The Best Jobs for People with ADHD? Start with These Small Business Industries

Choosing a career can be a challenge for anyone, but when you have ADHD, there’s more to consider than personal interests and preferences. The good news is, the best jobs for people with ADHD aren’t jobs at all—with ADHD, you’re innately equipped with the skills to start and run or operate a small business. 

ADHD characteristics that lend to entrepreneurship

From celebrity chef Jamie Oliver to Grammy-award-winning superstar Taylor Swift, many people who’ve gone out on their own and “made it” consider their ADHD the secret sauce to their success. Here are some of the ADHD traits you may have in common with them:

Problem-Solving: Your brain is wired for out-of-the-box thinking, making you a fantastic troubleshooter in the face of challenges.

Creativity: Unique ideas and innovative solutions come naturally to people with ADHD and can help your small business stand out among competitors.

Adaptability: Your ability to pivot to alternative approaches enables you to shine in fast-changing environments, which is a must when running your own business. 

High Energy: ADHD can give you this powerful trait that other small business owners will envy—an incessant drive that powers you through long hours and lets you tackle multiple projects with enthusiasm.

5 small business industries for people with ADHD

Once you’re sold on building a business of your own, you need to choose an industry that syncs with your strengths and interests. Consider these five industries where people with ADHD have made their mark time and time again. 

Skilled trades

The work of an electrician, plumber, carpenter, or mechanic centers around problem-solving, which comes easily to people with ADHD. Your willingness to try non-traditional tactics to overcome challenges will be appreciated by your clients—and word-of-mouth recommendations are crucial in this industry. Skilled trades also rely on your high energy level, and you’ll relish in the chance to be on the move. 

Best of all, this massively underserved industry welcomes you to begin as a talented professional in your trade and move on to hire others to work for you. With the growth you will likely achieve over time, it would be a disservice to your customers for you not to manage the business. Instead of touching tools or a paintbrush, you can focus on managing the business, share your knowledge with your team, and perfect the customer experience. 

Real estate

Whether selling homes as an agent, flipping houses, or managing rental properties, the real estate industry offers lots of opportunities for people with ADHD to succeed. From the social savvy required to woo prospective buyers to the problem-solving it takes to transform a fixer-upper, the skills that come second nature to you are superpowers in the world of real estate.

Digital media

In an industry that changes at lightning speed, you’re well-equipped to succeed when you have ADHD. Flex your creative skills as a digital marketer who crafts brand stories or an art director who dreams up eye-catching designs. Take on content creation, a role that enables you to pursue interesting topics in a variety of ways. Or, combine all of these offerings and establish a marketing agency. 

Technology

Developing software, games, and apps calls for the deep focus that’s already in your wheelhouse. As you solve complex problems and unexpected challenges, you’ll lean on your ability to pivot and think creatively. And because technology is ever-changing, this industry will welcome your “out-there” ideas and thirst for innovation.  

Food & beverage 

The constant action and endless to-do list that comes with running your own restaurant, bar, or café will harness your boundless energy and penchant for fast pivots. You’ll never be bored while engaging customers and staff and responding to real-time requests. Plus, the food service industry doesn’t abide by the rigid hours of a 9-5, so you can enjoy the flexibility of deciding your own schedule. 

Learn how to put your ADHD to work in small business

No matter which industry you decide to pursue, the initial steps to starting your small business will look the same. Start your small business journey today with courses that will empower you to succeed because of your ADHD—not despite it.

Learn more