Are you struggling to find the right career fit? You’re not alone. Many people with ADHD or other forms of neurodivergence struggle to find a career that matches their interests and abilities.
But don’t worry, there is help out there. In this post, we will discuss ways to find the right career fit. We will also share tips for overcoming common challenges associated with neurodivergence and finding a career that fits your unique needs.
So, if you are feeling lost when it comes to your career, read on! We have all the information you need to get started.
How ADHD Can Make it Hard to Find Your Career Path
For many people, finding a career is a challenging but ultimately rewarding process. However, for those with any kind of neurodivergence, the journey can be much more complicated. Here’s why. Traditional methods of career choices often produce a generic list of potential options, which may not be effective for individuals with ADHD. A personalized approach that focuses on individual strengths and interests is crucial for a more motivating and successful career exploration experience. Many successful adults with ADHD often change careers or pursue varied interests throughout their lives, reflecting their adaptability and diverse passions.
Time Blindness and Time Management Issues
One of the most difficult things about having ADHD or other types of neurodivergence is that it can be hard to find your career path. In part, this is because many people with ADHD or neurodiversity have difficulty managing their time. They may have trouble staying focused on one task for a prolonged period of time, which can make it difficult to complete schooling or on-the-job training.
Additionally, you may also suffer from time blindness, which means that you have difficulty estimating how long tasks will take to complete. As a result, you may find yourself constantly behind schedule and feeling overwhelmed. Time blindness is a common issue for adults with ADHD, leading to difficulty meeting deadlines and punctuality. All of these factors can make it hard to find a career that is both fulfilling and manageable. Understanding these time management challenges is crucial for career development, as it can help in making informed career choices and seeking professional guidance, such as a career coach, to navigate these unique challenges.
Information Overload
With so much information available today, it can be difficult to filter out what is truly useful and what is simply noise. This can be especially true when it comes to exploring different career options. Informational interviews can be a valuable tool in this process, helping individuals with ADHD gain insights into various roles and clarify job responsibilities through brief conversations with professionals. Informational interviewing can also help reduce social anxiety by providing a structured way to engage with others and learn about potential career paths.
Distractibility and Hyperactivity
When it comes to finding a career path, those who have ADHD or are neurodiverse may find themselves at a distinct disadvantage. The symptoms of distractibility and hyperactivity can make it difficult to focus on the task at hand, whether it’s researching potential career paths or completing a job application. Racing thoughts, a common ADHD symptom, can be leveraged for creativity and problem-solving in certain careers, turning a challenge into an asset.
In addition, the impulsivity that is often associated with neurodiversity can lead to impulsive decisions that may not be in your best interests. As a result, it’s important to take the time to carefully consider your options before making any decisions about your career.
Impulsivity
It is not uncommon for people with neurodiversity to feel like they are constantly jumping from one thing to the next, never really finishing anything. This impulsivity can make it more difficult to find and stick to a career path. It can be hard to commit to the long-term goals that are necessary for success in many careers. A career change can be a positive step towards personal growth and finding a better career fit, allowing individuals to align their work with their personal interests and strengths.
The constant need for novelty and stimulation can also make it difficult to stay focused on the task at hand. In addition, people with ADHD or other types of neurodiversity may be more likely to take risks, which can lead to impulsive decisions that may not always turn out well. However, there are many successful neurodiverse people who have found ways to channel their impulsivity into positive career paths.
Hyperfixation
For many people with ADHD or neurodiversity, hyperfixation can be both a blessing and a curse. On the one hand, it can give you a laser-like focus on the things that interest you. This can be a great asset when it comes to finding your career path. After all, if you’re passionate about something, you’re more likely to be successful at it.
But on the other hand, hyperfixation can also make it difficult to see the bigger picture. If you’re too focused on one particular thing, you might miss out on other opportunities that could be a better fit for you. It’s important to strike a balance between exploring your interests and keeping an open mind when it comes to your career.
7 Career Planning Tips When You Have ADHD
If you have ADHD or another type of neurodiversity, planning your career may seem like a daunting task. However, there are some steps you can take to make the process a little easier. Considering the best jobs tailored for individuals with ADHD, such as high-intensity, structured, or creatively engaging roles, can help align with your unique strengths and preferences, leading to greater job satisfaction and success.
1. Ask Yourself, Who Am I?
Here are some steps that people can take to help them figure out what they want to do with their lives. One of the most important things is to get to know yourself.
What are your interests? What are your skills? What kind of person are you?
