20 Best Jobs for People With ADHD (Hyperactive, Inattentive, or Combined)
Julia Ovcharenko, CEO of Numo
May 21, 2024
When it comes to finding a job, it can be difficult to determine which professions are a good match for you. Finding a job that fits your unique strengths and challenges can be even more difficult if you have ADHD. Fortunately, there are many jobs for people with ADHD that can make the most of the common ADHD traits like creativity, determination and resilience, and also be fulfilling and well-paid.
[fs-toc-omit]What are good jobs for people with ADHD?
One size does not fit all when it comes to finding the perfect job. Different individuals have various passions, interests, and skills that distinguish them. Certain occupations, however, are better suited to individuals with ADHD than others. In general, these positions are fast-paced and varied, with some room for creativity and autonomy. So let’s take a closer look at some of the best job options for people with ADHD.
[Passion-fueled jobs]
Best passion-fueled jobs for people with ADHD
Having a strong sense of passion and purpose in their job can motivate people with ADHD. Here are a few jobs that might be a good match for those who are motivated by their passions:
Job 1: Personal Trainer
Best for: Hyperactive ADHD individuals who can't remain still but can help others do so!
If you appreciate working with people and enjoy working out, becoming a personal trainer could be a great fit. This position enables you to work one-on-one with clients, assisting them in reaching their fitness objectives while remaining active and engaged throughout the day.
Job 2: Musician
Best for: Creative ADHD people who struggle to understand sheet music but can improvise like a master!
A music career could be an excellent option for those ADHD folks who are musically inclined. This job lets you express your creativity while offering structure and routine, whether you become a performer, songwriter, or music teacher.
Job 3: Writer
Best for: People with inattentive ADHD who have a million ideas but can't concentrate on just one.
For folks with ADHD who have a lot of ideas and a passion for storytelling, writing can be a wonderful outlet for their creativity. Whether you decide to write fiction, nonfiction, or advertising copy, this work can provide the independence and flexibility many people with ADHD crave.
Job 4: Graphic Designer
Best for: Combined ADHD personalities with a strong sense of visual creativity and the ability to design like an expert!
Individuals with a strong sense of visual creativity may find a rewarding job as a graphic designer. This position entails developing visual content for various mediums, such as websites, marketing materials, and product packaging.
While passion-driven jobs are ideal for many people with ADHD, others may find that a more structured environment is better suited to their requirements. These occupations provide a distinct set of guidelines and routines, which can assist ADHD folks in remaining focused and productive. Here are some best jobs for people with ADHD of this kind that might be a suitable fit for you:
Job 1: Accountant
Best for: People with inattentive ADHD who can concentrate on figures and details!
If you have a keen eye for detail and appreciate working with numbers, becoming an accountant could be a good career choice. Maintaining financial records, preparing tax returns, and analyzing financial data require high focus and organization.
Job 2: Librarian
Best for: People with inattentive ADHD who appreciate books and quiet, structured settings.
For those who enjoy quiet, structured environments and enjoy books, becoming a librarian could be an excellent option. This employment entails organizing books and other materials, assisting patrons in locating what they require, and providing a quiet and peaceful environment to study and work.
Job 3: Medical Coder
Best for: Combined ADHD types with a knack for detail-oriented work!
Medical coding is a field that involves assigning codes to medical diagnoses and procedures for billing and insurance purposes. This is one of the jobs for people with ADHD that requires a high level of attention to detail and accuracy and a strong understanding of medical terminology and coding standards.
Best for: People with inattentive ADHD who can hyper focus on complex issues!
One of the careers for people with ADHD that may be a good match for those who enjoy working with technology and have a knack for problem-solving is computer programming . This job entails writing and testing code for software applications, necessitating a high degree of concentration and attention to detail.
[Fast-paced jobs]
Fast-paced and high-energy jobs for men and women with ADHD
There are many careers that can provide the excitement and stimulation needed to remain engaged and focused for men and women with ADHD who thrive in a fast-paced and high-energy setting. Here are some jobs that might suit those who flourish in a fast-paced environment:Creative and high paying careers for ADHD folks
Job 1: Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
Best for: Hyperactive ADHD people who can manage stress and think quickly!
EMTs are responsible for responding to medical emergencies and giving basic life support. Quick thinking, the ability to remain calm under pressure, and the ability to make quick choices in high-stress situations are all required for this work.
Job 2: Chef
Best for: Hyperactive ADHD people who enjoy cooking and can juggle effortlessly!
A career as a chef may be an excellent option for those who enjoy working with food and thrive in a fast-paced environment. This work requires the ability to multitask and remain organized while preparing and cooking food in a high-pressure environment.
Job 3: Sales Representative
Best for: Hyperactive ADHD individuals who can channel their energy into charming clients!
Sales representatives are in charge of promoting and offering goods and services to customers. This work requires a lot of energy and enthusiasm, as well as the ability to think quickly on your feet and adapt to changing circumstances.
Job 4: Event Planner
Best for: Hyperactive ADHD individuals who can channel their energy into organizing spectacular activities!
