Dream Jobs For People With ADHD
I’ll tell you right away, keeping a regular job with ADHD isn’t easy. You will have to put forth extra effort to keep up with your peers and avoid being fired. That’s why you want to know about jobs for people with ADHD, so you can use your skillset to your advantage.
Please keep in mind that since you have ADHD, you are in fact different from everyone else. While many others are happy going through life with a regular job that pays their bills, this will not be the case for you unless you take medication.
The dream job for someone with ADHD involves at least one of the following elements:
- Curiosity (creatives).
- Urgency (entrepreneurs).
- Interest (especially passion).
- Challenge (prove your worth to yourself).
These four elements are what trigger dopamine increases in your brain. Dopamine makes you happy and helps you focus. By the way, I will reference the above four elements throughout this article so try to remember them.
This article will tell you about five dream jobs for people with ADHD, along with the pros and cons of each. Since it’s written by an ADHD adult who got fired from two jobs before finding his dream job, you can count on this article being helpful.
1. Early Childhood Educator
There’s something about working in a daycare that warms your heart, especially with the 2 to 4-year-old age group. Also, the kids will love you within one day because they instinctively see you as a guardian figure.
The job itself isn’t too challenging, which is why the pay isn’t much, but it is rewarding. You get to make a positive difference in a child’s life through teaching and mentoring.
You may even notice how children understand you better than adults do.
Pros:
- Every day is fun.
- You get to wear what you want.
Cons:
- Low pay and it is often part-time.
- You must pass a state-run background check.
2. Politician
Believe it or not, being a politician is the perfect job for someone with ADHD. Think of all the things in this world you want to change.
Now stop, because instead of thinking about what you want to change, you can think about becoming a politician to make those changes a reality.
You have the opportunity to make a difference.
Pros:
- Decent pay.
- You are your boss.
- You get to meet new people all the time.
- Staff aides are there 24/7 to keep you on track.
Cons:
- Impulsive remarks can get you in big trouble.
- There is a dress code.
3. Teacher or Professor
Aside from the four elements involved, this job also comes with a sense of duty. You lead by example. You can't fail your students. Their success and their failure are yours as well.
Just think — a few of your students will probably have ADHD too. As an ADHD adult, you will be able to pass down academic and life skills unique to those with ADHD.
Pros:
- Decent pay.
- You make a difference.
- You get to lead.
Cons:
- Requires a degree or two.
- Regulations.
- 50 hour work week.
4. The Military
The military gives you a sense of duty and structure, but before they give you that they will tear you down and build you anew. You either accept this or get a discharge.
On a more positive note, in the military you will have opportunities to meet new people, visit other countries and use new technology. You may experience some difficulty enlisting. Like all other things in life, it will come down to you.
Pros:
- You develop a sense of duty and structure.
- Pay can be good.
- You make lots of friends.
Cons:
- Difficult to join.
- Requires years of commitment.
- Must obey rules.
5. Doctor, Surgeon, Nurse or Therapist
The world of medicine is unpredictable. Whether you work at a hospital or a walk-in clinic, you will have to stay on your toes. During all this chaos you will be helping anyone who comes to you.
The most challenging aspect of landing a job in the medical field would be getting the actual degree(s) required for receiving a license to practice. Unless you are trying to be a nurse, expect 7 to 10 years of college and residencies.
It may be worth it though, especially considering how most of your coworkers would know a lot about ADHD and be able to understand you better.
Pros:
- Great pay.
- Exciting and rewarding.
Cons:
- Requires up to 10 years of education.
- Uniforms.
- Must follow procedure.