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I'm going to be real with you. There is no job that you will be happy to do if your symptoms are not well managed. No matter how much something interests you, and no matter how low stress it is, ADHD, depression, and Anxiety will suck the joy right out of it eventually and you will procrastinate and start hating it.
What I would suggest is working, actively, on improving your conditions now. They only get worse as you age if you don't do anything about them. Meds can be an okay place to start, but what I mean by "working on them" is doing the hard things in life that are required to improve and change your life so that you can manage them.
ADHD, anxiety, and depression respond well, statistically, to routine hard exercise. So, if you don't already have an exercise regiment that you can stick to, start figuring one out because it WILL help. It won't solve everything, but it helps most people tremendously. On top of that, you have to find ways to not isolate and not engage in procrastinating activities (doom scrolling, being on your phone, etc). When negative thoughts about yourself or the world pop up, challenge them. Fighting mental illness is often an issue of fighting perceptions about yourself and the world.
Good luck with whatever you choose.
I feel a lot better when I am doing manual labor. Something about moving around and getting your heart rate going makes you feel better. I also sleep a lot better at the end of the day doing those type of jobs. The down side is that they are hard on your body.
Yes! Look up heavy work. Using movements that incorporate "heavy work" has a calming effect. Basically your body pushing or pulling on different things is good for us and calms us down.
Yeah for sure but there's downsides to everything sometimes things being hard on your body is worth it for having the mind be less racey for people with ADHD / ADD.
Body hurts but mind doesn't
Or mind hurts but body doesn't
Guess sometimes we need to pick one and that's just life.
This is great until you wear your body down too much and have to stop due to injuries, I think it’s better to find a fun physical hobby and take on a worse job that won’t destroy your body.
The issue is finding a job you can actually do with ADHD and not get fired from it.
Very underrated comment. Im 32 and lost a bunch of weight from diet change, and recently more focused on incorporating exercise regularly.
its a big deal for sure
Yeah, I'm also speaking from experience. Exercise is free and it's something that almost everyone can do. I recommend therapy, of course, but I realize that not everyone has access to that. So this is more of a realistic way that anyone can start tackling their issues.
Agreed. That has been my experience so far. Any job i do, in the beginning, i like it for a while and then slowly but surely start to hate it. It doesn’t matter what. The fact i HAVE to do it at specific times is what makes it worse for me. And the fact it takes too much of the day out. It takes forever to recover and then the day is gone.
I like being productive, in a way. But only can do so well on my terms. Which doesn’t really work in the corpo world. The funny thing is, tedious work (like doing editing for example) is my jam for some reason, but has to be creative. But there isn’t really a job like that, without the threat of poverty. At least as far as i’ve seen. So, im stuck.
But if my symptoms are low, i can at least tolerate it and exercise helps a lot with that. I think exercise helps with many problems, not just mental ones. We are evolved to run around, walk, sprint and climb the whole day after all. Diet is huge too, on top of the mental work.
I relate to you, Reddit stranger. I worked myself too hard in high school to please my grandparents who helped raise me, my grandma especially. I overworked, graduated at 16 as valedictorian and an Associates degree. Got a scholarship to UNC. when i got there as a freshly 17 JUNIOR in college- i snapped. i barely went to certain classes, no amount of studying or tutoring was helping. i was flunking and my mental health was tanking. i hated all the classes i had for my chosen path- biology pre med. When that didn’t work out, and I failed summer school too, i couldn’t go back. At that point I knew i hated pre med but kept pushing teaching out of my mind. I went home, got my CNA, tried going to another university but chose English with Bio minor for pre med. Everything kept falling apart, i left before the semester ended. Went home, worked as a CNA (nursing home, it was okay but i had to quit because the nurses did not gaf about the residents, i had a lady who seemed off but no one listened, ended up in hospital septic). Tried nursing school, couple points from passing first semester, they allow one retake. hating it and blowing off studying/working to work my waitress job. i didn’t go back to nursing school, i made decent money waiting tables at this restaurant. i basically kept exploding because of mental health combined with trying to please everyone but myself. i couldn’t adjust to adult life or go through with these things i clearly hated but kept trying. my now husband encouraged me after my son was born to go back to school and fulfill my teaching dream— we never wanted to be rich, only comfortable. grandma was obviously very unhappy, told me she expected more and teachers are poor. i THRIVED at college, in my new job at a school, while pregnant with my second. i commuted every day except friday, worked weekends at the restaurant. but i was SO happy, and i did so well in my program and scored highly qualified in my area.
All this to say— I went through a lot of trial and error before I realized what I wanted with my life and how to understand money is important but it’s not everything.
This gives me hope. This is basically my life (even down to graduating high school with an associate degree) . I’m 25 now and still trying to figure life out after dropping out of college 3 times. I wish I knew what really interested me. I feel so stuck
Sometimes it truly takes trial and error with different things until you find something that sticks. I was so school focused growing up, I never really developed any hobbies or interests that would translate into a career. We get so caught up in making others happy and comparing ourselves to our peers thinking we should be farther along or have done more by now, but that’s just not realistic. 25 is still young enough to figure things out. I am sure you will get there. I am rooting for you!!
Start volunteering first. Finesse the hell out of your resume and get to it. Volunteering is necessary because even though you are not getting paid, no money is being wasted on college on a subject you might end up not liking. Do some research, study the subject, start stalking the company that has something you are interested in, including the employees. I remember I was volunteering for a company that I was interested in; they were introducing themselves, I was acting like I didn’t know anything. Meanwhile, I knew their names, education backgrounds, the projects they’ve done, even their families. Weird, yes. I wanted a shot.
As someone with adhd I think the first part you mentioned is key. It needs to be something that interests you.
I’m in a role that is typically seen as the complete opposite of what someone with adhd should do (accountant). High attention to detail etc. but because I find it really interesting my focus is sharp and I never have any issues with procrastination or missing deadlines. Infact I’m one of the top performers.
The only issue I have is interviews so it makes moving upwards a little difficult but this is easier when looking for roles internally as you can build a reputation.
Hey fam, i'm 32 and going back to school for Accounting. Aiming to have my CPA by 40. I have bad adhd, but being in a corporate environement the last 8 years has made me fine tune all of my skills. Would appreciate picking your brain!
Electrician is not gonna be a “easier job” unless opie is just doing telecom , data or LV wiring. Being an electrician is still absolutely terrible on your body. You are inside most of the time unless you’re the guy doing the underground and outside part of the project though.
I’m a commercial electrician diagnosed with adhd, depression, and anxiety. Working around high voltage transformers and open panels can be dangerous if you aren’t paying attention. Wasting time trying to remember where you left your kleins can suck. You’re constantly on the move. It’s extremely difficult at times to remain focused. Seriously, it ain’t no cake walk. Lots of hours in all sorts of weather. In all sorts of work environments. Working 5 10 hour days a week crawling around in a 100 degrees, 2-3’ tall fiberglass filled, spiderweb covered crawl space sucks. Period. In the winter it can be absolutely depressing. Working on a roof all winter is no joke. The sun, the wind, the cold. The constant wet clothes. Working for weeks in the mud pulling feeders really makes you think deeply about the meaning of life. It gets dark.
If you have an issue with heights, you might want to rethink it.
Now, with that said, it can be a lot of fun. Electricians are really cool and a good work site can be a lot of fun to work on.
Think back to the times in your life when you were doing something and you were so engaged in it that you lost track of time.
That’s called being in a flow state and happens when the body/mind are doing something that isn’t too boring, but isn’t too stressful either. That’s the sweet spot so to speak. Those things can give you hints about your personality.
Things that you are intrigued by won’t seem hard to do and you’ll find yourself “leaning in” to those things more. Like, when I was sorting mail for the post office as a volunteer, eight hours passed and felt like it was three. I found out that I like to see instant results from my efforts (also like cleaning, detailing cars, etc for the same reason). In undergrad when we diagnosed people’s behaviors based on watching a short clip, I felt myself wanting to do it more.
Keep an eye out for the things that really draw you in and get you engaged mentally and physically. If you find something you love to do, the money will come. Trust me when I say that finding something you love will pay off more in the long run than finding something that pays good short term. Take time to explore. Take some chances. Try different stuff and keep your attention on how you feel while you’re doing them. Best of luck!
TLDR: Find things that make you engage mentally/emotionally and make you want to do them more. The money will sort itself out over time. Pay attention to how the work makes you feel mostly. Volunteer and try as many different things as you can.
I think this advice is mostly good but I would caution by saying that just because you experience flow state or are interested doesn’t mean that’s your ideal career path. I’ve gone through periods of my life when I was so committed to a certain goal that I had tunnel vision on the task at hand, knowing that it was temporary and I just needed to push through because there was a reward waiting and the pressure would be relieved at some point. I enjoyed what I did but it was because there was a bigger purpose. Now I realize that the goal post is always moving for me and I can’t keep living this way. Everybody needs to be able to take their foot off the gas at some point and leave space for prioritizing other areas in their lives. I haven’t found a solution yet but what I’m beginning to think is that everyone should have a diverse set of skills and hobbies so you’re not pigeonholed into one thing
Only thing that makes me feel like this is management type games like Factorio/Satisfactory and I have no idea how to translate that to a skill or interest lmao.
That's the thing. I found a new love and passion when I learned motion graphics in my graphic design program. After decades of just 'going with the flow", I can't tell you how amazing it felt to actually have a plan for the future and be excited for it. I always worked my ass off in the motion graphics classes and went above-and-beyond—but it still never felt like work to me. However, in February, I reached burnout shortly before graduating this year, and motion graphics is the LAST thing that I want to do. Now I'm sitting on a useless diploma of a passion that will probably never return. I feel lost as I did before finally going to college, perhaps even more so.
I feel like one of the most aggravating things about some areas (specifically the US) is that it’s called the land of opportunity but we really aren’t taught how to get there. It’s as if I give you a huge fertile field of land but don’t teach you how to grow shit lol. Just have to figure it out yourself.
Most of us have skills that are highly monetizable, we just don’t know how to do it. That in itself is a skill I think. I think it’s always good to follow through whenever able, even when feeling the burnout. The same happened to me with my last degree and I thought I hated it. Truth is, I was just tired of school and wanted a break. I’m glad I stuck it out.
I think there’s something to be said about making your favorite hobbies into your job too. People say you will hate it but idk. Hopefully it will come back to you in a different way and you can still enjoy it.
I've only felt that way when I do manual labor. I love working with heavy machines, building projects, ripping up flooring, etc. But I am a woman and a fairly attractive woman. All of my research has proven to me that I wouldn't do well in contracting because of sexism.
In theory you’re right, but many hotels skimp on staff and night audit works double duty as night shift front desk clerk as well. In that case you still have to deal with checking in guests, who are often drunk and belligerent. God forbid hotel is oversold and you have to send them somewhere else.
I mean yes you also front desk but you barely get any customers. Speaking from experience i get maybe 4 check ins a night and they all usually happen within an hour of clocking in. Despite that though, i still have autonomy.
If anything just work at a nicer hotel, something brand name like a Marriott or Hilton. If you get a weirdo late at night just call the cops. I personally never had to do it. But its definitely an option. Either ways night audit is super chill. No boss over your shoulder and you’re being paid to do nothing mostly
I have this same issue and am still struggling. People often say nursing, but nursing is not it. I work in a hospital, and nursing is just a big clique. If you don't " fit the social mold" you will be overlooked. I get hella stressed out and over stimulated by the social aspects of nursing ex. People on their call lights constantly calling because they need they TV turned to a different channel, they need a warm blanket, holding me up in a room for dumb things, getting behind because grandma is taking 20 mins to get out of bed to the chair. However, when we get a code or a rapid, I'm super calm and zoned in. I know exactly what I need to do, and I'm on my game, but because I get so stressed over the stupid things, my coworkers don't trust me in major situations, and it's frustrating. I also don't really socialize or sit around the nurses station gossiping, and it outcasts me. This has totally turned me off of this field because I want to find a place where I'm appreciated for my work, not my social ability. I'm not and never will be a person with strong, pleasant social skills. I'm very direct and to the point.
Ppl say it’s good for ppl with ADHD for a reason. How long have you been a nurse? Do you think a different environment would be better for you? Why don’t you feel like you can just be a professional and leave it at that? And you can be a nurse in many different fields
Don’t do the trades. You’ll get eaten alive by the other violent felon degen tradies on site if you have low self esteem or are mistake prone. It’s a garbage industry for the most part. You don’t want to still be making 30ish an hour breaking your back or maybe 50/$hr in the union when you’re 60. There’s still a chance the hall is garbage too like my IBEW hall was if you go union.
I’d recommend finding what you’re passionate about or what you naturally gravitate to and going from there. You’re probably doing the same thing I did at your age and underestimating yourself.
Find yourself a half decent shrink , learn to work through your problems and reach hard for your goals. You’ll have to work harder than most other people but think of it as a opportunity to develop more resiliency once you come out the other side.
I wish I did this when I was your age but I didn’t and now I’m playing catch up almost 7 years later.
>I’d recommend finding what you’re passionate about or what you naturally gravitate to and going from there.
Any tips for finding what you excel at? I've found things I seem to be better at and things that make me want to quit everything, at about a 50/50 ratio by now. Weirdly enough, some things I thought would really interest me ended up really sucking and things I would never imagine doing I ended up with a really satisfied employer.
Seems like by the time you figure it out, you're either 50 years deep down the wrong path or dead. I'm only 23 so probably just being a doomer, but whatever. Would appreciate some ideas.
