Preparing Your ADHD Teen For Getting a Job

If your teen son is struggling to manage his ADHD, he may need additional help. Teenagers already have difficulty managing their time and prioritizing responsibilities. Teens with ADHD sometimes find it nearly impossible to focus enough to follow through with their responsibilities. If this sounds like your son, he may benefit from attending a boarding school for troubled boys where he can learn time-management techniques for teens with ADHD.

As you prepare your ADHD teen for getting a job, there are a few things to keep in mind. Primarily, know that first jobs can be tough no matter what. However, they can also be extremely beneficial. Teenagers who have a job while they’re in high school learn life skills applicable beyond school. Unlike grades in school, a paycheck isn’t dependent on memorization and test-taking. To do well at their job, teens need to demonstrate skills like punctuality, responsibility, and the ability to follow directions.

All of the skills that your teen needs to learn to do well in their first job will carry over into adulthood. Though it may be difficult for your teen with ADHD to start their first job, you can take steps to make it easier for them.

Applying for the job

Step one to getting a job is applying for the job. For many teens, especially teens with ADHD, this can be a daunting task. Before applying for a job, help them narrow down the type of job they want. There are plenty of businesses that offer summer work, but they won’t all be the right fit for your teen.

What are their strengths?

Have your teen make a list of things that they think they are good at. This will help them narrow down jobs where they think they will succeed. If they’re outgoing, they might do well in a customer service job or at a restaurant. If they’re great with little kids, they might do well at a summer camp or a daycare. By assessing their strengths, you teen will learn to look for jobs where they might excel.

What are their weaknesses?

Conversely, have your teen make a list of things that they see as a career weakness. If they hate dealing with grumpy people, they won’t like a customer service job. If they are allergic to dogs, they shouldn’t work at an animal shelter. If they struggle to sit in one place for very long, an office job won’t be for them. By truthfully assessing their weaknesses, they will avoid jobs that are blatantly a bad fit.