What’s one job you have done that you really like? Why.
What’s another job you really didn’t like and why?

Remember: There are different types of ADD and personalities, so not all ADDers will prefer the same job or environment. A person with the hyperactive impulsive form of attention deficit disorder may want a fast paced job with a lot of multitasking but someone with the inattentive form of attention deficit disorder may not.

Eg: Person A likes working with people, person B likes working with information, person C likes working with things. Extroverts vs introverts, working in teams vs. working solo, etc.

Aspects of ADD friendly jobs:

-Fast paced environment
-Appropriate structure
-Autonomy
-Clearly defined expectations
-Appropriate managerial style (non-authoritarian)
-Team approach
-Allow input
-Compatible with your value system
-Some passion
-Fosters/allows creativity
-Open lines of communication
-Employee input is sought and valued
-Intermediate milestones for projects
-Bite-size projects
-Incorporate interests and hobbies (passion)
-Atmosphere conducive to risk taking/originality
-Employee appreciation
-Job with an admin assistant (to do the boring stuff, i.e., paperwork)
-Management engagement
-ADD accommodations

Book recommendation: “Good to great” by Jim Collins
Quiz recommendation: “The passion test” by Jane Atwood www.passiontest.com

read the toxic job article

Characteristics of ADD Unfriendly Jobs:

-Boring
-Repetitive
-Overly structured
-Meaningless
-Toxic environment
-Long-drawn out tasks
-Tyrannical boss or co-workers
-Lack of breaks or rest periods
-Incompetent boss/co-workers
-Close-minded colleagues or boss
-Mentally calcified boss or co-workers
-Uptight work environment (too formal)
-Unclear expectations

Examples of ADD Friendly Jobs

Sales/marketing
Creative arts
Media
Entrepreneurial jobs
Writer
Inventor
Coach/therapist
Trades
Entertainment/performance (stand-up comedian)
Counselor
Hair stylists
Emergency type jobs (ER, paramedic etc)
Police officer
Athlete
Air traffic controller
Post-secondary instructor
Drivers
‘Rock star’

How to identify your strengths (handouts and websites)

-Try to find a job where you can utilize as many of your strengths as possible

Books:

Now discover your strengths by Marcus Buckingham

Authentic Happiness by Martin Seligman

I could do anything if I only knew what it was by Barbara Sher

Healing ADD by Daniel Amen

The Soul's Code: In Search of Character and Calling by James Hillman

ADD and work books

Online Articles

151 Positive Characteristics of people with ADD

Top 10 Advantages of ADD in a High Tech Career

-See a career counselor or go to your alma mater’s career center (the services may be free of charge for alumni)
-Self-reflection
-Ask others “What are my skills and strengths?”
-Note what others compliment you on
-Get a coach (we know what we should do, they will help us do what we know)
-Do a web search for ADD and work

Some ADD challenges at work:

-Boredom
-Distraction
-Constraints
-Missing information
-Organization/time/space/energy
-Too many details
-Low energy
-Forgetting things
-Dealing with unyielding people
-Physical constraints
-Impulsivity-in actions and words
-Problems with follow-through
-Taking on too much at once

We also got into small groups and brainstormed some ideas on how to deal with our own individual ADD challenges at work.

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