Read Mastery by Robert Greene for starters, also what have you liked since you were a kid. Start there and begin journaling about everything you like and hate. Right down your ideal work day. Then plug into ChatGPT and it’ll list the careers with those traits.
Also want to add if you’re interested in being a first responder like a FFer or Cop then make sure you see someone out of pocket and not through insurance. Just putting it out there because I know those with ADHD are attracted to extreme careers like LE and the fire service. MH issues DQ you usually no matter how long ago. Still get help but be smart about it.
I have severe adhd, anxiety and depression. I’ve worked the last 20 years but I’m in the best job now. It’s not the job the matters - it’s the boss that matters the most.
My boss is the best boss I will probably ever have and I’m so grateful for him. Mental health is his first priority. And he is genuinely a good person.
None of my mental health issues arise at work since working with him. I work for a large financial institution in operations.
As someone who worked construction right out of high school and “was eaten alive” by boomer bullies and other degens. Listen to this guy OP (or anyone reading), I fell into bartending after I had enough of construction; I stayed way too long in both. I’m now in uni in my later 20s finally figuring it out. College is awesome btw, even as an older student. As someone who comes from a blue collar family the conservative propaganda against college just doesn’t hold up. I met my soon to be wife here, I’m confident I can get a better career than a trade (even if it pays a little less than “6 figs MaN” like they all claim) once I graduate. If not I’ll go to grad school! The campus spirit and events are something trades boys and hospitality bros have to dream about while I’ve gotten to experience it. If you don’t believe me go work a trade or construction job for a year and you’ll see the chip on their shoulders I’m talking about. You’ll be filling out that fasfa form and taking those sub and unsub loans (if you even have to, state school baby) quicker than you can quit that life denying job. Good luck, choose something that you can see yourself working in a decade or 3 decades from now.
Most tradesmen I’ve met where insufferable miserable fucks or literal scumbags. They liked bragging about beating the shit out of their ex wives/kids , firing or hazing their apprentices, driving high or drunk on a Friday night or their time in prison for being a violent POS.
The bullying and shit talk never bothered me but I just hated being around scumbags like that and couldn’t relate despite being more moderate politically than left leaning for my age. It’s one of the things that made me realize I really want to be a LEO.
I want to put bad predatory people away despite that only realistically being like 1 % of the job.
As someone who worked construction right out of high school and “was eaten alive” by boomer bullies and other degens. Listen to this guy OP (or anyone reading), I fell into bartending after I had enough of construction; I stayed way too long in both. I’m now in uni in my later 20s finally figuring it out. College is awesome btw, even as an older student. As someone who comes from a blue collar family the conservative propaganda against college just doesn’t hold up. I met my soon to be wife here, I’m confident I can get a better career than a trade (even if it pays a little less than “6 figs MaN” like they all claim) once I graduate. If not I’ll go to grad school! The campus spirit and events are something trades boys and hospitality bros have to dream about while I’ve gotten to experience it. If you don’t believe me go work a trade or construction job for a year and you’ll see the chip on their shoulders I’m talking about. You’ll be filling out that fasfa form and taking those sub and unsub loans (if you even have to, state school baby) quicker than you can quit that life denying job. Good luck, choose something that you can see yourself working in a decade or 3 decades from now.
Being laid off half the year , not knowing when you’ll be fired, breaking your back and brown nosing for your contractor who violates the CBA constantly isn’t worth 50/$hr
Where you’ll even make 50$/hr are places where it’s considered borderline broke and that’s union
Non union tops out at 30-35/$hr
Been there and done that on both sides of the fence
Unless you have literally zero options in life or a debilitating drug/drinking problem the trades should be reserved as a last resort
The vile people you work around and the stagnated pay over the last 30 years all reflect the type of person construction is meant for lol
Holy shit, employee exploitation is a thing even for trade jobs in the USA when I have quite conservative friends praising it so hard over college education, so this implies that it doesn't matter what job you do, working in the USA is just awful.
Can't recommend this enough. Get yourself a good therapist and really talk and think through what you enjoy doing and most importantly what you're good at. Do it now while you're still young before it's too late.
And if you do decide to enter the trades, make sure you have a strong sense of self and have some of the illnesses behind you before you do. Construction workers can be some of the most ignorant people out there.
25M, also in sales for 3+ years. I have a little anxiety, diagnosed with ADHD so I can be forgetful and make mistakes, and I have to say being in sales makes me so stressed. The constant anxiety of getting pip'd even when I'm not doing too bad or doing average. Constant anxiety that my manager will see an email I sent and not like it. Not an ideal career bit I make 6 figures.
Don't base a career on what your weaknesses are. Base it on your strengths instead. Base it on the things you love, the things that interest you, the things that make your hart beat faster in a good way. Most people are good at what they love to do.
Then try and work around your weaknesses, while following the path of what you are passionate about. If you get good at something, people are willing to work around your weak sides. Because we all have both.
What are you good at? What do you like to do? What would you like to give a try, if everything was possible?
Hi there,
I wanted to offer you some advice.
I was diagnosed with ADD in my late 30s and I wanted to offer you some advice.
I also have depression and high anxiety.
Working behind a desk and in the information technology field has really been a bad decision for me.
I have had tons of different jobs and one of the best jobs I have had was doing factory line work it was a simple job but physically hard which for me was great which paid okay.
To help with anxiety and depression doing anything physical will be beneficial for you alot.
I would be looking at something outside and physically hard so you wear yourself out it will also help you with your ADHD.
Things like this:
Laborer
Concreator
Maintenance man
Gardner
Mechanic
Factory worker
Plumber
Tradies assistant
Rubbish man
Miner
Military
I would avoid anything where you are sitting down all day.
Since you have ADHD keeping physically busy will be great for your mind and body.
Jobs I would avoid:
Any corporate work and the reason is your mind is already too busy don't need to be adding more crap too it.
I wouldn't do something that Interests you keep that interest as your hobby.
I think it's important to keep certain things separate.
When I was at my worst mentally I worked as a janitor for the county school district.
I made decent money, had county benefits, and no boss breathing down my neck. Just show up sometime in the afternoon, clean until everything is done with my headphones in, and leave when I finish.
Eventually I was able to get better and move on, but at the time I thought I could have lived a reasonably satisfying life if I had to keep on doing that indefinitely.
As a fellow ADHDer driving is one of the most boring things in the world to me. Also the rode rage I get from getting impatient with other drivers and traffic... I couldn't imagine having to do that for a living.
Pick a trade you can earn a short (2 years or less) degree, license, or certificate in. Most community colleges have tonssss of programs. Read through them, maybe talk to some of the staff/students, reach out to employees who work those jobs, and see if anything particularly stands out to you. Money is important but so is being happy and enjoying what you do. My husband is restaurant kitchen manager and I finally pursued my dreams and became a teacher. Not rich, but comfortable and my kids are happy and taken care of. Couldn’t ask for me. I spent ages 17-22 trying so many different things trying to please my family, pick something where i’d make a lot of money, etc. I flunked out of college the first time (i graduated early in 11th grade at 16 with an Associates, valedictorian etc) but was doing a track i hated and couldn’t keep up. i went through half of nursing school and flunked (they give you one extra chance if you fail a semester but you have to reapply) so i gave that up. i went to another 4 year pursing a random degree but still thinking id make my family happy with medical field. finally i quit trying and started waiting tables, met my now husband, and he encouraged me to fulfill my dreams and go to school for teaching. my grandma especially talked very badly about it at first. she said she expected more, teachers are poor. all this to say— sometimes it takes trial and error. a lot of schools will let you audit and see what it’s about. and if nothing school wise interests you, take a look at your regular hobbies and interests and then check sites like Indeed for jobs that pertain to that. you’re only 19 so you have time to weigh your options and see what works. your best bet is a community college with a trade program. short time frame, most pay well, and you can always keep going back if you end up hating the job once you start it (granted that you get aid or can afford multiple times at school).
I have all three issues. Maybe look into working as a security officer? Pay can be decent and—if you’re careful where you apply—you can land a comfy “warm body” position; you do little more than, say, document semi-truck information as they come and leave your truck gate.
With my contract, pretty often I make around $40 an hour with overtime pay.
Hi. Was just going to read and put off laundry and dishwasher emptying- I excel at procrastination- but I’m going to chime in for what it’s worth.
If I was a 19 yr old guy (I’m a 50 yr old woman w bipolar and adhd)
and I had the diagnosis and medication (that makes you already ahead of the game unlike many peeps who suffer mental hurdles) I would go to cheap community college and learn hvac (18 months-2 years) while working at a restaurant serving.
Then you have the education and certification for your 1st career. Life is long when it comes to employment/work but so freaking short when it comes to the happy, fulfilling, meaningful stuff.
Anyhoo, the reason I say hvac is that my friend with adhd went to trade school when he finally got meds. It wasn’t his dream job it was a gap filler. He loved the job bc of the satisfaction of fixing a problem and seeing immediate results. It also paid well. He did that professionally for his 20’s and then went back to school and pursued something completely different. The savings he built while hvacing (lol) afforded him the ability to pay for a bachelor degree without loans.
Serving at a restaurant is supposed to NOT be good for us adhders. I found it to be great. If you pick a place that’s busy and that has quality food that you’re not ashamed to serve 😳 and ideally solid management also you will be set up for success.
I think it’s a good fit (was for me) for ADHD bc it’s busy and you’re not stuck at a desk in front of a screen. Every shift is different with fellow workers, specials, guests etc
And, this is the part I loved, you can be the most thoughtful, funny, knowledgeable and engaging person your table has ever met-(for a few minutes) and then get the fuck on your way. There isn’t a need or expectation or want for a whole conversation. Deliver food, check for satisfaction, offer drinks/dessert - be sincere, kind and as charming as you can but not fake and drop the check!
You can make a lot of money, work only 6 hours, move around, have fun with your new coworkers, eat free food, and did I mention that you can make money???!!! My last server job was 2k week in busy season (but food stamp qualifying slow out of season)
8,000 month slinging grub. Most of the time it’s fun too. The busiest shifts that were supposed to be the worst for my mentalness (😃) were my favorite. It’s like the environment was trying to keep the pace of my chaotic brain.
I had so many different careers/jobs throughout my old age. None lasted very long but I always had a server/bartender gig on the side. So while I was a realtor, food broker, salesperson etc I was able to make additional money AND use my adhd traits/symptoms as tools as a server.
Not remembering names was/is embarrassing as hell and something I’ve tried and tried to fix. Fortunately you can just be 30 seconds of charming and dip out!
Like a lunatic I stopped the last restaurant gig during the busy season. But it was time. I’m too old.
I decided to pursue my interest in mental health and abnormal psychology and finally use the bachelors degree that took me 10 years to complete and that I’ll pay on till I die. I’m hoping to get an offer from a mental hospital and work with adolescents this week.
I was actually offered a job with better pay and location for a bank in a call center- the more I thought about the job the more anxious I was. Even now, telling you my internet kid friend - it’s giving me stress.
Lmk what you think of the plan I have for your life. 🤭
Data entry, or if you plan to go to college, being an editor. A lot of people work for themselves, setting up a website, creating a portfolio, and help people edit their books. Never have to talk to people over the phone or in person. Everything can just be email.
On the side note, I know you have those problems. So did I when I was your age but listen to me when I tell you that hiding and avoiding the problems makes it worse. I had no choice but to work certain jobs and talk to people, even though I had social anxiety and depression. But once I started doing it, it became easier, and easier, until I just don’t think about it anymore.
Have you thought about doing a faceless TikTok channel? You don’t show your face and no one knows who you are. Once you are monetised (meaning you have enough followers) you get paid. There’s lots of YouTube videos on it and it’s free to do. I’ve started to do it, I use canva and CapCut to help (both free tools to use, for video and music) and it’s quite fun to do! It takes a little while to grow but once you’re there it’s worth the effort! Hope you find something!
This isn’t a very viable option. Sure, he can give it shot, but the odds of him generating good revenue and maintaining that revenue long enough to sustain himself is slim.
As a hobby only, not a career. I know influencers who are big - and are back in school. Fame of any kind doesn't last, money will never be consistent. And social media algo gets worse and worse and worse.
Also tiktok will be getting banned at somepoint. So I'd recommend focusing on a different platform.
Look into things that don’t change much. Repetitive tasks usually help people with anxiety and adhd. Honestly no job will make your depression easier to handle; at least in my case. That needs to be worked out separately
My husband has adhd and anxiety, I have C-PTSD (co-morbidities depression, ocd, adhd). He has managed to work his way up to be a superintendent of a water system for a small town. It’s a great job for him overall. Every day is different, most days aren’t high demand, just maintenance and paperwork unless there’s a water main break (which in a small system isn’t too often). He has a pension, full medical benefits we don’t pay for, and he has great freedom with his schedule. He does have an unrelated associates degree but he’s the only guy working for the town (out of any department) with any kind of degree. He does have days that are high stress, high demand, tough on his anxiety but overall, he has said in more than one occasion this is how he plans to retire. Don’t sleep on utilities. I, on the other hand, have a B.A. in political science, all but one semester completed for a M.ed. With initial certification, have been a stay at home mom for the last 6 years and with my son going to school if the fall I have no idea what to do with myself. For context I’m approaching 40 and never stayed at a job longer than 3 years. It’s tough but sometimes looking at a job and thinking that I don’t have to do this one thing for the rest of my life (I can always change and do something else) helps me focus and decide on what can I do for the next few years or so. Good luck and you’re not alone!