Once you have a better understanding of who you are, it will be easier to start exploring different career options. There are many interest inventory and skills assessment tests available online that can give you a starting point for your exploration. Personality tests can also play a crucial role in discovering suitable career paths and enhancing self-awareness.
With our clients, we often use the Washington Career Bridge.
In addition, talking to friends, family, and professionals who understand ADHD and neurodiversity can also be helpful in finding the right career path for you.
2. Consider Not Just the Job Itself, but Also the Workplace Environment
If you have ADHD or neurodiversity, planning your career can be a bit more complicated than it is for others. In addition to considering the job itself, you also need to take into account how well the workplace environment will suit your needs. Supported work environments and community support can significantly enhance career fulfillment by providing the encouragement and backing needed to pursue meaningful careers and personal growth. Social support and job control are key factors in creating effective work environments for people with ADHD, enabling them to thrive and succeed.
For instance, if you have trouble staying focused, you might want to avoid an environment that is full of distractions. Alternatively, if you tend to get easily overwhelmed, you might prefer a more structured and predictable work setting. Ultimately, the key is to find an employment situation that is compatible with your unique ADHD-related strengths and challenges.
3. Think of Energy Patterns
Many people who are neurodiverse find that their energy levels vary throughout the day. Some people feel most energetic in the morning, while others find that their energy levels peak in the afternoon or evening.
As a result, it can be helpful to plan your day around your natural energy patterns. If you are a morning person, try to schedule important tasks for the first half of the day. If you tend to have more energy at night, save your most challenging tasks for later in the day. In addition, it can be helpful to give yourself regular breaks throughout the day to stay refreshed and focused.
By working with your natural energy patterns, you can increase your productivity and reduce your stress levels. Enthusiasm for your work can further drive success, especially in careers that align with your energy patterns and require empathy and energy.
4. Consider Your Values, Personality, Skills, and Interests
One of the best ways to choose a career is to consider your values, personality, skills, and interests. If you are neurodiverse, it is especially important to find a career that fits well with your unique set of strengths and weaknesses. Recognizing your own strengths can lead to better career choices by helping you identify roles where you can excel and feel more fulfilled.
For example, if you value independence and autonomy, you might want to consider careers that allow you to work independently or start your own business. If you are a people person, you might want to consider careers in sales or customer service. If you have strong organizational skills, you might want to consider careers in project management or office administration.
5. Do Your Research
Research is especially important for those who are neurodiverse, who may not have a clear idea of what they want to do with their lives. By researching different careers, you can get a better sense of which ones might be a good fit for your skills and interests. Ongoing research and learning also contribute to career development, helping you make informed career choices.
Once you’ve narrowed down your options, it’s helpful to job shadow someone in your desired field. This can give you a firsthand look at what the day-to-day reality of the job is like, and help you decide whether or not it’s something you could see yourself doing long-term.
6. Building a Support Network
Building a support network is crucial for individuals with ADHD to thrive in their careers. This network can include friends, family, and professionals who understand ADHD and can provide guidance and encouragement. Career coaches are vital in helping individuals with ADHD build a support network and develop strategies to manage their symptoms.
Connecting with others who have ADHD can also be beneficial, as sharing experiences and challenges provides a sense of belonging and validation. A support network helps individuals with ADHD stay motivated and focused, enabling them to overcome challenges and achieve their career goals. While building a support network takes time and effort, it is essential for success in their careers.
7. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
It’s never easy planning for a career, but if you are neurodiverse it can be especially daunting. The key is to not get too discouraged and to ask for help when you need it. One way to do this is to seek out a neurodivergent-affirming career coach. Recognizing small successes can also build resilience and confidence in your career journey.
A coach can help you with things like time management, goal setting, and organization. They can also provide guidance and support as you navigate the job market. If you’re feeling lost or overwhelmed, reach out to a professional who can help you get on the path to success.
Managing ADHD Symptoms in the Workplace
Managing ADHD symptoms in the workplace is crucial for individuals with ADHD to thrive in their careers. A career coach can help develop strategies to manage symptoms, such as creating a structured schedule and minimizing distractions. Tools like to-do lists, calendars, and reminders can help individuals stay organized and focused.
Understanding how ADHD symptoms impact work allows individuals to develop strategies to overcome challenges and achieve their goals. Employers can support individuals with ADHD by providing accommodations and a supportive work environment. By aligning careers with their interests and strengths and managing their symptoms, individuals with ADHD can achieve success and fulfillment. Prioritizing well-being and seeking support are key to managing symptoms and building a successful and fulfilling career.
