Neurodivergent Workers: Professional Development With a Burden.

Neurodiversity is the variation in human brain function and behavioral traits, including those traditionally considered to be outside the norm. It is a spectrum, and there is no one-size-fits-all definition of what it means to be neurodivergent. Some common neurodivergent conditions include autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia, dyspraxia, and Tourette syndrome.

While maintaining a full-time job is usually essential in order to pay bills, it can be physically and mentally exhausting in the today’s job market. This is especially true for neurodivergent individuals, who may struggle to find the energy to work and take care of their home at the same time. 

It can be particularly tiring for neurodivergent people with introverted traits who work in customer-facing positions, as those with mental disabilities will usually feel the need to mask throughout the day in order to be perceived as ‘normal.’

Fortunately, there are plenty of rewarding roles available that can help to preserve some of that precious energy for life outside the workplace. In this article, we look at five jobs that could be a good fit for neurodivergent workers.

1. Software Engineer.

If you’re someone who enjoys problem-solving, then software engineering could be an excellent career choice. Software engineering involves writing code that computers process in order to run programs, display websites and more.

In many engineer positions, there is very little to no client interaction, making it an ideal role for neurodivergent individuals on the introverted side. Or, if you’re extroverted, there’s a strong sense of community amongst coders, which will allow you to connect with others with similar interests. 

There’s also a lot of satisfaction to be had from building software and solving potential issues. Watching your creation come to life after all of your hard work can be incredibly rewarding.

2. Data-Entry Specialist.

It’s common for neurodivergent people to seek out roles that neurotypicals may call boring, such as those involving repetitive and mundane tasks. Data entry is a perfect example of this, and is an excellent fit for those looking for a low-energy job.

The bulk of a data entry clerk’s work typically involves manually entering data from physical documents into a computer system, ensuring that the information is thoroughly checked for accuracy at each stage. This kind of work is a dream for many neurodivergent introverts looking for simple and steady work that they can perform without much stress.

3. Bookkeeper.

If you’re a neurodivergent individual who enjoys numbers and mathematics, then bookkeeping could be the perfect career for you. While many finance and accounting roles often require interaction with clients, most bookkeeping roles enable you to work in solitude. 

Bookkeepers are responsible for monitoring and maintaining accurate financial records for a business, providing in-depth reports to owners or stakeholders that they can use to make strategic decisions.

The role can involve a lot of meticulous organising, inputting data, running calculations and creating spreadsheets, which means it does require some form of certification before you start. Thankfully, this doesn’t always mean that you need a degree, and can instead do shorter courses online in preparation.

4. Long-distance Driver.

The primary downside of long-distance driving for most people is loneliness, but this may actually work in favour of introverted neurodivergent workers. As long as you’re comfortable behind the wheel, a long-distance truck-driving role can make for low-stress workdays.

The work is mostly repetitive, particularly once you get onto motorways where you’ll be driving in a straight line for hours. This leaves you with plenty of time to enjoy your favourite music, tune into podcasts or just sit with your thoughts, all while getting paid.

5. Psychologist.

Believe it or not, neurodivergent individuals can make excellent psychologists. For the majority of the roles, you’ll likely need to have more extroverted tendencies due to the nature of the work, but anyone happy to hold a conversation could thrive. 

Neurodivergent people already have a deeper understanding of mental illnesses and disabilities than most of the population do, and having first-hand experience often makes you relatable to clients.

However, the process of becoming a psychologist or psychiatrist is on the trickier side, requiring a psychology degree and several years of experience before you can become a practitioner. While this may be off-putting for those who struggle with pursuing education, it could be a great long-term fit for neurodivergent individuals who are able to sustainably accommodate this commitment.

Conclusion: Neurodivergent Workers in the Today’s Job Market.

If you are a neurodivergent individual, don’t be afraid about your professional future! As a neurodivergent employee, you are as valuable to employers as

A study by the University of Cambridge found that neurodiverse employees are more likely to be engaged in their work and less likely to leave their jobs. They are also more likely to be promoted.

Some of the benefits of hiring neurodivergent employees are as follows:

• They can bring new perspectives and ideas to the workplace.
• They are often highly creative and innovative.
• They can be great problem-solvers.
• They have a strong attention to detail.
• They are often more reliable and conscientious than neurotypical employees.

The professional mentioned in this article are just a few of the jobs that can cater to the strengths and preferences of neurodivergent individuals, allowing you to thrive without exerting yourself too much, which is key to avoiding burnout. It’s all about finding a role that is a good fit for your specific needs, all while embracing your unique traits.