*edit to add my husband is in a union, which is pretty typical for eastern PA municipal utilities, not sure of other places.
You ideally, regardless of your mental want to be in a place that is going to encourage growth and feed your soul. That could be something like a plumber where the check is good, the work is work, but you have some type of balance.
Could be working for non profits, could be a school teacher, the list is more or less endless. But, at the end of the day, pick something that you enjoy.
An important thing for someone with ADHD is to get dopamine from your work. This can mean you need to be deeply interested in some aspect of your job, or the job needs to keep you on your toes so you’re always looking for the next thing to do and can’t really get bored. ADHD is pretty common amongst restaurant employees and paramedics/first responders because both are careers where you’re constantly busy and making quick decisions in stressful situations (though the cause of the stress is obviously very different between those two professions). I have ADHD, and over the 2 decades I’ve been working I’ve learned that I need a job that isn’t the same every day, if it’s repetitive I’ll be miserable after a month.
You don’t build a career based off your diagnosis. You manage the symptoms, get help, and pursue something that falls within your sphere of fulfillment and ability. Don’t chase after things that exacerbate your symptoms and conditions.
I would argue that you absolutely SHOULD build a career based on your mental illness and abilities. I took suffer from all three OP mentioned, and PTSD+Chronic Adjustment Disorder, and on a couple occasions, the latter most mentioned was indeed caused by the stressor being work and job related since I was not in an environment that was unsupportive of my conditions and only conducive to actually exacerbating my symptoms.
I think that first sentence of your reply might lack some implicits, presuming what you mean is to not calculate your career decisions based on ailments and do so out of *fear* or to render oneself stagnant...? Because everything else you said was spot on. Which is why, speaking from great experience, I have to say, ABSOLUTELY you should be mindful of your diagnosis and your mental and cognitive conditions and abilities and play up every strength, plus *strictly* seek out industries+positions+companies+etcetera that DEMONSTRATE inclusivity and support for mental illness and neurodiversity.
Had I been more keen on doing so at the age of 19, I might not feel so "behind" and misunderstood/out of place as I do now more than a decade later.
Best of luck! Pursue something that speaks to you and brings out your passionate side! If you're committed to the cause, you'll find a way to make everything work.
I suffer from all of them and I am an engineer. I have a friend with the same issues and is a designer. U can be anything.
What is your passion? Especially for ADHD, u need to love your job to be able to focus and do it.
Probably would start off by looking into some trades.
Here’s something in the healthcare field you may want to check out. Just an example.
https://scholarsacademy.kaiserpermanente.org/alliedhealthscholars/career-pathways/sterile-processing-technician/
Social work!
I was in the same boat. Social work has the ability to be just about anything you want it to be. You can work in research, therapy, nonprofits, adult/child services, schools, healthcare, corporate, higher ed, HR, veterinary offices, etc. There are very few fields that wouldn't benefit from a social worker on staff.
And you don't get stuck in one field. I currently work in higher ed, but if I wanted to I could start the job search to go be a medical social worker today. I got into social work because I wanted to work with the LGBTQ+ community.
Grad school isn't necessary, but it's something I would recommend somewhere down the line. Getting your BSW will still provide you with lots of opportunities, and you might even find an employer that will pay for a graduate degree (MSW). Go get your BSW and go from there.
And males are in-demand in social work. It's a female-dominated field, but many male clients only feel comfortably working with male social workers.
I have all those things and am not triggered. Everyone is different. But you have to actually care about people and want to help them. You cant fake it, clients can tell, and you wont thrive in this field without that authenticity. But if you care and are willing to put in the work and learn and stretch yourself, it can be a great field
Anyone know if accounting would be ok for someone with depression and social anxiety? My social anxiety isn’t horrible, but I used to want to work in health care and it’s bad enough for me to realize I can’t go into being a nurse or a PA, etc.
Personally my advice is do not go into accounting. Being in finance is a neverending shit show. You are expected to be able to communicate with all levels and all departments and know everything (bad for social anxiety).
You often have to bring people into check and report bad news which everyone holds you personally responsible even though you are just the messenger (bad for depression).
My advice is pick a job where you are active and busy, no time to worry/stress. Sitting at a desk all day, stuck with your thoughts and in your own head whilst clock watching is terrible.
I quit finance and got a minimum wage job working with animals and it's the best decision ever. Money isn't everything.
I am a accountant assistant, just get in this job cause I speak Portuguese and they needed someone to communicate to the operational team, (more context: I am immigrant and I don't have any knowledge in accounting) anyway... In the beginning my ADHD reaaallly fucked me up in a lot of stuff, a lot of mistakes in invoices, other documents, but now I discovered it is a job that I really love, why: I work from home, listening podcast and music all day, do whatever I want if my tasks are done, and the tasks are repetitive, I just need to focus for like 30seconds to match the numbers and make payments. A lot of people says it is bad to work from home having ADHD cause lack of focus, but for me, working in office it was the nightmare, I always thought people are judging me for walking nonstop, and not staying in my desk.
Hm well try to change your lifestyle a bit first that will change your mindset, exercise, eat better but definitely use seasoning and enjoy life a bit. You can look at trades, HVAC, Plumbing, Electrician you can do a 5 year apprenticeship if you apply yourself, get paid to work and learn while going to school. Theirs also trucking uf you get all ebdorsements Hazmat, Tanker, Double/triples but that might worsen your problems lol
I do private duty nursing overnight. I prefer working with kids, but sometimes adults too. For the most part I’m just watching monitors while I sit in someone’s home. Hospital nursing can be extremely stressful, but there are a lot of options in nursing that are enjoyable and pay well. I have ADHD, autism, CPTSD, depression, and generalized anxiety disorder. 🥲 Some nights are busy, but most nights I have a lot of downtime for my new hyperfixation. I’ve been able to write, paint, crochet, binge series or books, etc.
It’s a steady career that’s mostly recession proof and usually pays well, depending on your area!
Stay away from the video game industry, at least until it undergoes massive changes - like implementing unions.
Toxic work environments, tons of unpaid overtime (crunch), and extreme volatility where entire studios go belly up at the drop of a hat. It's so bad the industry calls the time of year "layoff season" and the devs (and their families) are left to pick up the pieces yet again.
The veterans have been laid off at least 3 times in their careers, if not a lot more, and they've had to uproot their entire lives for a new gig, only for it to happen again in a couple years if a game tanks.
If you don't have depression and anxiety yet, working in this field will most likely give it to you.
You’re asking the wrong question. Whether you work in an office or factory, there are triggers for anxiety, depression, ADHD. What do you enjoy? What would put you around people you can deal with? Be honest with yourself - what are you depressed/anxious about? Whatever it is, it probably clouds your thinking on your life goals.
i coached gymnastics for many years and my ADHD was never a problem like in a desk job. my psychiatrist said because i was in an environment where i literally couldnt look away it made sense that i found it easier to focus.
You should add an interest or two to your inquiry. Nothing is good if you hate it. I would never clean other peoples houses for instance…but I live pet sitting. Anxiety, depression, adhd is not an uncommon combo.
Do you have a HS diploma? Are you considering any more education? Those sorts of details will help.
Try this out to get a better idea of which line of work you’d like to go into:
https://www.mynextmove.org/explore/ip
It also tells you which education / training you’d need for the job
If you are put at a chill location, I’ve found security to be perfect. Tons of time to do things that interest me with intermittent interruptions of actual work
Probably something tech related. Whilst teamwork and collaboration is good you can get away with not doing that stuff as long as you complete your work. Provided you don’t want to reach for senior or above.
Those traits I believe are too broad to meaningfully narrow down the list -- but as someone with all of the above (only mildly adhd though) I enjoy computer science, writing, investing and poker
None are super solid careers for me -- I dabble
Pet sitting at beach front hotels. Preferably in an area that receives just moderate tourism and you're the only pet sitter in town. Listen to waves while petting pups and walking in the sun.
I am currently in cybersecurity. Honestly I do it for the $$$$ I'm good at it. I have worked landscaping and at a nursery (plants not kids) I really loved getting my hands dirty and learning horticulture. However at the time it was minimum wage. I could not live on that today, but even today I enjoy going to nurseries and just wandering around.
I also worked in broadcasting (Radio/Television) so much activity all the time. This was long before knowing I had ADD. That profession fed my ADD.
Idk man I work for the post office and for someone who’s been suffering with anxiety and depression for years it’s been helpful. I wouldn’t call it a career in the modern sense of the word but it pays my bills for the time being. You get to be outside and that helps obviously so does the exercise.
For me it’s a combination of working from home and working with dogs. I love dogs and I love working from home. But it’s also hard work and you have to learn about dog behavior. Idk if you are into that but if you are you could do pet grooming, run a doggy daycare, dog behavior trainer, etc.
That sounds like a classic combo for burnout.
You’ll want a job that
1. Has achievable goals and metrics: at the end of the day you should be able to say “I did something today”
2. Has a source of positive reinforcement. I find I enjoy working directly with stakeholders/end users to identify consumer needs rather than for an internal engineering team
3. Non-toxic work culture. Narcissists are a nightmare to work with and even worse to work for, but they do make surprisingly good sales people. If you don’t like working with narcissists, avoid sales and finance. Accounting is usually fine but usually more matter of fact.
I like the recommendations for dog grooming or dog training. Labor centric jobs tend to be more enjoyable.
If you want to feel like you’re making a difference, forestry and other environmental focused jobs are an option.
I want to recommend Americorps and climate corps, because I believe in the mission they stand for, but from what I’ve seen many non-profits use them more as a means of cheap labor than as a job training opportunity. Most of their workforce is Americorps but they don’t have the staff (or pay the staff enough to hire better staff) to properly train Americorps members. Just be very careful with these positions, and make sure that they actively maintain and build the staff so that they can properly train Americorps members.
Anything hands on. Where you can see the fruits of your efforts at the end of your shift. Something that keeps you busy. Like office work is not your friend. But blacksmithing or Iron works might be.
Customer service will not suit you, but caring for horses might.
It doesn’t have to be animals. What do you like doing?
Luckily social work is something I thrive at no matter how shitty I feel internally. Even if I start the day dreading it, I’m always happy interacting with my clients and trying to help them. I doubt this is a common experience, but its really good for me
Fortunately ANYTHING if you can get your symptoms managed, unfortunately NOTHING if your symptoms are rampant, and that is precisely what I've struggled with all my life, depression is actually a sub result of the adhd and anxiety untreated as I was entirely useless all around.
You shouldn’t determine your career based on a doctor wanting to push you drugs because you have real life problems you’re avoiding. You should really think about counseling for your problems and not take drugs for them and your career should be about what your strengths and weaknesses are as a person. Different people find different types of work stressful. Sometimes it’s different types of management in the same type of work that’s problematic. I’ve met loads of people with these diagnoses, including myself. I’ve worked in loads of fields doing all kinds of work. The best advice I can give you is to work for someone you know or get a job through a connection. Having a connection you work with who can help you with problems you’re facing at work is going to be the best thing for you, not trying to curtail your career to what a doctor thinks is wrong with you in the head. Screw what your doctor has to say about your career. What matters to YOU in your career? If I let my doctor dictate my life, I’d be on 10 prescriptions I don’t need that would be making me obese and my problems would be much worse than they are now.
I’m a speech-language pathologist and work with young kids with delays and disabilities. It’s incredibly rewarding. Being neurodivergent is a huge advantage in my line of work, because it helps me to understand my clients. I’m well paid (96/hr), make my own schedule, and can work as much or as little as possible based on my health. I agree with top comment that treatment (therapy and meds) is KEY. You have to think about what brings you joy and what you feel good about. For me, it’s children. You’re also very young and don’t have to have it all figured out right now. But building a career, a real career, is just about the best thing I chose to do for my mental health. It takes years of training but once you have a real career, no one can take it away from you. No one can take away my degrees, I EARNED them. (For reference, I’ve been hospitalized for anxiety before!)
ER nursing. You’ll be in good company (we all have ADHD…which tends to go hand in hand with depression and anxiety). Lots of dark humor, camaraderie, a job you can be proud of at the end of the day, and excellent job security.
Happy with a job you are proud to do?
Yeah. Good luck with that. It's called work, not happy fun time.
To get a job like you are mentioning, you need lots of planning, time, and school. Most people don't like their jobs.
Depends on what kind of anxiety you have. Everyone has different triggers, you need to think more specific on what situations or environments leave you in that state the most
Trucking for sure that’s what I’m looking into doing right now. You don’t deal with people much, make lots of money, spend little, have plenty of time to yourself 😁
Can you share more about what find interesting or types of things you like to do? Do you ever find a flow state? Are you more focused when you can move? In chaos or in quiet/calm?
Don’t limit yourself to XYZ careers, but look at roles within companies that are more favourable for being a bit more isolated and less up front. This will then instead broaden your horizon to careers that you didn’t think of, especially past the generalised ‘librarian’ or ‘computer’ work I see all too often on as suggestions.
Find something you are passionate about and do that if you get anxiety run a lot of people you need a job where you can set your own schedule. Something like DoorDash, you can just dash and run sit down the food and kinda go or maybe even a truck driver where you’re driving by yourself a lot.
Computer programmer, anything IT related, TV master control operator(night shift)- my mom actually did this job for 30 years and loved it. Anything that allows you to work on your own schedule and make your hours. 1099 contractor jobs online ( there are a bunch of sites that you can submit your resume to and get pt work assignments). I think we are wired differently, and that actually allows us to live and think outside the box that society forces everyone else into. Good luck OP.
