Jobs For People Living With ADHD

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a form of neurodivergence which can often be linked to traits such as inattentiveness, disorganisation, impulsivity and hyperactivity. However, not every person with ADHD experiences the same symptoms. The severity and how this impacts day-to-day life can differ with each individual. 

Finding a job and workplace which best suits you, and supports your specific needs, can help empower and allow you to flourish.

ADHD strengths in the workplace

Opting for a career which capitalises on your strengths is key to supporting career progression. Those living with ADHD bring new approaches and ideas to work, particularly when they have the support, resources and required adjustments. Some of these strengths can include;

• Creativity
• Enthusiasm
• Innovation 
• Hyperfocus

Ideal jobs for people with ADHD 

People living with ADHD often bring new ways of working and thinking that can be exceptionally useful in various different jobs. Creative minds, out-of-the-box thinking and different perspectives on solution-solving can make those with ADHD an integral part of the team. 

You can, of course, do any job you are passionate about! However, often individuals living with ADHD prosper with flexible/non-traditional schedules. They also tend to be calm under pressure and thrive in fast-paced environments. Here are just a few job types which can be a great fit for individuals with ADHD:

Graphic Designer

Creativity and enthusiasm make those with ADHD great Graphic or even Interior Designers. The ability to come up with unique ideas in visual form and bring them to fruition (whether virtually or physically) is essential to succeeding in design, and those with ADHD may have a skill set particularly suited to this. 

Marketer

Our Social Media Lead, Shannen Pollard talks about living with ADHD and how her creative role and workplace adjustments have allowed her to thrive.

“ADHD comes with a wide variety of symptoms which lead to a number of challenges, big and small, that most people don’t have to face. At Flexa, I have the freedom to choose how I work but on top of that, I feel that my talents have been recognised and I’m encouraged to use them every day. I finally feel accepted and appreciated, which has sent my confidence flying and allowed me to thrive in both a professional and personal capacity.”

Teacher

Enthusiasm is a key skill for excelling as a teacher. Helping to encourage, motivate and support students through their thinking and approach. Creating interesting and engaging lessons makes for a class that students enjoy and look forward to.

Job flexibility and ADHD

Finding the type of career that plays to your strengths is the first step. 

The second step is finding a company that supports, listens, communicates, and makes the necessary workplace adaptations to help you prosper. 

For those living with ADHD, flexible work environments can help support creativity and harness the power of hyperfocus, rather than aggravate symptoms which can often come from rigid workplace structures.

“Since sharing my diagnosis with Flexa, it has opened up a clear channel of communication and enhanced my relationships with management and the team. I’m able to freely communicate my needs and preferred working methods without feeling guilty or anxious. I’m extremely grateful and realise how lucky I am to be part of such a friendly and considerate team. I’m so much happier overall, even the smallest of adjustments make such a positive difference to me and my performance.”