Is There an Ideal Job for Adults With ADHD?
For adults with ADHD, the challenge of finding a satisfying and rewarding career can be especially daunting. With so many different job options out there, it can be difficult to know where to start.
However, experts say that there is no such thing as an “ideal” job for adults who are neurodiverse. Instead, the key is to focus on your own passions and interests. Consider what you enjoy doing and what makes you feel energized and engaged. The best career for neurodiverse adults aligns with their unique skills and traits, recognizing personal strengths and interests.
Once you have a better sense of your own preferences, you can start exploring different career options that may be a good fit. With a little exploration and trial-and-error, you should be able to find a career path that is both enjoyable and rewarding.
What Jobs Are People With ADHD Generally Best Suited For?
There’s no single best job option for people who are neurodiverse. That said, here are some factors to consider as you begin your search.
Understanding personal strengths and interests is crucial for finding suitable professions, as it helps identify careers that require empathy, creativity, and the ability to manage varied tasks.
Those That Allow You to Work For Yourself
Anyone with ADHD knows that traditional work environments can be a challenge. The constant stimulation of an open office, the pressure of deadlines, and the need to stay focused for long periods of time can be overwhelming.
For many people who are neurodiverse, the best job option is one that allows them to work for themselves. This could mean working as a freelancer, starting your own business, or even becoming a consultant. When you work for yourself, you can tailor your work environment to better meet your needs. Individuals with ADHD have thrived in entrepreneurial roles, leveraging their unique qualities to overcome challenges and achieve success. High-intensity jobs can include emergency care roles, where individuals with ADHD thrive in fast-paced environments that align with their strengths.
For example, you can create a space that is free from distractions, set your own hours, and take breaks when you need to. Working for yourself also gives you the flexibility to pursue projects that are personally interesting or meaningful to you.
Creativity-Focused Jobs
If you’re living with ADHD, you may find that some of the best job options are ones that involve creativity. Why? Well, creativity-focused jobs tend to be more flexible, which can be a good fit for someone who is neurodiverse who needs a little extra structure. They also often involve lots of different stimuli, which can help keep your mind from wandering. And finally, they usually allow you to work at your own pace, which can be a major plus for someone with ADHD. Creative roles also align with the ADHD trait of thriving in dynamic, fast-paced environments, allowing individuals to harness their innovative thinking.
Some examples of creativity-focused jobs that might be a good fit for someone who is neurodiverse include advertising, graphic design, web design, writing, and photography. Of course, this is just a small sampling of the many different career options out there – so if you’re living with ADHD and you’re looking for a job, don’t limit yourself to these options. Keep exploring until you find something that really clicks for you.
Fast-Paced Jobs
Many people with ADHD find that they do their best work in fast-paced environments. This is because such environments provide constant stimulation, which can help to keep you focused and on task. Individuals with ADHD can succeed in these environments by leveraging their ability to thrive under constant stimulation and aligning their roles with their strengths and passions.
In addition, fast-paced jobs often involve short-term deadlines, which can help to motivate those with ADHD or neurodiversity to get the job done. Some good examples of fast-paced jobs that may be suitable include sales, customer service, and web design.
Of course, not everyone thrives in a fast-paced environment. Some may find such environments overwhelming, leading to anxiety and stress. As always, it is important to carefully consider your individual needs and preferences before making any decisions about your career.
Final Thoughts
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to finding the right career fit. However, there are a few key things that everyone should keep in mind when looking for a career path.
Some helpful tips include thinking about your strengths and weaknesses, considering your interests and passions, and doing some research on different careers. And getting help from executive function coaches may help you pinpoint the perfect fit, too.
Be patient with yourself if you’re struggling to find the right career. There are options out there – you just need to know where to look. The important thing is the passion behind the work, rather than the job title or monetary compensation.
If you’re still unsure of your direction, consider career coaching to help identify roles that align with your strengths and interests.
Further Reading
- Rebekah Pierce: Time Blindness & ADHD: What You Need To Know
- Rebekah Pierce: Hyperfixations & ADHD: What You Need To Know | Life Skills Advocate
- Edward Hallowell, M.D.: How to Align Your Career with Your Passions
- Edge Foundation: Finding the Right Career Fit When You Have Adult ADHD
- Rebekah Pierce: 14 Tips for Managing ADHD (and Neurodivergence) at Work