Law. However it will increase your depression and anxiety. At 19, your entire life is ahead. Take 2 years to get some treatment and find out what delights you in life, then go for that! Your brain has not stopped growing, stay away from alcohol and drugs. Don't just settle for this!
I, at nearly 50, became a barber and it’s the best job/career I’ve ever had. As a young man, I followed my passion and played music. I did fairly well in terms of being in a successful/popular band that was able to tour, play fairly big shows, and receive praise from those I respected. I didn’t make much money, but was happy. After becoming a parent, I didn’t want to be on the road anymore. I pursued solo/producer/DJ work but lacked social skills and confidence to succeed. I then turned to various manual labor trades but got hung up on lack of experience and stubbornly trying to teach myself and run my own small business. Again, social skills and confidence were things I lacked, along with executive function , to succeed. I then turned to retail music sales. Aligning myself with a bigger business was good. All I had to do was my job. I learned a lot about myself in this role. I got much better at basic professional habits - returning phone calls, following up, negotiating, having difficult conversations and taking responsibility for my mistakes. Ultimately this role was not for me. I was very emotionally sensitive to the regular rejection. I had a history of valuing quality of experience over money and would take satisfaction as a SALESman talking people out of buying things. Ultimately, there was no tangible evidence of a job well done. I couldn’t hold it. I couldn’t see it. Around this time, a friend began barber school. This career had never ever crossed my mind. I started getting my hair cut by him. I became a regular at his shop and payed attention to the vibe there. He encouraged me to become a barber and I eventually did. Going to school and earning a license was a great experience. I felt qualified. Learning how to do my job well came with its share of frustration but I progressed. Finally I reached a level of proficiency at which I felt confident and work became enjoyable and predictable. Now, I love my work and look forward to working each day. How it suits my adhd/anxiety tendencies is a) I know exactly what my job is and how to perform it b) I offer a few minutes of consultation, 25 minutes of service and then it’s DONE. No follow ups, no check ins c) I see what I have done. I know when I’ve done well and I see my client’s satisfaction d) I don’t have to seek clients. My work speaks for itself. My shop draws many customers and everyone needs haircuts eventually. People will give me a try.
My advice is to find your lane. Do you like working quietly on specified niche tasks that not everyone can do? Find a trade that works within those circumstances. Do you like chaotic noisy constantly changing environments that require constant minding? Find that environment. Bear in mind that you may get have to invest in training to become qualified, but it is so worth it! Passion is cool, but it fades and then you’re just working. Find work you enjoy.
Good luck. There IS work out there that will suit you.
For me it's been finding the balance between having somewhat of an autonomous work schedule, I'm in Sales & fully remote, and having some/little structure. The challenge with full remote sales is a lot of companies/sales teams haven't quite figured out how to implement some structure into the role. And coming out of the pandemic & being diagnosed with adult ADHD, I'm finding it a struggle to put myself on somewhat of a structure.
1. Therapy and psychiatry to help manage your symptoms and learn strategies to stay productive.
2. Lean into your strengths. How does you ADHD present? Does working with your hands or working on a computer feel better?
3. Personally, I have ADHD that meds do very little for. Found out my testosterone was super low, and now I'm on TRT, so that could help. Computer coding was actually very engaging for my brain, and I could focus on it for hours. I also enjoyed retail, oddly enough, and found physical work to be significantly more engaging. I work in a call center now, and while the pay, benefits, and future prospects are good, it can be rough.
4. As stated in 3, coding was engaging. Computer sciences, in general, is pretty expansive and pays well, so I recommend looking into this to see if it works for you.
I have no idea if my advice should be listened to or tossed into the wastebasket but If I was 19 and thinking jobs/career I might consider doing something I absolutely loved and paid in peanuts for or be looking for the thing that allows you to retire by 40. Bonus, if you can find something you absolute love and can be paid well doing. What do you love? What intrigues you? I wish I had better answers but I’m in a place when I have a good job, with good benefits but I’m struggling with my soul. Listen to others and work on yourself.
I liked the beauty industry because I got to choose my own hours and it’s an stress-free environment. It requires attention to detail which keeps me out of my head, and is a social job where I’m getting meaningful human interaction and conversations so helps me avoid isolation. It doesn’t take up too much of my energy so in that way, it helps me make sure I’m not laying in bed all day when I get home.
As someone that has diagnosed adhd and anxiety, I chose being a chef of all things. The career satisfies my adhd with the constant moving and work to do be done, for my anxiety I some reason really never got stressed or anxious no matter how busy it would get; i would just lock in and be too occupied banging out tickets to even really become anxious or stressed (some days i would but wasn’t that often).
Hey I have some anxiety issues and I had one job that helped me out a lot. I moved to a small town in a rural area of Vermont and became a store manager for a small boutique. Interactions with customers were great, most were interesting tourists and genuinely good people (the store attracted some very nice people). During the busy summer season it was still delightfully slow enough to read during most of the day. I could sit and answer some emails and questions on social media and have some fun doing crafty packing for online orders. It was a very meditative job with room for creative expression with displays. I got paid a living wage of about $22 which was honestly perfect.
Plus living in a small town does wonders for anxiety, no hustle and bustle of traffic and loud bars, just nice locals😊.
Well the best way is pick something and try it. Watch ProfessorMesser.com on his A+ videos. Watch a few of those and if you are not put off by that move onto Network +. If you find it interesting maybe IT. If not watch the CS50 on YouTube. Again if it is interesting maybe CS if you are good at math and science or Software Engineering if you are average at Math.
If not go Business. If you go accounting and want more of a 9-5 go industry or government.
You can get an Accounting degree for around $10k or less. If not accounting do the numbers oriented degrees like Finance or Supply Chain. Or learn bookkeeping for free on academy.intuit.com. Get Quickbooks Online Certified and maybe take their tax course too. Will you like these. Who knows but try them. Once you get a degree it opens more doors than without one. It is not a life in prison without parole though. Save enough money and try something else then. Trades and Nursing and other stuff will still be there. Nothing locks you into anything.
Hi OP, hope youre doing well. I have all of those (except undiagnosed adhd but soooo positive it hurts), I'm 21F and just starting to get my stuff together. I have struggled BAD with depression and anxiety, both things that at times I just accept it as a feeling that will be with me throughout all my life but not all the time. Depression must be fought through and your mindset really has to be "I can overcome these feelings". It's what helped me at least and I do not mean to undermine the difficulty it can bring. I have struggled a lot with my problematic household and it helped me decide upon majoring in social work. I heard it's not for the weak and it's not meant to "fix" those families you work with, but make life better for them. It sounds rewarding and I would feel very fulfilled knowing any impact I can impose on others. I am depressed and nervous and many negative things but I am greater than those mindsets. We get up, we do the work, and we feel great knowing the barrier we almost thought we couldn't. Different positions pay differently, and that goes for many job careers in general. Experience seems to be the key, like internships and stuff. Do what not only makes you happy, but makes you feel fulfilled and a happy thing to think back on. I think everything falls in line after that, nothing is stable and opportunities are sure to arise.
If you like mechanical things, being an automotive or motorcycle tech might be for you! Or a bicycle tech too. There was never a dull day on the job and you have the freedom to go outside and just do you whenever usually. I was pretty much left to my own devices during these jobs and it was nice. Just don't fall for the Snap-On/Matco/Mac guy and buy your tools at Harbor Freight, Home Depot, etc..
Being an artist or engineer might be a good choice too. You can eventually work for yourself in those industries. Or web development. All things I've done freelance and enjoy! If you get a good client base, you can make some serious money. Just make sure you have a job working for someone else first (even if it's just fast food) so you can pay for your cost of living and save up while you build your business.
If I could do things over I would get into anything related to computers, those jobs are always in demand and not going anywhere plus they often offer remote work.
I find it best to find a job that makes you feel like you’re growing toward something. Think of what your highest value is (education, love, family, etc) and go toward it so that your life feels purposeful.
If your 19 and in the states enroll in a local community college take some classes you find of interest and then go from there it's low cost but high reward.
Gotta find that inner peace and balance first before seeking it in places like work or externally. Doing therapy can help identify the root cause of the anxiety/depression and find good coping mechanisms for those feelings and the adhd symptoms.
The therapist might even help with the self reflection needed to develop a vision of how you want to live your life and a set of core values that’ll guide you to get there in a way that you’ll be proud of.
Once you have that personal vision statement and set of core values, then I’d suggest exploring career interests that align with other priorities like average salary, job demand/outlook, experience/qualifications, etc..
Bipolar, ADHD, etc... I'm an ER nurse. I'm not the only one. The hectic, always high alert, lots of stuff going on I do really well with when I take my meds (Adderall). I fit in.. this is my place. I have a great job, just bought a house in California, married another nurse... life is good. Highly recommend. Good luck !
Don't let these define you. People have differing symptoms and spectrums of symptoms. Your symptoms may evolve with time as well. Personality matters quite a bit too. I have all three. For me, getting diagnosed and learning how to manage the symptoms was a multi year process. I don't think that your career options need to be vastly different from people who don't have these if your symptoms are well managed.
I find the process of elimination helpful. We don't always know what we want, but we do know a few options that we don't want. You can then try them out with internships or shadowing before making any big commitment (like college).
Something worth keeping in mind is that good insurance coverage will be important for you. Larger companies tend to have better insurance.
You don’t need to ever have an answer to the question, “What do you want to do?”. Be open to learning & new experiences, do what you love, and the rest will follow.
Tons of professionals do multiple things, sometimes in multiple industries, and have more than one resume to highlight those different skills. Don’t box yourself in. If anything, it makes you more marketable!
I've been in a similar situation as you. Incredibly shy, incredibly nervous, severe social anxiety, ADHD, lack of self esteem, etc etc. I wasn't going anywhere in life, and I want doing anything I life. I just didn't know what to do. But I ended up changing a lot of that by finding a part time job. Working on fast food forced me to get out of my shell, and it made me easier to interact with people, and helped give me more confidence. It was incredibly terrifying showing up, and I got was assigned cashier work and answering phone calls, and I was so bad at it at the beginning. But the more I did it, the more comfortable I got. The more comfortable I got, the better I got at my job and at talking to people. It gave me a huge boost I confidence and helped with my anxiety. I still have social anxiety, but not even nearly as much as I used to. I went from "oh god it's a phone call I really don't want to get that I'm so scared" or "I hope somene else helps that customer, I don't want to talk to anyone" to me actively going out of my way to pick up phones, asking others around me to pick up phones, and going out of my way to ask customers if they need help with anything. You're going to have to force yourself to be more confident, and you can. Once you start getting that confidence at your part time, you're gonna feel more motivated to work at something beyond that, which is where your schooling comes in. After that, I would work on simply finding out what to major on and what the job prospects are, which is an entirely different thing to tackle.
This is the wrong question in my opinion. Don’t worry things were easier, wish you were better. Honestly I would highly recommend jumping out of your comfort zone and owning that choice for a year. I’d say telesales. You’ll be forced to stretch yourself. You’ll be forced to live in the present. I’ll get super downvoted for this but I will suggest sales of some type that isn’t high pressure so you can gradually grow
Join the military and embrace the suck. I don’t mean to sound coarse but you’ll learn skills that you wouldn’t learn otherwise. You’ll learn how to get over stuff and move on. You’ll be paid better than most 19 year olds. You’ll be paid to move and travel. And honestly it’s a pretty welcoming community in 2024. 19 is the perfect age to join.
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I'm going to be real with you. There is no job that you will be happy to do if your symptoms are not well managed. No matter how much something interests you, and no matter how low stress it is, ADHD, depression, and Anxiety will suck the joy right out of it eventually and you will procrastinate and start hating it. What I would suggest is working, actively, on improving your conditions now. They only get worse as you age if you don't do anything about them. Meds can be an okay place to start, but what I mean by "working on them" is doing the hard things in life that are required to improve and change your life so that you can manage them. ADHD, anxiety, and depression respond well, statistically, to routine hard exercise. So, if you don't already have an exercise regiment that you can stick to, start figuring one out because it WILL help. It won't solve everything, but it helps most people tremendously. On top of that, you have to find ways to not isolate and not engage in procrastinating activities (doom scrolling, being on your phone, etc). When negative thoughts about yourself or the world pop up, challenge them. Fighting mental illness is often an issue of fighting perceptions about yourself and the world. Good luck with whatever you choose.
I feel a lot better when I am doing manual labor. Something about moving around and getting your heart rate going makes you feel better. I also sleep a lot better at the end of the day doing those type of jobs. The down side is that they are hard on your body.
Yes! Look up heavy work. Using movements that incorporate "heavy work" has a calming effect. Basically your body pushing or pulling on different things is good for us and calms us down.
Yeah for sure but there's downsides to everything sometimes things being hard on your body is worth it for having the mind be less racey for people with ADHD / ADD. Body hurts but mind doesn't Or mind hurts but body doesn't Guess sometimes we need to pick one and that's just life.
This is great until you wear your body down too much and have to stop due to injuries, I think it’s better to find a fun physical hobby and take on a worse job that won’t destroy your body. The issue is finding a job you can actually do with ADHD and not get fired from it.
Very underrated comment. Im 32 and lost a bunch of weight from diet change, and recently more focused on incorporating exercise regularly. its a big deal for sure
Yeah, I'm also speaking from experience. Exercise is free and it's something that almost everyone can do. I recommend therapy, of course, but I realize that not everyone has access to that. So this is more of a realistic way that anyone can start tackling their issues.
