A List of the Best Jobs for People with ADHD

What's the best job for someone with ADHD? The answer is a job that they feel passionate about and can enjoy over a long period of time without becoming bored. There are certain characteristics of jobs that are more likely to suit those with ADHD, such as:

• Creative
• Engaging
• Interactive
• Empathetic
• Energetic
• Enthusiastic

Let's break down some ideas of jobs that could be suited to someone with an ADHD brain and why they could be a fit. This isn't an exhaustive list, but hopefully will help narrow down or spark some ideas of which roles could work for you.

Best jobs for people with ADHD

Entrepreneur

People with ADHD are often more natural risk-takers and enjoy out-of-the-box thinking. Working for others and being told what to do, especially if you don't agree with the decision can be a real challenge. Owning your own business provides the ultimate flexibility in setting your own schedule and marching to your own drum. It's usually an exciting career, with no two days feeling the same. On top of that you can choose an industry that matches your passions and craft your role to match your strengths. The responsibility can be highly motivating and the move away from a rigid 9-5 role can be exhilarating. That's why we started Rule, as a way of focussing on what we're passionate about. One downside is that it's a highly risky proposition as most new businesses fail within the first 5 years.

Emergency Services

Emergency services includes a number of different professions such as the police service, fire service and ambulance service. What they all share is that they are high stakes, fast paced and rarely 'boring'. The constant change and need for quick, decisive action can be a perfect match for the high-energy and quick-thinking nature of someone with ADHD. The adrenaline rush and the sense of urgency can help an individual stay engaged and focused.

Chef

A busy kitchen is a dynamic and high-pressure environment with constant stimulation. This setting can provide the mental and physical engagement that an ADHD brain craves. The work is hands-on, creative, and involves a variety of short-term tasks, from chopping vegetables to plating dishes, which can prevent monotony.

Journalist

The world of journalism and writing is all about variety. You get to research a wide range of topics, meet new people, and work on different projects with tight deadlines. This constant change of pace and the pressure of a deadline can be highly motivating, tapping into the "sprint" mentality that many with ADHD possess.

Teacher

Teaching, particularly with children, is a dynamic and unpredictable profession. It requires creativity, high energy, and the ability to think on your feet. The constant interaction with students and the varied tasks of planning lessons, grading papers, and managing a classroom can keep an ADHD brain engaged and prevent boredom.

IT Specialist or Computer Technician

This job centers around problem-solving, which can be highly engaging for a person with ADHD. The work involves troubleshooting a constant stream of new and varied challenges, allowing for the use of "hyperfocus" to solve complex issues. The sense of accomplishment that comes with fixing a problem can be very rewarding.

Graphic Designer

Individuals with ADHD are often highly creative and innovative. Careers in the arts and design provide a space to channel this creativity into projects that are constantly changing. The work is project-based, allowing for bursts of intense focus and the freedom to express original ideas.

Salesperson

Sales roles are often a great fit for people with ADHD due to their energetic and enthusiastic nature. The job is social, dynamic, and goal-oriented. The constant interaction with new clients and the challenge of meeting targets can provide the stimulation and variety that is often needed to stay motivated.

Event Planner

Event planning is a project-based career that involves a mix of creative and logistical tasks. From coordinating with vendors to managing timelines and solving problems on the fly, this role requires a person who can juggle multiple moving parts and thrive under pressure. The variety and fast pace of the job are excellent for someone with ADHD.

Fitness Trainer or Coach

This profession combines physical activity, which can help manage restlessness, with social interaction and a passion for helping others. A fitness trainer's day is rarely the same, with different clients, varied workouts, and the ability to move around. This hands-on, active role can be highly rewarding and stimulating.

Worst jobs for people with ADHD

Now that we've covered the best jobs for people with ADHD let's take a look at some professions that might not be the best suited to those with an ADHD brain. Just as a reminder that some people with ADHD may thrive in some of these professions, but with this blog we are taking a more general approach.

Accountant

Accounting demands high levels of precision, focus, and organisation. The work often involves meticulous, repetitive data analysis and financial reporting, with little room for error. This can be a major source of stress for someone prone to distractibility and inattentive mistakes.

Assembly Line Worker

An assembly line job is the epitome of monotony. It involves performing the same physical task repeatedly, with a rigid schedule and little to no variation. This environment can be extremely under-stimulating and frustrating for an individual who needs constant change and mental engagement.

Long-Haul Lorry Driver

While it may seem like a job with independence, long-haul driving requires sustained attention and focus for extended periods on a visually unstimulating task. This can lead to inattentiveness, restlessness, and an increased risk of accidents for someone with ADHD.

Librarian

This profession is often quiet and requires long periods of sitting still, organising, and sustained focus on a single task. The lack of social interaction, high energy, and varied work can be a poor fit for someone with a hyperactive or easily bored mind.

Administrative Assistant

These roles often involve managing a high volume of small, detailed tasks like scheduling, filing paperwork, and answering phones. The constant need for meticulous organisation and the rigid desk-bound nature of the job can be difficult for someone with ADHD's natural inclination towards impulsivity and a need for movement.

Quality Control Inspector

This job requires inspecting products for tiny defects, demanding sustained and focused attention to detail on repetitive tasks. The work environment is often static, and the lack of variety can quickly lead to boredom and a lack of motivation.

Call Center Representative

Call center work is highly structured and often involves following a script and dealing with a constant stream of repetitive issues. The lack of variety and the high-pressure, emotionally draining nature of handling frustrated customers can be a poor combination for an individual with ADHD who may struggle with emotional regulation and impulse control.

Proofreader or Editor

Like data entry, this job requires a laser-like focus on small details, such as grammar, spelling, and punctuation. For a mind that tends to see the big picture and can overlook small errors, this type of work can be a constant battle against natural inclinations, leading to stress and mistakes.