I originally wrote this post back in April 2023, and I can’t believe how much has happened in 3 small years, and how I’m pretty much back to square one again. Back in 2023, I was looking at senior school places for Sam and possibly full-time work for me. Little did I know that it would be the start of the hardest years both Sam and I have been through, and that, far from being settled in full-time work, I am back to job hunting and still trying to find an educational setting that suits Sam. So are there such things as ADHD jobs? Jobs that are more suited to our ND brains.
ADHD Brains
ADHD brains are very different from neurotypical brains. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that causes differences in the brain related to attention, behaviour, and activity levels, including impulsivity and hyperactivity. Researchers are learning more and more about brain development and ADHD. In fact, research has shown that individuals with ADHD may have areas of the brain that mature more slowly or have different activity levels than a neurotypical brain. Some brain differences may change as a child matures.
Many individuals with ADHD have spent a lot of their lives being told that they are somehow not good enough, or ‘deficient’. Women in particular may have spent all their childhood and a lot of their adulthood undiagnosed, wondering why they have never fully achieved the potential they know they have. It’s so important to realise that ADHD has many positive traits. And actually, employers nowadays are actively seeking our natural talents and personality characteristics.
What we have to offer!
Individuals with ADHD have the following amazing traits:
- Enhanced creativity and imagination
- Greater resilience
- Compassion and empathy
- Greater problem-solving abilities
- Talents for multitasking
- The willingness to help or mentor others
- An enhanced capacity for leadership
- Positive, people-oriented interpersonal skills
- Greater adaptability
- Higher energy
Now you know how amazing you really are, so start thinking about what type of job you might like, or what might suit your specific skill set and traits. There are definitely some jobs that are suited to those with ADHD.
ADHD Friendly Jobs
So just what types of jobs should we be looking at? A main consideration should, of course, be what you are passionate about! We all know that we need to stay interested to keep motivated. That said, the creative, engaging, and interactive professions listed below make the most of ADHD traits such as empathy, energy, enthusiasm, and hyperfocus.
- Teacher / Early Years Practitioner / SENDCO
- Journalist / Copy Editor / Graphic Designer
- Artist / Actor / Stage Manager
- Chef / Restaurant Manager
- Beautician / Hairstylist / Stylist
- Police / Fire Services / Paramedic / Nurse
- Computer Technician / Software Developer
- Small Business Owner / Entrepreneur
A survey twenty years ago (2003) commissioned by BBC2 for Mind of a Millionaire, found evidence that 40% of entrepreneurs are likely to be neurodivergent, four times the national average. More recently, studies have found that individuals with ADHD are significantly more likely to become entrepreneurs.
Moving forward – Living with ADHD
So there we have it, there is a myriad of ADHD-friendly jobs out there for us, we just have to figure out which one we want. Then work ourselves up to applying, and somehow get through the interview #NoPressure. For me, there is still a lot of thinking to do. I love my current job and love who I work with, but I’d like to work more hours and have more flexibility. The thought of entering the job market again is causing me anxiety, though. Is it worth it?
I’d love to hear from any other women out there who have changed careers or jobs after being late diagnosed with ADHD. How did you find it? Did you relish the change?