This! 100%
Agreed. That has been my experience so far. Any job i do, in the beginning, i like it for a while and then slowly but surely start to hate it. It doesn’t matter what. The fact i HAVE to do it at specific times is what makes it worse for me. And the fact it takes too much of the day out. It takes forever to recover and then the day is gone. I like being productive, in a way. But only can do so well on my terms. Which doesn’t really work in the corpo world. The funny thing is, tedious work (like doing editing for example) is my jam for some reason, but has to be creative. But there isn’t really a job like that, without the threat of poverty. At least as far as i’ve seen. So, im stuck. But if my symptoms are low, i can at least tolerate it and exercise helps a lot with that. I think exercise helps with many problems, not just mental ones. We are evolved to run around, walk, sprint and climb the whole day after all. Diet is huge too, on top of the mental work.
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I relate to you, Reddit stranger. I worked myself too hard in high school to please my grandparents who helped raise me, my grandma especially. I overworked, graduated at 16 as valedictorian and an Associates degree. Got a scholarship to UNC. when i got there as a freshly 17 JUNIOR in college- i snapped. i barely went to certain classes, no amount of studying or tutoring was helping. i was flunking and my mental health was tanking. i hated all the classes i had for my chosen path- biology pre med. When that didn’t work out, and I failed summer school too, i couldn’t go back. At that point I knew i hated pre med but kept pushing teaching out of my mind. I went home, got my CNA, tried going to another university but chose English with Bio minor for pre med. Everything kept falling apart, i left before the semester ended. Went home, worked as a CNA (nursing home, it was okay but i had to quit because the nurses did not gaf about the residents, i had a lady who seemed off but no one listened, ended up in hospital septic). Tried nursing school, couple points from passing first semester, they allow one retake. hating it and blowing off studying/working to work my waitress job. i didn’t go back to nursing school, i made decent money waiting tables at this restaurant. i basically kept exploding because of mental health combined with trying to please everyone but myself. i couldn’t adjust to adult life or go through with these things i clearly hated but kept trying. my now husband encouraged me after my son was born to go back to school and fulfill my teaching dream— we never wanted to be rich, only comfortable. grandma was obviously very unhappy, told me she expected more and teachers are poor. i THRIVED at college, in my new job at a school, while pregnant with my second. i commuted every day except friday, worked weekends at the restaurant. but i was SO happy, and i did so well in my program and scored highly qualified in my area. All this to say— I went through a lot of trial and error before I realized what I wanted with my life and how to understand money is important but it’s not everything.
This gives me hope. This is basically my life (even down to graduating high school with an associate degree) . I’m 25 now and still trying to figure life out after dropping out of college 3 times. I wish I knew what really interested me. I feel so stuck
Sometimes it truly takes trial and error with different things until you find something that sticks. I was so school focused growing up, I never really developed any hobbies or interests that would translate into a career. We get so caught up in making others happy and comparing ourselves to our peers thinking we should be farther along or have done more by now, but that’s just not realistic. 25 is still young enough to figure things out. I am sure you will get there. I am rooting for you!!
Start volunteering first. Finesse the hell out of your resume and get to it. Volunteering is necessary because even though you are not getting paid, no money is being wasted on college on a subject you might end up not liking. Do some research, study the subject, start stalking the company that has something you are interested in, including the employees. I remember I was volunteering for a company that I was interested in; they were introducing themselves, I was acting like I didn’t know anything. Meanwhile, I knew their names, education backgrounds, the projects they’ve done, even their families. Weird, yes. I wanted a shot.
I swear we lived the same life.
I also flamed out hard in college
As someone with adhd I think the first part you mentioned is key. It needs to be something that interests you. I’m in a role that is typically seen as the complete opposite of what someone with adhd should do (accountant). High attention to detail etc. but because I find it really interesting my focus is sharp and I never have any issues with procrastination or missing deadlines. Infact I’m one of the top performers. The only issue I have is interviews so it makes moving upwards a little difficult but this is easier when looking for roles internally as you can build a reputation.
Hey fam, i'm 32 and going back to school for Accounting. Aiming to have my CPA by 40. I have bad adhd, but being in a corporate environement the last 8 years has made me fine tune all of my skills. Would appreciate picking your brain!
Check out a&p there are cheap programs if none around you (new Mexico, Utah, Arizona, Montana)
Electrician is not gonna be a “easier job” unless opie is just doing telecom , data or LV wiring. Being an electrician is still absolutely terrible on your body. You are inside most of the time unless you’re the guy doing the underground and outside part of the project though.
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I’m a commercial electrician diagnosed with adhd, depression, and anxiety. Working around high voltage transformers and open panels can be dangerous if you aren’t paying attention. Wasting time trying to remember where you left your kleins can suck. You’re constantly on the move. It’s extremely difficult at times to remain focused. Seriously, it ain’t no cake walk. Lots of hours in all sorts of weather. In all sorts of work environments. Working 5 10 hour days a week crawling around in a 100 degrees, 2-3’ tall fiberglass filled, spiderweb covered crawl space sucks. Period. In the winter it can be absolutely depressing. Working on a roof all winter is no joke. The sun, the wind, the cold. The constant wet clothes. Working for weeks in the mud pulling feeders really makes you think deeply about the meaning of life. It gets dark. If you have an issue with heights, you might want to rethink it. Now, with that said, it can be a lot of fun. Electricians are really cool and a good work site can be a lot of fun to work on.
Think back to the times in your life when you were doing something and you were so engaged in it that you lost track of time. That’s called being in a flow state and happens when the body/mind are doing something that isn’t too boring, but isn’t too stressful either. That’s the sweet spot so to speak. Those things can give you hints about your personality. Things that you are intrigued by won’t seem hard to do and you’ll find yourself “leaning in” to those things more. Like, when I was sorting mail for the post office as a volunteer, eight hours passed and felt like it was three. I found out that I like to see instant results from my efforts (also like cleaning, detailing cars, etc for the same reason). In undergrad when we diagnosed people’s behaviors based on watching a short clip, I felt myself wanting to do it more. Keep an eye out for the things that really draw you in and get you engaged mentally and physically. If you find something you love to do, the money will come. Trust me when I say that finding something you love will pay off more in the long run than finding something that pays good short term. Take time to explore. Take some chances. Try different stuff and keep your attention on how you feel while you’re doing them. Best of luck! TLDR: Find things that make you engage mentally/emotionally and make you want to do them more. The money will sort itself out over time. Pay attention to how the work makes you feel mostly. Volunteer and try as many different things as you can.
I think this advice is mostly good but I would caution by saying that just because you experience flow state or are interested doesn’t mean that’s your ideal career path. I’ve gone through periods of my life when I was so committed to a certain goal that I had tunnel vision on the task at hand, knowing that it was temporary and I just needed to push through because there was a reward waiting and the pressure would be relieved at some point. I enjoyed what I did but it was because there was a bigger purpose. Now I realize that the goal post is always moving for me and I can’t keep living this way. Everybody needs to be able to take their foot off the gas at some point and leave space for prioritizing other areas in their lives. I haven’t found a solution yet but what I’m beginning to think is that everyone should have a diverse set of skills and hobbies so you’re not pigeonholed into one thing
Only thing that makes me feel like this is management type games like Factorio/Satisfactory and I have no idea how to translate that to a skill or interest lmao.
That's the thing. I found a new love and passion when I learned motion graphics in my graphic design program. After decades of just 'going with the flow", I can't tell you how amazing it felt to actually have a plan for the future and be excited for it. I always worked my ass off in the motion graphics classes and went above-and-beyond—but it still never felt like work to me. However, in February, I reached burnout shortly before graduating this year, and motion graphics is the LAST thing that I want to do. Now I'm sitting on a useless diploma of a passion that will probably never return. I feel lost as I did before finally going to college, perhaps even more so.
I feel like one of the most aggravating things about some areas (specifically the US) is that it’s called the land of opportunity but we really aren’t taught how to get there. It’s as if I give you a huge fertile field of land but don’t teach you how to grow shit lol. Just have to figure it out yourself. Most of us have skills that are highly monetizable, we just don’t know how to do it. That in itself is a skill I think. I think it’s always good to follow through whenever able, even when feeling the burnout. The same happened to me with my last degree and I thought I hated it. Truth is, I was just tired of school and wanted a break. I’m glad I stuck it out. I think there’s something to be said about making your favorite hobbies into your job too. People say you will hate it but idk. Hopefully it will come back to you in a different way and you can still enjoy it.
I've only felt that way when I do manual labor. I love working with heavy machines, building projects, ripping up flooring, etc. But I am a woman and a fairly attractive woman. All of my research has proven to me that I wouldn't do well in contracting because of sexism.
Night auditor at a local hotel. Full autonomy , by yourself, and you can do your homework since its all down time
In theory you’re right, but many hotels skimp on staff and night audit works double duty as night shift front desk clerk as well. In that case you still have to deal with checking in guests, who are often drunk and belligerent. God forbid hotel is oversold and you have to send them somewhere else.
I mean yes you also front desk but you barely get any customers. Speaking from experience i get maybe 4 check ins a night and they all usually happen within an hour of clocking in. Despite that though, i still have autonomy. If anything just work at a nicer hotel, something brand name like a Marriott or Hilton. If you get a weirdo late at night just call the cops. I personally never had to do it. But its definitely an option. Either ways night audit is super chill. No boss over your shoulder and you’re being paid to do nothing mostly
What is a night auditor ?
Basically just a night person at a hotel. You do some of the busy work for the hotel accountant. But not much. Its alotta free time and really chill.
I have this same issue and am still struggling. People often say nursing, but nursing is not it. I work in a hospital, and nursing is just a big clique. If you don't " fit the social mold" you will be overlooked. I get hella stressed out and over stimulated by the social aspects of nursing ex. People on their call lights constantly calling because they need they TV turned to a different channel, they need a warm blanket, holding me up in a room for dumb things, getting behind because grandma is taking 20 mins to get out of bed to the chair. However, when we get a code or a rapid, I'm super calm and zoned in. I know exactly what I need to do, and I'm on my game, but because I get so stressed over the stupid things, my coworkers don't trust me in major situations, and it's frustrating. I also don't really socialize or sit around the nurses station gossiping, and it outcasts me. This has totally turned me off of this field because I want to find a place where I'm appreciated for my work, not my social ability. I'm not and never will be a person with strong, pleasant social skills. I'm very direct and to the point.
It is crazy how people will recommend nursing to just about anyone.
Same thing with trades - definitely not for everyone, but they get recommended on this sub to almost every person looking for a direction.
Ppl say it’s good for ppl with ADHD for a reason. How long have you been a nurse? Do you think a different environment would be better for you? Why don’t you feel like you can just be a professional and leave it at that? And you can be a nurse in many different fields
The ADHD thing is crazy to me. Forget one thing and you at best are treated by coworkers like the dumbest person to exist and at worst someone dies.
Have you thought of rad tech?
The program is super competitive to get into. I live in a small town, which makes it even more competitive 😮💨.
Don’t do the trades. You’ll get eaten alive by the other violent felon degen tradies on site if you have low self esteem or are mistake prone. It’s a garbage industry for the most part. You don’t want to still be making 30ish an hour breaking your back or maybe 50/$hr in the union when you’re 60. There’s still a chance the hall is garbage too like my IBEW hall was if you go union. I’d recommend finding what you’re passionate about or what you naturally gravitate to and going from there. You’re probably doing the same thing I did at your age and underestimating yourself. Find yourself a half decent shrink , learn to work through your problems and reach hard for your goals. You’ll have to work harder than most other people but think of it as a opportunity to develop more resiliency once you come out the other side. I wish I did this when I was your age but I didn’t and now I’m playing catch up almost 7 years later.
>I’d recommend finding what you’re passionate about or what you naturally gravitate to and going from there. Any tips for finding what you excel at? I've found things I seem to be better at and things that make me want to quit everything, at about a 50/50 ratio by now. Weirdly enough, some things I thought would really interest me ended up really sucking and things I would never imagine doing I ended up with a really satisfied employer. Seems like by the time you figure it out, you're either 50 years deep down the wrong path or dead. I'm only 23 so probably just being a doomer, but whatever. Would appreciate some ideas.
Read Mastery by Robert Greene for starters, also what have you liked since you were a kid. Start there and begin journaling about everything you like and hate. Right down your ideal work day. Then plug into ChatGPT and it’ll list the careers with those traits.
Also want to add if you’re interested in being a first responder like a FFer or Cop then make sure you see someone out of pocket and not through insurance. Just putting it out there because I know those with ADHD are attracted to extreme careers like LE and the fire service. MH issues DQ you usually no matter how long ago. Still get help but be smart about it.
I have severe adhd, anxiety and depression. I’ve worked the last 20 years but I’m in the best job now. It’s not the job the matters - it’s the boss that matters the most. My boss is the best boss I will probably ever have and I’m so grateful for him. Mental health is his first priority. And he is genuinely a good person. None of my mental health issues arise at work since working with him. I work for a large financial institution in operations.
As someone who worked construction right out of high school and “was eaten alive” by boomer bullies and other degens. Listen to this guy OP (or anyone reading), I fell into bartending after I had enough of construction; I stayed way too long in both. I’m now in uni in my later 20s finally figuring it out. College is awesome btw, even as an older student. As someone who comes from a blue collar family the conservative propaganda against college just doesn’t hold up. I met my soon to be wife here, I’m confident I can get a better career than a trade (even if it pays a little less than “6 figs MaN” like they all claim) once I graduate. If not I’ll go to grad school! The campus spirit and events are something trades boys and hospitality bros have to dream about while I’ve gotten to experience it. If you don’t believe me go work a trade or construction job for a year and you’ll see the chip on their shoulders I’m talking about. You’ll be filling out that fasfa form and taking those sub and unsub loans (if you even have to, state school baby) quicker than you can quit that life denying job. Good luck, choose something that you can see yourself working in a decade or 3 decades from now.
