If you have read the first two installments of this series, then you already know that there are actually jobs and careers that cater to our ADD needs. These are jobs that offer stimulation, a wide variety of tasks, and the ability to work independently. Obviously, not all jobs are going to provide all three of these, but the ones I talk about hit the mark more often than other job areas. Decide for yourself which of these traits are the most important to you, and whether you can live without one of them. This will help you prioritize as you read about the different jobs and careers.
Technical – These are jobs that require an employee to go out into the community and repair or install equipment. Think of jobs such as a telephone engineer or an electronics mechanic. What this area will provide you is some level of autonomy as well variety in the type of tasks you will do.
Technological – You’re probably thinking this is the same as the Technical area. What makes these jobs similar to technical ones is that they also let you be autonomous and there is variety. The big difference lies in this area’s need for its employees to be knowledgeable in the most current, state- of-the-art technologies. This can include computer technicians, computer builders, or an electronics expert.
Maintenance – Don’t think of your everyday maintenance guy that keeps your offices clean. Therse are jobs such as a carpenter, car mechanic, or an electrician. In these fields, you “maintain” a product so that the consumer can continue to use it. You are often quite autonomous.
Science – Rather than enjoying research (which most of us ADDers would hate!), this category includes jobs that work on research oriented teams or keep machines working properly in the medical field. For example, you might work for a company that keeps medical equipment up-to-date and working such as an EEG or MRI machine, a ultrasound machine, etc.
Military – At first glance, you may be thinking that I’m crazy to include the Military as a field we ADDers could excel in, particularly when you consider how rigid and structured it is. But that is what makes it so beneficial. The military offers structure so that you aren’t necessarily “bouncing” around, and forces you to learn organizational skills. Once you make it through basic training, there are many jobs and careers in the military that you might enjoy: Paratrooper, Helicopter Pilot, Aircraft Technician, and more.
Entrepreneur – If you can harness your energy and remain focused, this can be quite a successful area for you. You will have variety, stimulation, and ultimate control over yourself and your product. You are able to be creative and energetic. Until you can afford it, though, you will have to pay attention to detail work (paper work, etc.) and this can be a stumbling block for a lot of us.
Aviation – If you don’t join the military, you can still have a career as a pilot, air traffic controller, or aviation engineering. This area gives you autonomy and stimulation. Depending on what job you choose, you may also get variety.
Dentist– Before you shout, “Dentistry! Boring!”, hear me out. As a dentist, you often have a lot of variety in your work, and you certainly have tons of independence. For even more stimulaiton, you can specialize.
Transportation – No, there’s not much stimulation depending on what sort of driving you do, but you get a lot of independence. Variety may come in the form of having different routes assigned or changing the product you are delivering. Then again, an ambulance driver may have more stimulation and variety given the nature of the job.
Engineer – Think here about the guy (or gal!) who operates heavy equipment or is a professional engineer (chemical, nuclear, electronics). These jobs offer stimulation and variety while letting you be independent. Even though many of the tasks here require attention to detail, the work of detail is embedded in the task – in other words, it’s not a side issue such as what an entrepreneur would face. For the entrepreneur, it would be a hassle. For the engineer, it’s part and parcel of the job itself.
Hopefully, you are seeing how you might fit into one of these areas. If you are at a job that isn’t listed here, the last ten will be presented next week.
