Here’s how to recover from early setbacks and forge a path to a satisfying work life.
How to Find a Job You Love
#1. Expose Your Strengths
You have unique talents, some of which may remain hidden. Take assessments like the VIA Character Strengths survey (free) and the CliftonStrengths Assessment to reveal them.
- Reflect on your talents, passions, and childhood interests. What did you do that made people say, “You’re a natural”? What do you love to do?
- Many adults with ADHD excel at creative problem-solving and pattern recognition. They’re curious and they can hyperfocus. What captures your interest?
- Brainstorm specific steps to develop your passions into career strengths.
[Need Help Finding Your Passion? Use This ADHD “Brain Blueprint”]
#2. Try Something New
Self-doubt can keep you from moving forward. Women with ADHD often duck under the radar at work to avoid “getting into trouble.” Others feel that trying something new invariably leads to failure, so they play it safe. Climbing the career ladder demands self-confidence and a willingness to step out of comfort zones.
- Start by setting small goals. Create routines, habits, or systems to overcome the issues that steal your confidence. Few problems resolve immediately, but consistent action will bring about change.
- Celebrate every small win. This will reinforce positive habits.
- Practice self-compassion. Change is hard. Setbacks are learning opportunities. Your self-confidence will grow as you begin to recognize and refine your abilities.
#3. Pursue Training
Some adults with ADHD avoid higher education or training because of significant struggles in secondary school. But training for the career you want will activate your strengths and interests. Plus, as an adult, you’ll have more agency and control over your educational experience.
- Enroll in one class at a time. Start small to prevent overwhelm. Don’t let setbacks discourage you. When I returned to university, I took one class each semester for two years. It took me almost nine years to graduate. I succeeded while working full-time and managing a household with two children.
- Explore flexible learning options. You can take online courses for which you set the schedule. Or you might prefer vocational training that is offered after 5 p.m.
- Set aside time to learn. Find a body double who will work on their own tasks beside you to prevent procrastination. If you can’t find someone, consider a service like Focusmate, a virtual coworking site with limited weekly sessions free of charge, or unlimited sessions for a fee.
- Apps like Speechify and other text-to-speech technology can help you overcome reading challenges. If you learn best by doing, consider an apprenticeship or volunteering with a nonprofit or a civic organization.
[Read: What’s the Secret to Thriving at Work? 5 Keys for ADHD Adults]
#4. Choose the Right Career
A rewarding career is one that utilizes and values your skills.
- Identify what you dislike. A client found the helping nature of social work attractive, but struggled under mountains of paperwork. She now applies her training in a patient advocacy group instead. She gets to help people without the bureaucracy.
- Before committing, interview and shadow professionals in your desired field.
- Start your next career as a side gig. A client of mine who enjoyed the creative side of social media took several online courses. As a freelancer, she managed her clients’ online accounts. Later, she was hired full-time by one of her clients.
- If you like your job, but some of its duties demand too much reliance on an area of weakness, talk with your employer. You’ll perform best if you work with your strengths, and your employer will get a bigger return on investment by shifting responsibilities accordingly.
Your options needn’t be limited because you have ADHD or you left the education system too soon. Keep building your skills and exploring opportunities until you find meaningful work.
How to Find a Job You Love: Next Steps
- Read: “I Love What I Do” — Jobs That Reward People with ADHD
- Read: Work Challenges — Common ADHD Pitfalls That Kill Productivity
- Read: 18 Questions That Reveal Your Ideal Career
Linda Walker, PCC, is the author of With Time to Spare: The Ultimate Guide to Peak Performance for Entrepreneurs, Adults with ADHD and Other Creative Geniuses.(#CommissionsEarned)
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Updated on July 9, 2025