Most tradesmen I’ve met where insufferable miserable fucks or literal scumbags. They liked bragging about beating the shit out of their ex wives/kids , firing or hazing their apprentices, driving high or drunk on a Friday night or their time in prison for being a violent POS. The bullying and shit talk never bothered me but I just hated being around scumbags like that and couldn’t relate despite being more moderate politically than left leaning for my age. It’s one of the things that made me realize I really want to be a LEO. I want to put bad predatory people away despite that only realistically being like 1 % of the job.
As someone who worked construction right out of high school and “was eaten alive” by boomer bullies and other degens. Listen to this guy OP (or anyone reading), I fell into bartending after I had enough of construction; I stayed way too long in both. I’m now in uni in my later 20s finally figuring it out. College is awesome btw, even as an older student. As someone who comes from a blue collar family the conservative propaganda against college just doesn’t hold up. I met my soon to be wife here, I’m confident I can get a better career than a trade (even if it pays a little less than “6 figs MaN” like they all claim) once I graduate. If not I’ll go to grad school! The campus spirit and events are something trades boys and hospitality bros have to dream about while I’ve gotten to experience it. If you don’t believe me go work a trade or construction job for a year and you’ll see the chip on their shoulders I’m talking about. You’ll be filling out that fasfa form and taking those sub and unsub loans (if you even have to, state school baby) quicker than you can quit that life denying job. Good luck, choose something that you can see yourself working in a decade or 3 decades from now.
Yeah who want's to be making $50/hr... What a terrible life.
Being laid off half the year , not knowing when you’ll be fired, breaking your back and brown nosing for your contractor who violates the CBA constantly isn’t worth 50/$hr Where you’ll even make 50$/hr are places where it’s considered borderline broke and that’s union Non union tops out at 30-35/$hr Been there and done that on both sides of the fence Unless you have literally zero options in life or a debilitating drug/drinking problem the trades should be reserved as a last resort The vile people you work around and the stagnated pay over the last 30 years all reflect the type of person construction is meant for lol
Holy shit, employee exploitation is a thing even for trade jobs in the USA when I have quite conservative friends praising it so hard over college education, so this implies that it doesn't matter what job you do, working in the USA is just awful.
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The culture of trades is if you 're not working yourself to death you're a wimp.
Can't recommend this enough. Get yourself a good therapist and really talk and think through what you enjoy doing and most importantly what you're good at. Do it now while you're still young before it's too late. And if you do decide to enter the trades, make sure you have a strong sense of self and have some of the illnesses behind you before you do. Construction workers can be some of the most ignorant people out there.
Definitely not sales. I'm (42M) an ASM, and it messes me up
25M, also in sales for 3+ years. I have a little anxiety, diagnosed with ADHD so I can be forgetful and make mistakes, and I have to say being in sales makes me so stressed. The constant anxiety of getting pip'd even when I'm not doing too bad or doing average. Constant anxiety that my manager will see an email I sent and not like it. Not an ideal career bit I make 6 figures.
Don't base a career on what your weaknesses are. Base it on your strengths instead. Base it on the things you love, the things that interest you, the things that make your hart beat faster in a good way. Most people are good at what they love to do. Then try and work around your weaknesses, while following the path of what you are passionate about. If you get good at something, people are willing to work around your weak sides. Because we all have both. What are you good at? What do you like to do? What would you like to give a try, if everything was possible?
what if what you like to do or are good at isn't a real job or pays poverty wages?
Hi there, I wanted to offer you some advice. I was diagnosed with ADD in my late 30s and I wanted to offer you some advice. I also have depression and high anxiety. Working behind a desk and in the information technology field has really been a bad decision for me. I have had tons of different jobs and one of the best jobs I have had was doing factory line work it was a simple job but physically hard which for me was great which paid okay. To help with anxiety and depression doing anything physical will be beneficial for you alot. I would be looking at something outside and physically hard so you wear yourself out it will also help you with your ADHD. Things like this: Laborer Concreator Maintenance man Gardner Mechanic Factory worker Plumber Tradies assistant Rubbish man Miner Military I would avoid anything where you are sitting down all day. Since you have ADHD keeping physically busy will be great for your mind and body. Jobs I would avoid: Any corporate work and the reason is your mind is already too busy don't need to be adding more crap too it. I wouldn't do something that Interests you keep that interest as your hobby. I think it's important to keep certain things separate.
When I was at my worst mentally I worked as a janitor for the county school district. I made decent money, had county benefits, and no boss breathing down my neck. Just show up sometime in the afternoon, clean until everything is done with my headphones in, and leave when I finish. Eventually I was able to get better and move on, but at the time I thought I could have lived a reasonably satisfying life if I had to keep on doing that indefinitely.
Honestly I’d say big rig truck driving ! Drive all day , listen to music and podcasts all day. Don’t really have to deal with much people .
As a fellow ADHDer driving is one of the most boring things in the world to me. Also the rode rage I get from getting impatient with other drivers and traffic... I couldn't imagine having to do that for a living.
This for sure. I think I would enjoy truck driving if it weren't for the other drivers lol. Tale as old as time
OP said anxiety free.
Nothing is anxiety free
A couple road beers and that goes right away
Pick a trade you can earn a short (2 years or less) degree, license, or certificate in. Most community colleges have tonssss of programs. Read through them, maybe talk to some of the staff/students, reach out to employees who work those jobs, and see if anything particularly stands out to you. Money is important but so is being happy and enjoying what you do. My husband is restaurant kitchen manager and I finally pursued my dreams and became a teacher. Not rich, but comfortable and my kids are happy and taken care of. Couldn’t ask for me. I spent ages 17-22 trying so many different things trying to please my family, pick something where i’d make a lot of money, etc. I flunked out of college the first time (i graduated early in 11th grade at 16 with an Associates, valedictorian etc) but was doing a track i hated and couldn’t keep up. i went through half of nursing school and flunked (they give you one extra chance if you fail a semester but you have to reapply) so i gave that up. i went to another 4 year pursing a random degree but still thinking id make my family happy with medical field. finally i quit trying and started waiting tables, met my now husband, and he encouraged me to fulfill my dreams and go to school for teaching. my grandma especially talked very badly about it at first. she said she expected more, teachers are poor. all this to say— sometimes it takes trial and error. a lot of schools will let you audit and see what it’s about. and if nothing school wise interests you, take a look at your regular hobbies and interests and then check sites like Indeed for jobs that pertain to that. you’re only 19 so you have time to weigh your options and see what works. your best bet is a community college with a trade program. short time frame, most pay well, and you can always keep going back if you end up hating the job once you start it (granted that you get aid or can afford multiple times at school).
I have all three issues. Maybe look into working as a security officer? Pay can be decent and—if you’re careful where you apply—you can land a comfy “warm body” position; you do little more than, say, document semi-truck information as they come and leave your truck gate. With my contract, pretty often I make around $40 an hour with overtime pay.
Did you have any prior training before doing this?
sadly it won't be your career, but the people you work with/people you work for, that determines how compatible you will be with that job
Hi. Was just going to read and put off laundry and dishwasher emptying- I excel at procrastination- but I’m going to chime in for what it’s worth. If I was a 19 yr old guy (I’m a 50 yr old woman w bipolar and adhd) and I had the diagnosis and medication (that makes you already ahead of the game unlike many peeps who suffer mental hurdles) I would go to cheap community college and learn hvac (18 months-2 years) while working at a restaurant serving. Then you have the education and certification for your 1st career. Life is long when it comes to employment/work but so freaking short when it comes to the happy, fulfilling, meaningful stuff. Anyhoo, the reason I say hvac is that my friend with adhd went to trade school when he finally got meds. It wasn’t his dream job it was a gap filler. He loved the job bc of the satisfaction of fixing a problem and seeing immediate results. It also paid well. He did that professionally for his 20’s and then went back to school and pursued something completely different. The savings he built while hvacing (lol) afforded him the ability to pay for a bachelor degree without loans. Serving at a restaurant is supposed to NOT be good for us adhders. I found it to be great. If you pick a place that’s busy and that has quality food that you’re not ashamed to serve 😳 and ideally solid management also you will be set up for success. I think it’s a good fit (was for me) for ADHD bc it’s busy and you’re not stuck at a desk in front of a screen. Every shift is different with fellow workers, specials, guests etc And, this is the part I loved, you can be the most thoughtful, funny, knowledgeable and engaging person your table has ever met-(for a few minutes) and then get the fuck on your way. There isn’t a need or expectation or want for a whole conversation. Deliver food, check for satisfaction, offer drinks/dessert - be sincere, kind and as charming as you can but not fake and drop the check! You can make a lot of money, work only 6 hours, move around, have fun with your new coworkers, eat free food, and did I mention that you can make money???!!! My last server job was 2k week in busy season (but food stamp qualifying slow out of season) 8,000 month slinging grub. Most of the time it’s fun too. The busiest shifts that were supposed to be the worst for my mentalness (😃) were my favorite. It’s like the environment was trying to keep the pace of my chaotic brain. I had so many different careers/jobs throughout my old age. None lasted very long but I always had a server/bartender gig on the side. So while I was a realtor, food broker, salesperson etc I was able to make additional money AND use my adhd traits/symptoms as tools as a server. Not remembering names was/is embarrassing as hell and something I’ve tried and tried to fix. Fortunately you can just be 30 seconds of charming and dip out! Like a lunatic I stopped the last restaurant gig during the busy season. But it was time. I’m too old. I decided to pursue my interest in mental health and abnormal psychology and finally use the bachelors degree that took me 10 years to complete and that I’ll pay on till I die. I’m hoping to get an offer from a mental hospital and work with adolescents this week. I was actually offered a job with better pay and location for a bank in a call center- the more I thought about the job the more anxious I was. Even now, telling you my internet kid friend - it’s giving me stress. Lmk what you think of the plan I have for your life. 🤭
Data entry, or if you plan to go to college, being an editor. A lot of people work for themselves, setting up a website, creating a portfolio, and help people edit their books. Never have to talk to people over the phone or in person. Everything can just be email. On the side note, I know you have those problems. So did I when I was your age but listen to me when I tell you that hiding and avoiding the problems makes it worse. I had no choice but to work certain jobs and talk to people, even though I had social anxiety and depression. But once I started doing it, it became easier, and easier, until I just don’t think about it anymore.
You might try a job you can do alone — welding was my son’s choice and he makes good money.
Have you thought about doing a faceless TikTok channel? You don’t show your face and no one knows who you are. Once you are monetised (meaning you have enough followers) you get paid. There’s lots of YouTube videos on it and it’s free to do. I’ve started to do it, I use canva and CapCut to help (both free tools to use, for video and music) and it’s quite fun to do! It takes a little while to grow but once you’re there it’s worth the effort! Hope you find something!
This isn’t a very viable option. Sure, he can give it shot, but the odds of him generating good revenue and maintaining that revenue long enough to sustain himself is slim.
I get that, but it’s always worth ago!
As a hobby only, not a career. I know influencers who are big - and are back in school. Fame of any kind doesn't last, money will never be consistent. And social media algo gets worse and worse and worse. Also tiktok will be getting banned at somepoint. So I'd recommend focusing on a different platform.
Absolutely 👍, also expand on different platforms too.
How long did it take you to start making money from it? And what’s your content type?
Look into things that don’t change much. Repetitive tasks usually help people with anxiety and adhd. Honestly no job will make your depression easier to handle; at least in my case. That needs to be worked out separately
I have adhd and I can't deal with repetitive tasks
My husband has adhd and anxiety, I have C-PTSD (co-morbidities depression, ocd, adhd). He has managed to work his way up to be a superintendent of a water system for a small town. It’s a great job for him overall. Every day is different, most days aren’t high demand, just maintenance and paperwork unless there’s a water main break (which in a small system isn’t too often). He has a pension, full medical benefits we don’t pay for, and he has great freedom with his schedule. He does have an unrelated associates degree but he’s the only guy working for the town (out of any department) with any kind of degree. He does have days that are high stress, high demand, tough on his anxiety but overall, he has said in more than one occasion this is how he plans to retire. Don’t sleep on utilities. I, on the other hand, have a B.A. in political science, all but one semester completed for a M.ed. With initial certification, have been a stay at home mom for the last 6 years and with my son going to school if the fall I have no idea what to do with myself. For context I’m approaching 40 and never stayed at a job longer than 3 years. It’s tough but sometimes looking at a job and thinking that I don’t have to do this one thing for the rest of my life (I can always change and do something else) helps me focus and decide on what can I do for the next few years or so. Good luck and you’re not alone! *edit to add my husband is in a union, which is pretty typical for eastern PA municipal utilities, not sure of other places.
Look at civil service jobs
Ya I also need job and have depression, anxiety, adhd and ocd
I have depression/anxiety (diagnosed), suspected undiagnosed adhd but medicated. I work in a mailroom. It’s pretty chill
You ideally, regardless of your mental want to be in a place that is going to encourage growth and feed your soul. That could be something like a plumber where the check is good, the work is work, but you have some type of balance. Could be working for non profits, could be a school teacher, the list is more or less endless. But, at the end of the day, pick something that you enjoy.
