Neurodiverse? Hate Your Job? — Come on in, You’ve Got Options

Let’s start by taking in that main story image for a second… Does it make you anxious af? Me too. Neurodiversity bruh.

It’s no secret neurodiverse individuals have a great many quirks in comparison to neurotypicals. It’s what separates us from the pack. We experience differences in mental cognition, emotion regulation (or lack thereof), sensory processing, communication, and learning styles to name but a few.

There’s a growing awareness of our need for different types of work, environments, and/or schedules. Of course, some might not need any of these. But we all have specific needs that the modern workplace is often lacking.

We require (and deserve, quite frankly) a job and environment that is conducive to how we work best. Otherwise, we’re not only pissing off other people, but we’re also quietly shaming ourselves into oblivion.

I’m on a mission to make us quit that shit. Dead serious.

So, in the interest of not taking up a lot of your time today (and challenging myself to shorten ONE story this week), here’s a list of professions that most neurodivergents find fulfilling. … And probably some discourse along the way, because I am … me.

Creative Careers

• Examples: artist, photographer, writer, chef, interior designer, computer animator, graphic artist, web designer, content creator, musician, letterer
• Side note — In case you missed it, the photo above has a great message on the wall. 😉 Go look.

Computer Science

• Examples: computer programmer, accountant, IT, information security analyst, computer network architect

Independent Work

• Jobs that allow us to work alone, use our strengths in whatever way is best, and have more control over our time, energy, and interactions
• Examples: virtual assistant, data entry clerk, food delivery driver (UberEats, DoorDash, GrubHub), grocery shopper (ShipT, Instacart), pet sitter/dog walker, transcriptionist

Jobs that Play to Specific Strengths

• Examples: hairdresser, caregiver, editor, audio engineer, music producer, construction worker, auto mechanic, building maintenance worker, warehouse worker, marketer/advertiser, actor, strategist
• A word on the warehouse and logistics bit: My last position was in a “warehouse.” I spent 8 years there, but I assure you if I had not been promoted I would’ve been gone by year 5. Had I not become assistant to the ship clerk for 2–3 years before that, I would’ve been out by year 2. No joke. The monotony destroyed my mind.
• If you need mental stimulation, beware of jobs like warehouse and factory work. — They CAN offer immeasurable self-growth in many cases, depending on your interests and life goals. So, while I would never say, “Don’t do it!”, go with a healthy dose of realism and awareness that it could go either way for you.

Jobs that Offer a Balance for Our Strengths

• THIS is the cream of the crop, my friends!
• Any position that includes the ability to hyperfocus but also adaptability. Any that allows creativity and unconventional thinking/problem-solving.
• Examples: video game developer, lawyer, tattoo artist, paramedic, architect, web developer, engineer (any kind), software developer, therapist, entrepreneur
• This is where I’ll contradict myself just a teeny bit. My final, supervisory role within the “warehouse” was the first job I have ever had that ticked all my boxes. Why? Because it was wildly fast-paced at times and required adaptability and creative problem-solving. At times it even allowed me to hyperfocus on specific tasks or projects. That kind of ebb and flow is perfection.

“The entrepreneurial world often suits individuals with ADHD due to their high energy levels, creativity, and ability to thrive in dynamic environments. Start-ups can provide the variety, challenge, and creative outlet that many individuals with ADHD crave.” — Kat Campbell

Final Notes

I have found it fascinating that a large number of entrepreneurs are neurodiverse individuals. At first, it shocked me. I guess in some ways it still does.

Now that I’m on the entrepreneurial path myself, I see precisely the reasons WHY it can fit so well and also HOW much crap they had to cut through to become successful.

That being said, it does appear to be the most rewarding career path. You can likely see how it includes the balanced job factors from the previous section.

What’s even better than that is the number of challenges that must be overcome. Almost every single day an opportunity to grow arises.

There’s hardly a dull moment unless I make it dull all on my own.

In truth, this list was more for fun and to break up monotony. Gotta get that dopamine, amIright?!

We all have specific strengths, weaknesses, and passions that make us uniquely us. My suggestion is to look first at what you love doing and to consider if there’s an opportunity to make a living from it. If not, consider roles that are aligned with it in some way.

The more you love doing something, the more motivated you are to overcome challenges. Then you experience immense growth in the process.

If you already have a career that ticks all your boxes, let me know about it in the comments. What’s your role? What makes it fit your needs so well? Perhaps you’ll help someone else on their journey to finding the perfect career.

Cheers!

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