ADHD AND YOUR CAREER PATH
What can I work in as a career with ADHD
Students sometimes say: “Why do I have to do all this homework if I can get A’s on all my tests?” or “Why do I have to learn Math if I’m going to be an artist?” The quick answer: “Because it forms the building blocks for further education…” just doesn’t work. ADHD individuals need to know what the goal is and what we are trying to achieve. This type of discussion allows for their focus and reason to kick in. The goal should not be to get to college or to get a degree. During high school there is not much opportunity to think about that when you’re trying to pull all-nighters with assignments or studying for exams. The goal should be a career that you can enjoy. So, change your mindset and don’t get stuck on what you want to be, but instead think about how you want to live your life. Then figure out the path to get there.
How do I find the perfect career?
Be methodical. Make a list of things you’re passionate about, things you can make money at and things you‘d like to be really good at. Then recognize that overlapping ‘sweet spot’ in your Venn diagram. This could be it! Now actively try it on.
Begin to explore your passion. Summer jobs and experiential camps are crucial (cooking, acting, coding) or volunteer positions. How much money is enough? Create a living budget for fun (cost of a car, maintenance, insurance, medical plans, housing), then take the total expenses with an hourly rate to get an idea. Don’t forget your taxes. How do I become world class? Be honest about your strengths and weaknesses; celebrate trials and tribulations as you explore this.
What are some career ideas?
Think of passion-based career examples (alternative energy technician, video game designer, personal trainer) or non- traditional (fishing charter captain, dog walker, art therapist). Pick several careers and consider your next steps.
Determine your path
What is your passion match, what are the educational or registration requirements, what skills do I need to build, is the job environment a good fit for me? Location is equally important in providing the opportunity you need for building a path to your success.
LinkedIn power tip
For career planning and college selection, you can click on a company name in LinkedIn. Click “people” on the left panel. Research the colleges where companies hire from, where their employees live and the different skills they have. This quick tip, is a simple roadmap for how to get hired to work in any company.
Consider your next steps
Higher education may be online, part- time, full-time or evening classes. A gap year can help you to explore potential career options, to grow maturity and independence by living away from home. To build life skills first without the crush of academics, can be a real challenge for executive functioning in people with ADHD. Some companies offer internships without the need for you to have a completed college degree or diploma. Think about the cost of college and your potential income. You may even consider a high-level, specialized job training program instead. Entrepreneurship can be a relative risk but one that you can balance. Perhaps try something out during your gap year, or work for a start-up instead of creating one and remember you don’t have to be the CEO to be an entrepreneur!
Sources: www.necessarybrilliance.org is an excellent website where people share unusual success stories.
Sources:
Hallowell, E. (2019). Next Steps: After The Adult ADHD Diagnosis.
Sinfield, J. Untapped Brilliance Blog: Five Stages of the ADHD Emotional Journey.
Roché Herbst
M.A.R. Psych
My practice location is from my home office in Bragg Creek Mondays and Wednesdays 10am-5pm; Calgary office Tuesdays and Thursdays 9am-4pm. Call or text me on (403) 510-9984 or email: info@wehcs.com
