is to look at your passion. Those with ADHD quickly get bored with careers and work that doesn’t interest them. The best jobs for those with ADHD are related to the individual’s passion. What holds your interest? What subjects did you find appealing? What do you like to do? How can that morph into a career possibility? 

The second step is to choose a job that fits - a job that takes advantage of your ADHD strengths and avoids some of the pitfalls that come with a boring office job.

Here are a few jobs that make the most of ADD traits and strengths. Traits like high energy, enthusiasm, caring and empathy, and the ADHD hyperfocus under pressure are exactly what is needed in certain careers. 

Ten Career Options for People with ADHD

Teacher

Working directly with children can bring joy to adults with ADHD. Good teachers use their creativity, quick thinking, and dynamic personalities to create a positive learning atmosphere in the classroom. Teaching requires on-your-feet thinking and adaptability plus the ability to quickly move from task to task. Teachers who have experienced ADHD are also able to better understand the challenges faced by students with ADHD and can help design classroom solutions that benefit all students. 

Journalist 

Those with ADHD often enjoy jobs where each day is different and work assignments change frequently. Most journalists cover a wide range of topics and spend the day interacting with a variety of people. Quick turnarounds on assignments offer regular deadlines - which can help keep your attention on track.

Culinary Arts

Fast-paced and creative, the culinary arts fit those with ADHD well. Cooking requires high energy, lots of movement, creativity and offers immediate gratification. The job frequently involves flexible hours (definitely not a 9-5) and a rapidly changing to do list.

Hairstylist

An ideal job for a creative soul with hyperactive-type ADHD, hairstylists are on their feet all day, moving quickly from client to client. Each client presents a new creative challenge and social stimulation. The steady stream of new clients, quick task turnover and ever changing trends keep boredom at bay.

Small Business Owner

Running a small business plays to the strengths of ADHD. Flexible hours (although often long) and a challenging variety of tasks keep things interesting. You are your own boss - for better or worse - but that challenge often inspires those with ADHD to create their own unique solutions. The work setting varies and if you choose well, you can focus on your passion - that thing that holds your interest and makes you want to get to work each day. 

Emergency workers and First Responders

The job of an emergency medical technician, police officer, or firefighter requires you to work well under pressure, think on your feet, and make quick decisions. Every day is different and often exciting - which can help with focus. The ADHD brain often thrives in high excitement situations, allowing you to focus and make good decisions while others panic and freeze.

ER Nurse or Trauma Doctor

Another high adrenaline setting, the emergency room is a great workplace for someone with ADHD. The built-in variety and constant flow of adrenaline keep things lively. Fast-paced and very active, the ER is rarely boring and taps into the natural empathy of those with ADHD.

Salesperson

Sales is often a great fit for those with ADHD. Most sales jobs rely on the ability to chat and build relationships. If you’re happier when you have people to talk with, consider a career such as pharmaceutical sales or other sales jobs where your job is literally about building relationships with others. 

Computer Technician or Software Developer

Continually changing technology and the challenge of problem-solving keeps the ADHD brain stimulated in high-tech fields. Computer technicians are often troubleshooters, using their hyperfocus to quickly solve computer issues. The work of a software developer is more creative and independent, but also uses that hyperfocus on small details. Tasks generally change frequently and learning is ongoing, providing mental stimulation. 

Artist

Individuals with ADHD are naturally creative and are often successful when they can focus on their natural passion, no matter which artistic field they choose. The fast pace of TV production, dance choreography, or theatre appeals to the creative with ADHD.  Those who choose the visual arts or music find the chance to live their passion leads to artistic success.  

Read more about Careers and ADHD: Discover your ADHD Career Strengths 

Anita Flowers is a Board Certified career and life coach at Blue Sage Career Strategies. A little different than most life coaches, Anita’s background in clinical psychology and years of experience as a counselor gives her a rich understanding of human development and family dynamics. Her work history includes 13 years working with an international business company and 12 years doing individual and family counseling as well as career counseling. This blend of counseling and business experience gives Anita a unique perspective on the world of work and life. Anita works with people literally all over the world to help them discover a life and career they love. Contact Anita here to get started on your new career and life!