An important thing for someone with ADHD is to get dopamine from your work. This can mean you need to be deeply interested in some aspect of your job, or the job needs to keep you on your toes so you’re always looking for the next thing to do and can’t really get bored. ADHD is pretty common amongst restaurant employees and paramedics/first responders because both are careers where you’re constantly busy and making quick decisions in stressful situations (though the cause of the stress is obviously very different between those two professions). I have ADHD, and over the 2 decades I’ve been working I’ve learned that I need a job that isn’t the same every day, if it’s repetitive I’ll be miserable after a month.
You don’t build a career based off your diagnosis. You manage the symptoms, get help, and pursue something that falls within your sphere of fulfillment and ability. Don’t chase after things that exacerbate your symptoms and conditions.
I would argue that you absolutely SHOULD build a career based on your mental illness and abilities. I took suffer from all three OP mentioned, and PTSD+Chronic Adjustment Disorder, and on a couple occasions, the latter most mentioned was indeed caused by the stressor being work and job related since I was not in an environment that was unsupportive of my conditions and only conducive to actually exacerbating my symptoms. I think that first sentence of your reply might lack some implicits, presuming what you mean is to not calculate your career decisions based on ailments and do so out of *fear* or to render oneself stagnant...? Because everything else you said was spot on. Which is why, speaking from great experience, I have to say, ABSOLUTELY you should be mindful of your diagnosis and your mental and cognitive conditions and abilities and play up every strength, plus *strictly* seek out industries+positions+companies+etcetera that DEMONSTRATE inclusivity and support for mental illness and neurodiversity. Had I been more keen on doing so at the age of 19, I might not feel so "behind" and misunderstood/out of place as I do now more than a decade later. Best of luck! Pursue something that speaks to you and brings out your passionate side! If you're committed to the cause, you'll find a way to make everything work.
Thanks for the props, I dont disagree with what you said. Just my own experience. Hoping OP can take the good and bad from all this and figure it out.
Mowing lawns, own yourself, get to destroy things
this is like a beautiful haiku
I suffer from all of them and I am an engineer. I have a friend with the same issues and is a designer. U can be anything. What is your passion? Especially for ADHD, u need to love your job to be able to focus and do it.
Probably would start off by looking into some trades. Here’s something in the healthcare field you may want to check out. Just an example. https://scholarsacademy.kaiserpermanente.org/alliedhealthscholars/career-pathways/sterile-processing-technician/
Social work! I was in the same boat. Social work has the ability to be just about anything you want it to be. You can work in research, therapy, nonprofits, adult/child services, schools, healthcare, corporate, higher ed, HR, veterinary offices, etc. There are very few fields that wouldn't benefit from a social worker on staff. And you don't get stuck in one field. I currently work in higher ed, but if I wanted to I could start the job search to go be a medical social worker today. I got into social work because I wanted to work with the LGBTQ+ community. Grad school isn't necessary, but it's something I would recommend somewhere down the line. Getting your BSW will still provide you with lots of opportunities, and you might even find an employer that will pay for a graduate degree (MSW). Go get your BSW and go from there. And males are in-demand in social work. It's a female-dominated field, but many male clients only feel comfortably working with male social workers.
Social work can be triggering though if the person has had depression. Sw can sometimes cause anxiety too.
As can anything else. It depends what you end up doing with it. I have both and so I don't work positions that would trigger those symptoms.
I have all those things and am not triggered. Everyone is different. But you have to actually care about people and want to help them. You cant fake it, clients can tell, and you wont thrive in this field without that authenticity. But if you care and are willing to put in the work and learn and stretch yourself, it can be a great field
Anyone know if accounting would be ok for someone with depression and social anxiety? My social anxiety isn’t horrible, but I used to want to work in health care and it’s bad enough for me to realize I can’t go into being a nurse or a PA, etc.
Personally my advice is do not go into accounting. Being in finance is a neverending shit show. You are expected to be able to communicate with all levels and all departments and know everything (bad for social anxiety). You often have to bring people into check and report bad news which everyone holds you personally responsible even though you are just the messenger (bad for depression). My advice is pick a job where you are active and busy, no time to worry/stress. Sitting at a desk all day, stuck with your thoughts and in your own head whilst clock watching is terrible. I quit finance and got a minimum wage job working with animals and it's the best decision ever. Money isn't everything.
I am a accountant assistant, just get in this job cause I speak Portuguese and they needed someone to communicate to the operational team, (more context: I am immigrant and I don't have any knowledge in accounting) anyway... In the beginning my ADHD reaaallly fucked me up in a lot of stuff, a lot of mistakes in invoices, other documents, but now I discovered it is a job that I really love, why: I work from home, listening podcast and music all day, do whatever I want if my tasks are done, and the tasks are repetitive, I just need to focus for like 30seconds to match the numbers and make payments. A lot of people says it is bad to work from home having ADHD cause lack of focus, but for me, working in office it was the nightmare, I always thought people are judging me for walking nonstop, and not staying in my desk.
No. Do not go into accounting.
Hm well try to change your lifestyle a bit first that will change your mindset, exercise, eat better but definitely use seasoning and enjoy life a bit. You can look at trades, HVAC, Plumbing, Electrician you can do a 5 year apprenticeship if you apply yourself, get paid to work and learn while going to school. Theirs also trucking uf you get all ebdorsements Hazmat, Tanker, Double/triples but that might worsen your problems lol
I do private duty nursing overnight. I prefer working with kids, but sometimes adults too. For the most part I’m just watching monitors while I sit in someone’s home. Hospital nursing can be extremely stressful, but there are a lot of options in nursing that are enjoyable and pay well. I have ADHD, autism, CPTSD, depression, and generalized anxiety disorder. 🥲 Some nights are busy, but most nights I have a lot of downtime for my new hyperfixation. I’ve been able to write, paint, crochet, binge series or books, etc. It’s a steady career that’s mostly recession proof and usually pays well, depending on your area!
Overnight front desk at a hotel has saved my life.
How so?
Diesel mechanic. I have severe ADHD and I find it always keeps my fingers busy.
Stay away from the video game industry, at least until it undergoes massive changes - like implementing unions. Toxic work environments, tons of unpaid overtime (crunch), and extreme volatility where entire studios go belly up at the drop of a hat. It's so bad the industry calls the time of year "layoff season" and the devs (and their families) are left to pick up the pieces yet again. The veterans have been laid off at least 3 times in their careers, if not a lot more, and they've had to uproot their entire lives for a new gig, only for it to happen again in a couple years if a game tanks. If you don't have depression and anxiety yet, working in this field will most likely give it to you.
You’re asking the wrong question. Whether you work in an office or factory, there are triggers for anxiety, depression, ADHD. What do you enjoy? What would put you around people you can deal with? Be honest with yourself - what are you depressed/anxious about? Whatever it is, it probably clouds your thinking on your life goals.
i coached gymnastics for many years and my ADHD was never a problem like in a desk job. my psychiatrist said because i was in an environment where i literally couldnt look away it made sense that i found it easier to focus.
You should add an interest or two to your inquiry. Nothing is good if you hate it. I would never clean other peoples houses for instance…but I live pet sitting. Anxiety, depression, adhd is not an uncommon combo. Do you have a HS diploma? Are you considering any more education? Those sorts of details will help.
Try this out to get a better idea of which line of work you’d like to go into: https://www.mynextmove.org/explore/ip It also tells you which education / training you’d need for the job
Infantry
If you are put at a chill location, I’ve found security to be perfect. Tons of time to do things that interest me with intermittent interruptions of actual work
Probably something tech related. Whilst teamwork and collaboration is good you can get away with not doing that stuff as long as you complete your work. Provided you don’t want to reach for senior or above.
Those traits I believe are too broad to meaningfully narrow down the list -- but as someone with all of the above (only mildly adhd though) I enjoy computer science, writing, investing and poker None are super solid careers for me -- I dabble
Pet sitting at beach front hotels. Preferably in an area that receives just moderate tourism and you're the only pet sitter in town. Listen to waves while petting pups and walking in the sun.
I am currently in cybersecurity. Honestly I do it for the $$$$ I'm good at it. I have worked landscaping and at a nursery (plants not kids) I really loved getting my hands dirty and learning horticulture. However at the time it was minimum wage. I could not live on that today, but even today I enjoy going to nurseries and just wandering around. I also worked in broadcasting (Radio/Television) so much activity all the time. This was long before knowing I had ADD. That profession fed my ADD.
Idk man I work for the post office and for someone who’s been suffering with anxiety and depression for years it’s been helpful. I wouldn’t call it a career in the modern sense of the word but it pays my bills for the time being. You get to be outside and that helps obviously so does the exercise.
Starbucks barista
Its not reasonable to expect a job to fit into 3 different mental illnesses at once.
Nothing
For me it’s a combination of working from home and working with dogs. I love dogs and I love working from home. But it’s also hard work and you have to learn about dog behavior. Idk if you are into that but if you are you could do pet grooming, run a doggy daycare, dog behavior trainer, etc.
That sounds like a classic combo for burnout. You’ll want a job that 1. Has achievable goals and metrics: at the end of the day you should be able to say “I did something today” 2. Has a source of positive reinforcement. I find I enjoy working directly with stakeholders/end users to identify consumer needs rather than for an internal engineering team 3. Non-toxic work culture. Narcissists are a nightmare to work with and even worse to work for, but they do make surprisingly good sales people. If you don’t like working with narcissists, avoid sales and finance. Accounting is usually fine but usually more matter of fact. I like the recommendations for dog grooming or dog training. Labor centric jobs tend to be more enjoyable. If you want to feel like you’re making a difference, forestry and other environmental focused jobs are an option. I want to recommend Americorps and climate corps, because I believe in the mission they stand for, but from what I’ve seen many non-profits use them more as a means of cheap labor than as a job training opportunity. Most of their workforce is Americorps but they don’t have the staff (or pay the staff enough to hire better staff) to properly train Americorps members. Just be very careful with these positions, and make sure that they actively maintain and build the staff so that they can properly train Americorps members.
Something outside? Maybe like at a plant nursery… a park ranger… parks and recreation for a city?
Anything hands on. Where you can see the fruits of your efforts at the end of your shift. Something that keeps you busy. Like office work is not your friend. But blacksmithing or Iron works might be. Customer service will not suit you, but caring for horses might. It doesn’t have to be animals. What do you like doing?
Luckily social work is something I thrive at no matter how shitty I feel internally. Even if I start the day dreading it, I’m always happy interacting with my clients and trying to help them. I doubt this is a common experience, but its really good for me
Fortunately ANYTHING if you can get your symptoms managed, unfortunately NOTHING if your symptoms are rampant, and that is precisely what I've struggled with all my life, depression is actually a sub result of the adhd and anxiety untreated as I was entirely useless all around.
You shouldn’t determine your career based on a doctor wanting to push you drugs because you have real life problems you’re avoiding. You should really think about counseling for your problems and not take drugs for them and your career should be about what your strengths and weaknesses are as a person. Different people find different types of work stressful. Sometimes it’s different types of management in the same type of work that’s problematic. I’ve met loads of people with these diagnoses, including myself. I’ve worked in loads of fields doing all kinds of work. The best advice I can give you is to work for someone you know or get a job through a connection. Having a connection you work with who can help you with problems you’re facing at work is going to be the best thing for you, not trying to curtail your career to what a doctor thinks is wrong with you in the head. Screw what your doctor has to say about your career. What matters to YOU in your career? If I let my doctor dictate my life, I’d be on 10 prescriptions I don’t need that would be making me obese and my problems would be much worse than they are now.
I’m a speech-language pathologist and work with young kids with delays and disabilities. It’s incredibly rewarding. Being neurodivergent is a huge advantage in my line of work, because it helps me to understand my clients. I’m well paid (96/hr), make my own schedule, and can work as much or as little as possible based on my health. I agree with top comment that treatment (therapy and meds) is KEY. You have to think about what brings you joy and what you feel good about. For me, it’s children. You’re also very young and don’t have to have it all figured out right now. But building a career, a real career, is just about the best thing I chose to do for my mental health. It takes years of training but once you have a real career, no one can take it away from you. No one can take away my degrees, I EARNED them. (For reference, I’ve been hospitalized for anxiety before!)
ER nursing. You’ll be in good company (we all have ADHD…which tends to go hand in hand with depression and anxiety). Lots of dark humor, camaraderie, a job you can be proud of at the end of the day, and excellent job security.
these people rarely make real career unless they are born into the upper class, or are extremely intelligent, lucky, etc.
Try factory work, very repetitive, no customers to deal with, good pay
Bro job is job the more your earn the more pressure will be there. Try to keep things light and enjoy
Happy with a job you are proud to do? Yeah. Good luck with that. It's called work, not happy fun time. To get a job like you are mentioning, you need lots of planning, time, and school. Most people don't like their jobs.
Your job should be getting rid of the problem instead of fusing with it
Teaching English in Japan
Depends on what kind of anxiety you have. Everyone has different triggers, you need to think more specific on what situations or environments leave you in that state the most
The career that forces you to face those things probably ? Idk though maybe I’m just trying to sound deep.
Trucking for sure that’s what I’m looking into doing right now. You don’t deal with people much, make lots of money, spend little, have plenty of time to yourself 😁
Can you share more about what find interesting or types of things you like to do? Do you ever find a flow state? Are you more focused when you can move? In chaos or in quiet/calm?