If you appreciate event planning and organization, becoming an event planner may be a good fit. This job entails organizing all aspects of an event, such as location selection, catering, entertainment, and logistics, and it requires a lot of energy and attention to detail.
Pursuing a career in the arts or other creative fields can be a satisfying and rewarding route for people with ADHD who have a strong sense of creativity. Here are a few creative careers that might be a good fit:
Job 1: Graphic Novelist
Ideal for: Hyperactive ADHD people with a knack for graphic storytelling!
Those who appreciate telling stories visually may find that becoming a graphic novelist is an excellent career path. This position entails creating and illustrating graphic novels, comic books, and other forms of visual storytelling.
Job 2: Film Editor
Best for: Inattentive ADHD people with a keen eye for detail and a love of movies!
If you have an eye for detail and a love of film, becoming a film editor could be a good match for you. This work entails cutting and splicing film footage to produce a unified and engaging final product.
Job 3: Interior Designer
Best for: Combined ADHD personalities with a flair for style and design!
Interior design may be a good career option for people with a strong sense of style and design. This work entails designing functional and aesthetically pleasing spaces for clients, necessitating a high degree of creativity and attention to detail.
Job 4: Makeup Artist
Best for: Hyperactive ADHD individuals with an aptitude for cosmetics and a passion for fashion!
A career as a makeup artist could be an excellent option for those ADHDers with a talent for cosmetics and a love of fashion and beauty. This position entails developing makeup looks for clients that range from natural and subtle to bold and avant-garde.
[Risk-taking jobs]
Risk-taking and highly responsible jobs for ADHDers
ADHDers! What’s one impulsive decision you made that actually paid off? We often talk about ADHD impulsivity when it leads to dire consequences which is true but I’ve also found that taking the risk and diving head in has been good for me in some circumstances
Many jobs can provide the excitement and challenge needed to stay engaged and focused for people with ADHD who thrive on taking risks and managing high levels of responsibility. Here are a few such positions that might be a good fit:
Job 1: Air Traffic Controller
Ideal for: ADHD types with quick thinking and powerful decision-making abilities!
Air traffic controllers are in charge of directing airplane movement and ensuring secure takeoff and landing processes. This position necessitates quick thinking, strong decision-making abilities, and remaining calm under duress.
Job 2: Firefighter
Ideal for: Hyperactive ADHD individuals who appreciate physical challenges and a strong sense of responsibility!
A career as a firefighter could be an excellent option for those who appreciate physical challenges and have a strong sense of responsibility. Responding to emergencies, fighting fires, and giving medical assistance to those in need are all part of this job.
Job 3: Police Officer
Ideal for: ADHD types with quick thinking and powerful decision-making abilities!
Police officers are in charge of public protection, law enforcement, and emergency response. This position necessitates quick thinking, strong decision-making abilities, and the ability to remain calm under duress.
Job 4: Surgeon
Best for: People with inattentive ADHD who have a steady hand and a strong interest in health!
A career as a surgeon may be an excellent option for people with a strong interest in medicine and a steady hand. This position entails performing complex surgeries on patients, which necessitates a high degree of precision and focus.
Remember that these jobs for adults with ADHD are not for everyone and require a high degree of skill, training, and responsibility. These positions, however, can provide an exciting and fulfilling route for those with ADHD who have a passion for high-stakes, high-reward careers.
ADHDers can be successful and thrive in the workplace by finding the appropriate career path and creating strategies for managing their symptoms.
FAQ
Some commonly asked questions about careers for people with ADHD are as follows:
Are there any entry level jobs for ADHD folks?
Just like other people, folks with ADHD sometimes do not necessarily look for a career, but for a temporary entry level job. Rest assured, we have some ideas if that’s your case.
Can you be successful with ADHD?
Absolutely! Having ADHD does not preclude you from being successful in your job. Many people with ADHD have succeeded in various disciplines, from the arts to the sciences to business and beyond.
The key is to find a career route that plays to your strengths and passions and create workplace strategies for managing your ADHD symptoms.
[Good careers]
What are good careers for adults with ADHD?
As we've discussed in this piece, there are a variety of great jobs for people with ADHD. Personal training, music, writing, graphic design, accounting, and firefighting are just a few available professions. Finally, your ideal career will be determined by your personal strengths, interests, and goals.
[How to interview?]
How to interview for a job with ADHD?
Interviewing for a job can be difficult for people with ADHD, but some techniques can help. Some pointers include conducting preliminary research on the business, practicing answers to common interview questions, preparing a list of questions to ask the interviewer, and bringing a portfolio of your work or accomplishments to demonstrate your abilities.
[How to keep a job?]
How to keep a job with ADHD?
Managing ADHD symptoms at work can be difficult, but some techniques can help. Breaking tasks down into smaller, more manageable steps, creating a schedule or to-do list to stay on track, using tools like timers and reminders to stay focused, and speaking with your boss or coworkers about your needs and challenges are just a few suggestions.
ADHDers can be successful and thrive in the workplace by finding the appropriate career path and creating effective strategies for managing their symptoms.