How to Find a Career that Suits Your Neurodivergence
Finding the “right” job is hard for everyone but when you add ADHD or Autism to the mix, it can seem like an impossible task. Read on to learn how to both discover your strengths, and also find a job that fits those strengths.
Some of the traits that accompany being neurodivergent can be used to your advantage. If you are like me, when you are interested in something, you are 100% into it, and when you are not, you are definitely not. Using this aspect of your personality can help you find a job that is a great match for your interests, strengths and and fosters success in the long-term.
Remember this. Employers need us.
People with neurodiversity are some of the top producing creative engines of the world. Because neurodiverse people are wired differently from “neurotypical” people, they may bring new perspectives to a company's efforts to create or recognize value. In the article “Neurodiversity as a Competitive Advantage” published in the Harvard Business Review, authors Austin and Pisano point out that “Most managers are familiar with the advantages organizations can gain from diversity in the backgrounds, disciplinary training, gender, culture, and other individual qualities of employees. Benefits from neurodiversity are similar but more direct. Because neurodiverse people are wired differently from “neurotypical” people, they may bring new perspectives to a company’s efforts to create or recognize value.”
But for those with Autism and ADHD it may feel like both an advantage and a disadvantage at the same time. Job success happens when you know your strengths, interests and passions and your work involves using those. Disadvantages can be opportunities for creative solutions and strategies.
What interests you?
If you a looking for a new job- this is a great time to take time to invest in getting to know yourself. Sit down for five minutes and write down everything that interests you. We are more prone to excel and be passionate about things that interest you.
If you are having trouble with this exercise try this- Ask friends, family members, co-workers, supervisors, managers, therapists, coaches, and support group members, “what do I do well?” or “what do you think are my strengths?” Sometimes for people with who have trained themselves to focus on the negative, you may realize how many things you actually do excel at that you may have never noticed or focused on.
Allow yourself freedom to job shadow, travel, and volunteer in the areas you are passionate about. This will allow you to work in an area that you love and this will help you thrive.
What works for you?
Sit down and list all your past jobs, volunteer positions, and schooling. Or, pull up a recent resume or CV. On a sheet of paper write “Helped” and “Hurt”.
Now, think about the different aspects of each position. Some specifics include:
Manager style (involved, micro-manager, uninvolved, absent)
Deadlines (due on a fixed, long-term, daily or monthly schedule, or self-created)
Work Schedule (part-time, full-time, longer hours and less days, shorter hours and more days)
Daily Schedule (flexibility to take several breaks as wanted, more defined longer breaks, ability to come in and leave late, specific stricter hours)
Atmosphere (working from home, working from an office, open office concept, secluded and quiet desk with a door)
Duties and Responsibilities (routine with daily responsibilities, defined work responsibilities, less defined duties with more room for flexibility and creativity)
Put each in the “Helped” or “Hurt” column.
You may have never even considered these different aspects, but a lot of these aspects determine our work success. This can help you understand what works best for you. This can also help you think about what types of jobs to apply to.
Okay, we like you. But let us judge you.
So you know your interests and passions, and what work environments have worked for you in the past. You applied to several jobs and you received an email from one of the jobs you were very interested in… and they want to interview you!
This is great new- for you, and for them.
Once in the interview process, you get the chance to explain your strengths and also determine if they are a good fit for you. Because you have done your “What works for me?” work, you know what type of position helps support your success. During the interview process you are able to ask questions to understand the job role particulars, and this is a good thing- it shows the hiring manager you really want to make sure this job is a fit and are considering important aspects of the position.
Some questions that help you understand the different aspects of the job include:
What is your managerial style (daily meetings and calls or more free flowing contact )
Can you tell me more about the day-to-day responsibilities of the role?
What is the typical work week?
How would you describe a typical day in this position?
What are the biggest challenges of this job?
The answers to these questions will help you understand the company culture, and also show that you are evaluating the position to make sure it will be a good fit. Remember, the last thing a company or organization wants to do is hire the wrong person. Hiring someone who does not last long term is a big waste of valuable company resources including time and money. They want to make you you understand the job responsibilities and expectations.
You found the job or you have been working somewhere and are starting to notice you having challenges Next article on tips to challenge workplace issues. Stay tuned for our next article where we will discuss how navigate workplace challenges.
There is Hope For You
Let us support you in uncovering your strengths, discovering your passions, preparing for the job interview, and landing the perfect job. Our one-on-one sessions we will help you get to where you want to be.
Getting an official ADHD diagnosis and ADHD treatment can help you make sense of your life. Here at the Thriving Wellness Center, we specialize in ADHD Evaluations and ADHD Treatment. We have locations in New York and New Jersey and perform thorough and professional ADHD testing and therapy in-person and virtually. If you are newly diagnosed with ADHD or interested in getting a diagnosis in New York, New Jersey, or virtually please contact us to see how we can help you improve your life.
