Happy New Year to you all! Two weeks ago, I began a series about the fact that there are actually certain jobs that are better suited for those of us with ADD/ADHD. We tend to have needs for stimulation, change, and variety in the tasks or projects that we undertake. Of the thirty categories, let’s look at the first ten.
SALES: People with ADD often do very well in sales. These jobs offer variety, autonomy and can even be filled with pressure-filled tasks that provide some adrenaline rush. The part that we may not succeed at is the need for attention to detail and follow up – yet with the right support staff or some learned methods for managing this, the problem can be minimalized.
MECHANICAL: These are jobs that involve the building and repairing of machinery. While there is plenty of stimulation from the job projects themselves, you are able to perform taksk without someone looking over your shoulder.
LABOR: When you think of labor-related jobs, you may think that these wouldn’t “fit” an ADDer at all. Certainly a routine labor job such as one that requires sitting in the same spot and performing the same tasks – over and over again – are not what we are talking about here. But think about this: what about a labor job such as construction or another that is filled with more risk (think skyscraper window washer) and more physical activity?
MACHINIST: If you need more variety, and don’t care as much for stimulation or autonomy, this will work for you. An automotive machinist, for example, will present you with many sorts of tasks that require resolution.
OFFICE: If you’re like me, when you think “office,” you associate it with boredom, monotony, and organization, none of which we enjoy!! But what about the more non-traditional office jobs such as a hotel clerk, or the assistant to a physician, you begin to see that some office jobs offer more variety and stimulaitn than others.
HEALTH TECHNICIAN: These are jobs that are in the health field wihch afford variety and control. An emergency medical technician – EMT – is full of adrenaline-pumping activity and variety. A physical therapist may not have the stimulation like an EMT, but there is variety and autonomy.
POLICE AND FIRE FIGHTING: Do I even need to expalin this one? These jobs offer risk, adrenaline surges, variety, and – depending on your status – a degree of autonomy. These jobs are great for those ADDers who thrive on crisis.
COOKING: While these jobs don’t sound very exciting, think about the need to create something different with each order. What if you are a chef for a famous restaurant who must come up with unique ways to prepare and present food? The adrenaline surge is less here, but depending on the job, it’s still there.
CONSTRUCTION:Â These jobs are not full of variety and stimulation, but you are often able to work at your own pace and with some autonomy.
EDUCATION: At first, the thought of being a teacher may sound boring, but it doesn’t have to be. You may not wish to teach one subject all day – blah, blah, blah! – but you would make a great coach or a special education teacher. The best part about an ADDer and teacher is that you will have a unique and compassionate understanding of your ADD students!
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We’ll hit another ten categories next week. Enjoy your holiday!
