ADHD

Awesome Jobs for People with ADHD

You might think that those suffering from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) may not be desirable in the workforce, but you would be mistaken. Often those who suffer from this disorder possess certain characteristics that are desirable to employers. Each individual case of ADHD is exactly that… Individual. Each person suffering from ADHD has their own strengths and weaknesses, so identifying them and what job or career may benefit from it is the trick. We here at HPFY can shine a light on what you can look for and the potential career matches you may be interested in.

What Exactly is ADHD?

We have all heard the term ADD or ADHD, but do we truly understand what it means? The National Institute of Health identifies ADHD as a brain disorder with a pattern of inattention or hyperactivity/impulsivity that can interfere with functioning or development. Approximately 60% of children with ADHD retain their symptoms into adulthood. That translates to 4.4% of the adult population or roughly 8 million adults. This disorder can be divided into three separate groups that include inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive, and combination types. The symptoms you display will determine the type of ADHD you suffer from. Over time, your symptoms can change and therefore the type of ADHD you suffer from can also change. Three common symptoms or traits of ADHD include:

• Inattention: This refers to easy distraction, poor concentration and organizational skills
• Impulsivity: Characterized by risk-taking and interruption
• Hyperactivity: Often described as nonstop action or continuously moving and difficulty staying on task. Also, constant talking and fidgeting. Since every person is different, it is possible for two people to experience the same symptoms, but in vastly different ways. Often this difference can be more pronounced by gender. Boys can be more hyperactive while girls may tend to be quietly inattentive.

Jobs for People with ADHD

You may think that a disorder such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a detriment in the workforce. Actually, each type of ADHD has some positive effects that may be desired by some employers. Some of these traits that employers are looking for can include:

• Enhanced creativity/imagination
• Greater resilience
• Compassion and empathy
• Greater problem-solving skills
• Greater capacity for leadership
• Higher energy

Any employer would be tripping over themselves to get at some of these personality traits in their employees. There have been many successful people who attribute some of their success to their ADHD. Maybe the names Simone Biles, Michael Phelps, or Richard Branson ring a bell. They have done pretty good!! These traits can lead to good paying jobs throughout society and some are:

1. Social Worker: In jobs that require undivided passion, those with ADHD can succeed greatly as a social worker. The job itself requires an undivided passion towards helping others and those with ADHD may be perfectly suited for it. Other options for those with unmatched passion can include special Ed teachers and veterinarians.

2. Critical Care Nurse: Jobs with a sense of urgency can benefit those with ADHD due to their motivation by intensity. A critical care nurse can experience moments of intense activity at any given moment. This drive by intensity can also benefit those with ADHD tendencies to be police officers and firefighters.

3. Accountant: Many jobs require a strict regimen and structure. Accounting allows those with ADHD to perform in an environment with specific rules, instructions, and direction successfully. Other occupations that benefit from this structure can include data analyst, assembly worker, and the military.

4. EMT/Firefighter: The high energy and constant change often attributed to ADHD can be a benefit to some with ADHD. The fast-pace and variety of first responders can be the perfect fit for someone with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. ER nurses and trauma doctors are other occupations that can benefit from this constant change and fast-paced attributes.

5. Fashion/Graphic Designer: Creativity is a hallmark of any designer and can be a perfect occupation for those with ADHD with their enhanced imagination and creativity. They often need to combine creativity with problem-solving which is often a strong point of those with ADHD. Musicians, artists, and other entertainers also benefit from this heightened level of creativity.

These are by no means the only jobs/occupations that somebody diagnosed with ADHD may want to explore. By understanding your strengths and avoiding the negative impacts of ADHD, a successful and fulfilling career can be yours. Of course, be sure to alert your boss or human resources department that you have been diagnosed with ADHD so that your employer understands that they need to provide accommodations in accordance with two federal laws: The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. These laws prohibit discrimination towards disabled people and can allow you to succeed in your chosen career.

 

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