Living with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and thriving in a job is difficult, as staying organized is hard for them. A user asked the forum, “What career do you thrive in as a disorganized ADHD person?” Here are the top responses.
911 DISPATCHER
“911 Dispatcher. It can be stressful, but there is no planning or project work, nothing looming over you. Take things as they are thrown at you. Lots of multitasking and just doing!”
BARBER
“I’m an adult who recently has been diagnosed with ADHD. I have excelled as a Barber. I’m up and working most of the day, so energy isn’t a problem. I can’t wander away; the guy is in the chair waiting for a cut.
I had to work on getting too zoned in: I’d lose track of time. It is probably only a major problem for quick appointment-based shops. Being self-employed is a struggle with ADHD, but well worth the reward in my experience.”
WORKING WITH CHILDREN
“I work with children, but I know that is not for everyone. I thrive in chaotic energy, and I like the ability to organize my classroom in the best way for me. It’s a good job because the kids always have me moving, and I’m always thinking of different things to do with them! The downside is that it is exhausting, and you also have to like children.”
PROJECT MANAGEMENT
“Surprisingly project management. I use tools to help me organize. The variety in work and stakeholders helps keep it interesting. Also, forgetting the high-stakes nature of project management keeps me pumped.”
SOFTWARE ENGINEER
“I’m a software engineer, and it’s perfect for me. When I can hyper-focus, I get enough done to seem productive for a few days, and then a lot of time is spent just testing and deploying my work. Also, getting distracted, participating in random conversations/answering questions on Slack/pairing with other engineers who need help with something makes me look good.”
EMERGENCY MEDICINE
“Emergency medicine! I’m a firefighter paramedic, though they say many people in emergency medicine (Emergency Medical Services, Emergency Room, or even firefighters) have ADHD. We all love chaos, and most of us are good at what we do.
An Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) class usually only takes a semester if you want to take it to see when you’re getting into it or sign up for a ride with the Police department or fire.”
LIBRARIAN
“Librarian! Technically, I’m not a librarian (yet!), but I will be someday, and it’s like the perfect job for ADHD. Their schedules are flexible; they get to research new things and are in charge of making awesome programs. It’s perfect for creative minds who love knowledge and an even bigger love for helping people and staying involved with their communities!”
SUPERMARKET WORK
“Supermarket worker here. Relatively low stress is always something to do, so I can constantly jump between tasks and keep myself occupied, and I am lucky that I’m not micromanaged; I am somewhat left alone.”
UNIVERSITY LECTURER
“University lecturer. Get paid for talking. I go in late, do my thing, return home, and sit around doing what I feel like. 3-4 lectures or seminars per week, never before 12. The only job I can imagine doing right now.”
MILITARY
“I enlisted in the military, and it turned my life around for the better. I loved it. It kept me fit, so all that anxiety and energy was out, kept me busy so I was never bored, and got to travel. It helped me so much.
It was the best decision I ever made; it honestly saved me. I was an undiagnosed female at 19. Now, at 26, I wish I could return, but ADHD is a disqualification, and I’m diagnosed now.”
HAIR STYLIST
“Hair Stylist, I show up, do my work, and leave (not hair, just literally everything else). But my work/life balance isn’t great if I work too much. I burn out quickly, but most of the time, it keeps me busy, and I can control how crazy it gets for the most part.”
DATA ANALYSIS
“Data analysis/data science. It makes me focus, organized, and be on schedule with deadlines and such in my calendar. Also, it’s repetitive in some ways, which I like, but there’s also what I call ‘routine change,’ which keeps it interesting enough that I don’t get bored or burnt out. I have sticky notes everywhere.”
BARTENDING
“Bartending. I’m not able to procrastinate my job or let it pile up. It keeps my mind constantly engaged in new drinks, people, conversations, etc. Seeing the cash come in also pleases my instant gratification needs. Slow times are hard. That’s when I daydream, but it normally doesn’t last long before I’m forced to greet someone and make a drink.”
GROUNDSKEEPER
“Groundskeeper. The key was that I got put in charge of an entire premises, so it became like a personal project in which I could take pride. Ultimately, though, it could be a better job. Low pay, physical, dead end.”
CHEF
“I’m a chef. I’ve been working with food in some capacity for 12 years now. I love the chaos of it. It’s a very changeable environment, and you must think on your feet sometimes. You must also be efficient with what you do, so it’s like this giant never-ending puzzle to be as efficient as possible.
Sometimes, I get too hyper-focused on that part, but it is all right for the most part. Also, I need constant praise and validation, so being told my food is good helps with that.”
FILMING WEDDINGS
“I film weddings. I’m super friendly and accommodating, so photographers love me and always refer brides to me. I became temporary besties with the bride and groom. Then, barely contact them afterward.
The day of shooting is a super adrenaline high. Lots of free food, high stake shots, running around like crazy. Editing is the only ‘boring’ part, but I’ve been doing it for nine years, so it’s down to a science. Getting started is a bit tough, but I highly recommend it.”
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