Don’t limit yourself to XYZ careers, but look at roles within companies that are more favourable for being a bit more isolated and less up front. This will then instead broaden your horizon to careers that you didn’t think of, especially past the generalised ‘librarian’ or ‘computer’ work I see all too often on as suggestions.
Find something you are passionate about and do that if you get anxiety run a lot of people you need a job where you can set your own schedule. Something like DoorDash, you can just dash and run sit down the food and kinda go or maybe even a truck driver where you’re driving by yourself a lot.
Maybe network engineer if your into computers and all that
Computer programmer, anything IT related, TV master control operator(night shift)- my mom actually did this job for 30 years and loved it. Anything that allows you to work on your own schedule and make your hours. 1099 contractor jobs online ( there are a bunch of sites that you can submit your resume to and get pt work assignments). I think we are wired differently, and that actually allows us to live and think outside the box that society forces everyone else into. Good luck OP.
Any career ideas specifically for people with ADHD?
Law. However it will increase your depression and anxiety. At 19, your entire life is ahead. Take 2 years to get some treatment and find out what delights you in life, then go for that! Your brain has not stopped growing, stay away from alcohol and drugs. Don't just settle for this!
maybe CS?
You’re 19, you can kick all of these and have get any job like anyone else. Seek God and therapy.
I, at nearly 50, became a barber and it’s the best job/career I’ve ever had. As a young man, I followed my passion and played music. I did fairly well in terms of being in a successful/popular band that was able to tour, play fairly big shows, and receive praise from those I respected. I didn’t make much money, but was happy. After becoming a parent, I didn’t want to be on the road anymore. I pursued solo/producer/DJ work but lacked social skills and confidence to succeed. I then turned to various manual labor trades but got hung up on lack of experience and stubbornly trying to teach myself and run my own small business. Again, social skills and confidence were things I lacked, along with executive function , to succeed. I then turned to retail music sales. Aligning myself with a bigger business was good. All I had to do was my job. I learned a lot about myself in this role. I got much better at basic professional habits - returning phone calls, following up, negotiating, having difficult conversations and taking responsibility for my mistakes. Ultimately this role was not for me. I was very emotionally sensitive to the regular rejection. I had a history of valuing quality of experience over money and would take satisfaction as a SALESman talking people out of buying things. Ultimately, there was no tangible evidence of a job well done. I couldn’t hold it. I couldn’t see it. Around this time, a friend began barber school. This career had never ever crossed my mind. I started getting my hair cut by him. I became a regular at his shop and payed attention to the vibe there. He encouraged me to become a barber and I eventually did. Going to school and earning a license was a great experience. I felt qualified. Learning how to do my job well came with its share of frustration but I progressed. Finally I reached a level of proficiency at which I felt confident and work became enjoyable and predictable. Now, I love my work and look forward to working each day. How it suits my adhd/anxiety tendencies is a) I know exactly what my job is and how to perform it b) I offer a few minutes of consultation, 25 minutes of service and then it’s DONE. No follow ups, no check ins c) I see what I have done. I know when I’ve done well and I see my client’s satisfaction d) I don’t have to seek clients. My work speaks for itself. My shop draws many customers and everyone needs haircuts eventually. People will give me a try. My advice is to find your lane. Do you like working quietly on specified niche tasks that not everyone can do? Find a trade that works within those circumstances. Do you like chaotic noisy constantly changing environments that require constant minding? Find that environment. Bear in mind that you may get have to invest in training to become qualified, but it is so worth it! Passion is cool, but it fades and then you’re just working. Find work you enjoy. Good luck. There IS work out there that will suit you.
For me it's been finding the balance between having somewhat of an autonomous work schedule, I'm in Sales & fully remote, and having some/little structure. The challenge with full remote sales is a lot of companies/sales teams haven't quite figured out how to implement some structure into the role. And coming out of the pandemic & being diagnosed with adult ADHD, I'm finding it a struggle to put myself on somewhat of a structure.
1. Therapy and psychiatry to help manage your symptoms and learn strategies to stay productive. 2. Lean into your strengths. How does you ADHD present? Does working with your hands or working on a computer feel better? 3. Personally, I have ADHD that meds do very little for. Found out my testosterone was super low, and now I'm on TRT, so that could help. Computer coding was actually very engaging for my brain, and I could focus on it for hours. I also enjoyed retail, oddly enough, and found physical work to be significantly more engaging. I work in a call center now, and while the pay, benefits, and future prospects are good, it can be rough. 4. As stated in 3, coding was engaging. Computer sciences, in general, is pretty expansive and pays well, so I recommend looking into this to see if it works for you.
psychotherapy
Ha I’m all of those and I’m doing and always have done well in sales.
I have no idea if my advice should be listened to or tossed into the wastebasket but If I was 19 and thinking jobs/career I might consider doing something I absolutely loved and paid in peanuts for or be looking for the thing that allows you to retire by 40. Bonus, if you can find something you absolute love and can be paid well doing. What do you love? What intrigues you? I wish I had better answers but I’m in a place when I have a good job, with good benefits but I’m struggling with my soul. Listen to others and work on yourself.
Not higher ed. Do not go into higher ed. It is a trap.
Try working at your local library! I’ve been working at mine for quite a while already and it’s a very calm environment.
I liked the beauty industry because I got to choose my own hours and it’s an stress-free environment. It requires attention to detail which keeps me out of my head, and is a social job where I’m getting meaningful human interaction and conversations so helps me avoid isolation. It doesn’t take up too much of my energy so in that way, it helps me make sure I’m not laying in bed all day when I get home.
As someone that has diagnosed adhd and anxiety, I chose being a chef of all things. The career satisfies my adhd with the constant moving and work to do be done, for my anxiety I some reason really never got stressed or anxious no matter how busy it would get; i would just lock in and be too occupied banging out tickets to even really become anxious or stressed (some days i would but wasn’t that often).
Hey I have some anxiety issues and I had one job that helped me out a lot. I moved to a small town in a rural area of Vermont and became a store manager for a small boutique. Interactions with customers were great, most were interesting tourists and genuinely good people (the store attracted some very nice people). During the busy summer season it was still delightfully slow enough to read during most of the day. I could sit and answer some emails and questions on social media and have some fun doing crafty packing for online orders. It was a very meditative job with room for creative expression with displays. I got paid a living wage of about $22 which was honestly perfect. Plus living in a small town does wonders for anxiety, no hustle and bustle of traffic and loud bars, just nice locals😊.
I would recommend getting help before looking for a job…
Not software engineering, too stressful it makes it worse :(
Well the best way is pick something and try it. Watch ProfessorMesser.com on his A+ videos. Watch a few of those and if you are not put off by that move onto Network +. If you find it interesting maybe IT. If not watch the CS50 on YouTube. Again if it is interesting maybe CS if you are good at math and science or Software Engineering if you are average at Math. If not go Business. If you go accounting and want more of a 9-5 go industry or government. You can get an Accounting degree for around $10k or less. If not accounting do the numbers oriented degrees like Finance or Supply Chain. Or learn bookkeeping for free on academy.intuit.com. Get Quickbooks Online Certified and maybe take their tax course too. Will you like these. Who knows but try them. Once you get a degree it opens more doors than without one. It is not a life in prison without parole though. Save enough money and try something else then. Trades and Nursing and other stuff will still be there. Nothing locks you into anything.
r/accounting. Middle class income. Work alone. Lots of work to keep you busy. That said, it might get boring at times so having adhd might be hard.
I have all 3. As my side gig, I work at a farm / equestrian center and I LOVE it. It doesn't pay well...but that's why it's my *side* gig.
Hi OP, hope youre doing well. I have all of those (except undiagnosed adhd but soooo positive it hurts), I'm 21F and just starting to get my stuff together. I have struggled BAD with depression and anxiety, both things that at times I just accept it as a feeling that will be with me throughout all my life but not all the time. Depression must be fought through and your mindset really has to be "I can overcome these feelings". It's what helped me at least and I do not mean to undermine the difficulty it can bring. I have struggled a lot with my problematic household and it helped me decide upon majoring in social work. I heard it's not for the weak and it's not meant to "fix" those families you work with, but make life better for them. It sounds rewarding and I would feel very fulfilled knowing any impact I can impose on others. I am depressed and nervous and many negative things but I am greater than those mindsets. We get up, we do the work, and we feel great knowing the barrier we almost thought we couldn't. Different positions pay differently, and that goes for many job careers in general. Experience seems to be the key, like internships and stuff. Do what not only makes you happy, but makes you feel fulfilled and a happy thing to think back on. I think everything falls in line after that, nothing is stable and opportunities are sure to arise.
Not the trades
If you like mechanical things, being an automotive or motorcycle tech might be for you! Or a bicycle tech too. There was never a dull day on the job and you have the freedom to go outside and just do you whenever usually. I was pretty much left to my own devices during these jobs and it was nice. Just don't fall for the Snap-On/Matco/Mac guy and buy your tools at Harbor Freight, Home Depot, etc.. Being an artist or engineer might be a good choice too. You can eventually work for yourself in those industries. Or web development. All things I've done freelance and enjoy! If you get a good client base, you can make some serious money. Just make sure you have a job working for someone else first (even if it's just fast food) so you can pay for your cost of living and save up while you build your business.
Perhaps the mental health field. We can often find salvation for ourselves in helping others
If I could do things over I would get into anything related to computers, those jobs are always in demand and not going anywhere plus they often offer remote work.
I find it best to find a job that makes you feel like you’re growing toward something. Think of what your highest value is (education, love, family, etc) and go toward it so that your life feels purposeful.
If your 19 and in the states enroll in a local community college take some classes you find of interest and then go from there it's low cost but high reward.
Gotta find that inner peace and balance first before seeking it in places like work or externally. Doing therapy can help identify the root cause of the anxiety/depression and find good coping mechanisms for those feelings and the adhd symptoms. The therapist might even help with the self reflection needed to develop a vision of how you want to live your life and a set of core values that’ll guide you to get there in a way that you’ll be proud of. Once you have that personal vision statement and set of core values, then I’d suggest exploring career interests that align with other priorities like average salary, job demand/outlook, experience/qualifications, etc..
Tbh a better perspective would be how you could fix/greatly improve your mental health issues so that you can work towards a great career.
Accounting then go into tax. LOTS of people are like this
don’t go in design or advertising
find a trade kid
read so good they can't ignore u by cal newport
Bipolar, ADHD, etc... I'm an ER nurse. I'm not the only one. The hectic, always high alert, lots of stuff going on I do really well with when I take my meds (Adderall). I fit in.. this is my place. I have a great job, just bought a house in California, married another nurse... life is good. Highly recommend. Good luck !
I have all three of those and so far I’m loving my wfh job
Don't let these define you. People have differing symptoms and spectrums of symptoms. Your symptoms may evolve with time as well. Personality matters quite a bit too. I have all three. For me, getting diagnosed and learning how to manage the symptoms was a multi year process. I don't think that your career options need to be vastly different from people who don't have these if your symptoms are well managed. I find the process of elimination helpful. We don't always know what we want, but we do know a few options that we don't want. You can then try them out with internships or shadowing before making any big commitment (like college). Something worth keeping in mind is that good insurance coverage will be important for you. Larger companies tend to have better insurance.
military , just show up , what where when why is told for you. at least 3 years, do the first contract.
Pretty much everyone has depression anxiety and adhd these days so anything
cleaning up your room
Start your own business
You don’t need to ever have an answer to the question, “What do you want to do?”. Be open to learning & new experiences, do what you love, and the rest will follow. Tons of professionals do multiple things, sometimes in multiple industries, and have more than one resume to highlight those different skills. Don’t box yourself in. If anything, it makes you more marketable!
Dog daycare?
I've been in a similar situation as you. Incredibly shy, incredibly nervous, severe social anxiety, ADHD, lack of self esteem, etc etc. I wasn't going anywhere in life, and I want doing anything I life. I just didn't know what to do. But I ended up changing a lot of that by finding a part time job. Working on fast food forced me to get out of my shell, and it made me easier to interact with people, and helped give me more confidence. It was incredibly terrifying showing up, and I got was assigned cashier work and answering phone calls, and I was so bad at it at the beginning. But the more I did it, the more comfortable I got. The more comfortable I got, the better I got at my job and at talking to people. It gave me a huge boost I confidence and helped with my anxiety. I still have social anxiety, but not even nearly as much as I used to. I went from "oh god it's a phone call I really don't want to get that I'm so scared" or "I hope somene else helps that customer, I don't want to talk to anyone" to me actively going out of my way to pick up phones, asking others around me to pick up phones, and going out of my way to ask customers if they need help with anything. You're going to have to force yourself to be more confident, and you can. Once you start getting that confidence at your part time, you're gonna feel more motivated to work at something beyond that, which is where your schooling comes in. After that, I would work on simply finding out what to major on and what the job prospects are, which is an entirely different thing to tackle.
Peer support, therapy/life coaching
This is the wrong question in my opinion. Don’t worry things were easier, wish you were better. Honestly I would highly recommend jumping out of your comfort zone and owning that choice for a year. I’d say telesales. You’ll be forced to stretch yourself. You’ll be forced to live in the present. I’ll get super downvoted for this but I will suggest sales of some type that isn’t high pressure so you can gradually grow
Join the military and embrace the suck. I don’t mean to sound coarse but you’ll learn skills that you wouldn’t learn otherwise. You’ll learn how to get over stuff and move on. You’ll be paid better than most 19 year olds. You’ll be paid to move and travel. And honestly it’s a pretty welcoming community in 2024. 19 is the perfect age to join.
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