Good careers for disorganised people

[DoggerelBank]

It's a family trait. I've passed it onto my DS. He's always losing his key, or his wallet. Never gets round to life admin. Takes forever to get down to doing coursework so has a panic to meet the deadline. He's working on it. Just like I've spent a lifetime working on it for myself but not really overcome it. Yes, he's a teenage boy, and they're all disorganised, but I fear it's more than that.
He's got plenty else going for him: numerate, intellectually curious, good at public speaking, kind, friendly, polite, sociable (but probably more an introvert than an extrovert).
Can anyone help us brainstorm good careers he could do well at without being organised?

If you find one, be sure to let me know! Me and adult DS are the same, minus the numeracy. I'm supply teaching at the moment, but very much a square peg in a round hole.

I’ve had lots of different jobs, but all of them are easier when you are organised. I know you know that and you are asking something different.

But basically, it’s possible to get your shit together even if you are chaotic - I know this because I did it. I am dyspraxic and am naturally a bit astray: coat collar tucked in, handbag unzipped, etc.

I just wanted respect from my colleagues so much that I have listened and learned how to organise my time and my life. My career goals motivated me. So don’t let disorganisation put your son off any career.

Would he do better with short deadlines? Things that are right in front of him? Or something quite structured?

Frontline healthcare or some sort of consultancy role? I'm quite disorganized as well- DD is dyspraxic and I might be as well, and do best with short, immediate tasks I can really focus on. Longer term strategy stuff is less good.

@Brexile I'm in awe! Got half way through a PGCE in an earlier life and the organisational effort was so draining. If I'd been able to stay at school until midnight to make sure everything was ready for the next morning, I'd have just about coped, but it wouldn't have been sustainable!

@Prizefighter Good to know! I'll tell him.

Maybe call centre or something like that, where you follow a script and it's quite predictable

@Macramepotholder Yes, good idea about healthcare. I don't know much about consultancy, but had imagined it was putting together big reports/analyses for clients, so more long-term. Is that not right?

Sounds like ADHD. Often the best jobs for people with ADHD are those that keep you on your toes (keep your brain topped up with dopamine) and / or with strict clear deadlines - so short projects.

Lots of people with ADHD are successful in

• emergency medical treatment such as paramedics / ambulance / fire services
• event planners
• trades people
• teachers
• creative industries such as photography, advertising, music etc.

He just had to find his passion and something that he gets excited about and can engage with. I'm pretty sure sitting at a desk all day answering emails, or working on spreadsheets or power points day in and day out isn't going to be very engaging and keep his interest.

Hope you find something suitable and rewarding.

I was going to say leader of the Conservative Party (in jest I admit), but when you said numerate, realised that ruled him out.

😁

I am a naturally very disorganized person and often wonder if I have ADHD. However nobody would ever think of me as disorganized now. With 3 kids and a busy job, I have tons of systems that keep me on track. Everything runs fairly smoothly but I have to work very hard at it. Other people seem to just remember stuff!

I definitely thrive when under pressure though. Definitely some job where you have constant deadlines.

Can he code / is he interested in learning to code?

my DH who has ADHD does very well indeed working as a contractor on IT projects. Short term posts, rapid deadlines, loads of hard work for two or three months then slack off again. Loads of money if you can code and make a niche for yourself.

Creative industries? I am completely disorganised as are many of those I work with, it’s quite the work culture but it’s often not a bar to success, as long as you can get your shit together for the vital stuff

My area of it is special effects, film production, editing etc

Project management, particularly IT projects tend to work to agile methodology these days which is based on short deadlines.

@mollyfolk

Would you mind sharing any top tips? I am always trying to get better at not tripping myself up -

Thanks so much, everyone. Really useful suggestions.

I'd say something in civil service. They seem a bit more forgiving on workers bad habits. I mean this in a kind way. For a few years I worked in the marine department of the Transport Ministry (in Canada), and it seems most of the inspectors were a bit untidy and disorganized, but were pleasant and smart, and had plenty of time to get their jobs done, or ask for extensions if it wasn't.

If you are a tradesman, and forget tools or show up late you will get fired unless you own your own business.

I also think part of being an adult is showing up on time, paying your bills and finding ways to strategize to be efficient. You can't mother him once he leaves for university or trade school.

i spend 5 minutes every evening reviewing any messages on the school messaging system or general what’s app and putting them into my calendar - the simplest thing like sign a form, football match date, birthday party invitation, childminder on holiday, work things that affect my weekly routine. Then every Sunday I review everything for the week ahead - this allows me to see problems that used to trip me up before - like realising last minute that my husband can’t take them to school on the day I have a morning meeting or something. That was probably the biggest game changer for me.

Yes it is possible to be a bit
More organised (my whole
Life when kids were young ran on alarms and reminders)
But it is also draining

Agree that things which are reactive help

It sounds like ADHD. Family trait is a bit of a clue!

Don't go into project management if you're disorganised, especially agile. One of the worst jobs you could do! 🤦🏼‍♀️

I think it depends on the consultancy- some are more short term, but it might be better to get a profession first. What about the forces as well? He could join as an officer. Very structured, task orientated. Plenty of roles away from the frontline and if he does have ADHD loads of potential for a dopamine hit.

and who are often very strict on time management.

I used to work with a loveable gent on a helpdesk but you didn't half feel let down when he'd call in to take the shift off because he'd locked himself out of his house that morning or couldn't find keys. It was quite regular.