ADHD, Entprepreurship vs. Employment

I recently came across a post that claimed, “ADHD brains aren’t designed to thrive in a society built on boring and repetitive jobs. They’re meant to be entrepreneurs.” The message was geared towards selling a product for ADHD entrepreneurs, and I don’t object to the individual for trying to sell a product based on their own pain point - it’s how it’s done. However, something about their messaging doesn’t sit right with me.

While the post might resonate with those already on the entrepreneurial path or those considering it, the messaging is dangerous. It generalizes people with ADHD as being unable to hold traditional jobs, and that’s just not true!

The post also threw around some impressive-sounding statistics—like if you have ADHD, you’re 300% more likely to become an entrepreneur. I’ve seen 300%, I’ve seen 500%. But here’s the thing: percentages are just numbers, and they can be spun to fit any narrative. Statistics can mislead and pigeonhole us into roles that don’t necessarily fit everyone.

Here’s what’s often overlooked: people with ADHD can absolutely thrive in traditional employment. Many find success in environments that offer structure, collaboration, and clear goals. They excel in roles that allow them to be creative, problem-solve, and think outside the box—qualities that are highly valued in many organizations.

With the right support, accommodations, and understanding from employers, people with ADHD can bring unique strengths to the table, such as hyperfocus, innovative thinking, and the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously. These are assets in any workplace.

We need to stop telling people what they can’t do, even if you’ve got numbers and personal anecdotes to back it up. Your experience is yours, but it’s not universal. If you’ve met one person with ADHD, you’ve met one person with ADHD. That’s it.

So let’s throw out these limiting statistics and start focusing on empowering people to explore all their options, whether that’s in a traditional job, entrepreneurship, or something else entirely. Everyone deserves the chance to define their own path.