Takeaways

1. Embrace Self-Discovery: For individuals with Adult-ADHD, self-awareness is the first step toward career fulfillment. Recognize your unique strengths, preferences, and work habits to align your job with your neurodivergence.
2. Work Environment Matters: Thriving in a job requires the right environment. Identify work settings that keep you engaged and productive. For some, a fast-paced, multitasking-friendly atmosphere is ideal, while others may thrive in problem-solving or hands-on roles.
3. Reflect on Past Success: Look back at your academic and work experiences to identify moments where you excelled and felt proud of your achievements. Use these insights to guide your job search and find roles that value and leverage your strengths.
4. Create an ADHD-Friendly Workspace: Once you've found the right job fit, optimize your workspace for ADHD success. Implement systems and tools that help you stay organized, focused, and productive, allowing you to unlock your full potential in your career.
   

As a woman with Adult-ADHD, finding the right job can be a transformative step towards a fulfilling life and successful career. I didn't get my ADHD diagnosis until I was in my early thirties, so for the longest time, I was flailing around, aimlessly busy with low self-esteem and a consistent feeling of exhaustion. When I learned more about my ADHD diagnosis related to my work life, I felt relieved knowing that I was not alone. I quickly started building an action plan to achieve harmony with my brain and job. Understanding your unique strengths is the first essential stride. Once you've grasped what works for you, setting up an ADHD-friendly workspace can further enhance your productivity and focus.

I've discovered that I thrive in environments that keep me engaged and on my toes. I've always been the type who enjoys staying busy, moving from one project to another, and tackling multiple tasks simultaneously. The prospect of having a single, routine-based job that involves repeated tasks makes me feel trapped, and I find it challenging to muster the energy and focus required. I've realized that I'm most productive when I can hop between meetings, context-switch regularly, and maintain a packed calendar. Interestingly, it takes me a bit to settle into working on a focused project. Still, I become completely immersed and unstoppable once I'm in the zone. Reflecting on my high school and college work habits, I've always kept a jam-packed schedule, from a full course load to multiple extracurricular activities, while still making time for friends and family. This bustling lifestyle isn't overwhelming for me; in fact, it's where I shine. I've learned to embrace my neurodivergence, filtering out distractions, silencing the negative self-talk, and ignoring societal norms. With suitable environmental systems and mental tools, I've built a life that accommodates and celebrates the unique elements of my brain chemistry.

Take a moment to evaluate and reflect on your past and current academic and work environments. Identify specific moments and characteristics of the job that made you feel most aligned with the task at hand and your brain. Also, note projects where you felt most proud of and how you achieved that level of success. It's important to know yourself and match yourself up with companies, teams, and jobs that align and value your superpowers. Here is a list of statements for your consideration when you conduct your job search to determine if it's a right fit for you:

• Varied and Stimulating Work: I constantly desire and am excited to generate new ideas and engage in projects that challenge my imagination. 
• Fast-Paced Environments: I am an adrenaline seeker and thrive on high energy and involvement in quick decision-making and a sense of urgency.
• Flexibility and Autonomy: I have an entrepreneurial spirit and value the freedom to set my own schedules and work on projects that align with my interests and passions.
• Problem-Solving Roles: I excel at thinking on my feet, adapting to new challenges, and finding creative solutions to complex problems.
• Hands-On Jobs: I find satisfaction and engagement in physically creating or repairing things.
• Social and People-Centric Roles: I enjoy working with others, especially mentoring, and have a talent for guiding and helping people grow.
• Multitasking-Friendly Jobs: I am skilled at juggling multiple tasks and deadlines simultaneously due to my ability to switch between various responsibilities.

Finding the perfect job for women with ADHD starts with self-awareness and understanding your strengths. Your ideal job should align with your unique attributes, preferences, and passions. As discussed in this blog post, setting up an ADHD-friendly workspace can further enhance your career success once you've found the right fit. Remember, ADHD can be a valuable asset, and with the right job and support system, you can thrive in your career and achieve your goals. It's time to unlock your full potential!