I’m an introverted 32 year old man with inattentive ADHD looking to restart my life, and I’m interested in a tech career. But what path would YOU recommend?

Title. I’ve spent most of my life a depressed neurotic mess so I lack in job experience/formal education (went to Community College but was unfocused). Over the past 5 years, I got my first job, learned to step outside of my comfort zone, and very recently became much more self-aware and confident.

Just to get an even better sense of who I am: Big Five Personality test ranked me 96% in Openness (I’ve always been interested in art and learning) and the 16Personalities tells me I’m INTP (heavily leaning towards Intuitive rather than Observant). ADHD makes me a good Generalist, and going by my past history as a NEET, I don’t have trouble sitting in front of a computer screen. Hell, I’ll say I’m pretty Machiavellian too if that helps.

I’ve worked unskilled jobs so far (GM Assembly Line, Warehouse), and I’ve mostly gotten by with podcasts and music – I’m not too interested in people or repetitive work. I currently have no family to support. I feel like I need something to strive for and gain some level of mastery over. I don’t know what’s feasible for me at this point, but I don’t care about being the best – what I want is a career that grants some level of freedom to pursue my hobbies and experience the life I’ve missed out on. Something with a good work/life balance. And decent cash.

So, that’s where you come in! I need ideas, because I’m terribly afraid of committing to the wrong path without weighing all my options. And there are SO many options. ‘Tech’ seems like the generic route to go down, but… I’m open to other suggestions.

What I’ve tried/am considering so far:

Programming: I tried 100 Days of Code – didn’t complete, but it was satisfying to learn. I’m sure if I tried it now, I’d get farther. I’m worried about long term success with my ADHD and what position to even aim for – it’s a very overwhelming field.

IT: Tried CompTIA – I bounced off at the time. I hear it’s oversaturated at lower levels, but higher up can be very ADHD friendly.

Data Analyst: Still doing my research on this one.

I’m still new to the “real world” and need to see how feasible going back to school is, but right now I want to figure out what’s within reach.

Jobadvisor:

Given your interests, skills, and personality, here are a few tech career paths that might suit you:

1. Software Development

• Why it might be a good fit:

  • Intellectual Stimulation: Constantly solving problems and building things.
  • Flexibility: Remote work options and flexible hours are common.
  • Growth Potential: A vast field with numerous specializations.

• How to get started:

  • Online Learning: Platforms like Coursera, edX, and Udemy offer a wide range of programming courses.
  • Bootcamps: Intensive, immersive programs that can land you a job quickly.
  • Self-Taught: Build projects, contribute to open-source, and practice regularly.

• Potential Roles:

  • Web Developer: Build websites and web applications.
  • Software Engineer: Develop software applications.
  • Data Scientist: Analyze large datasets to extract insights.

2. Cybersecurity

• Why it might be a good fit:

  • Problem-Solving: Constant challenges in protecting systems from threats.
  • High Demand: A growing field with numerous job opportunities.
  • Intellectual Stimulation: Staying ahead of cybercriminals requires continuous learning.

• How to get started:

  • Certifications: CompTIA Security+, Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), and others.
  • Online Courses: Platforms like Cybrary and Udemy offer cybersecurity courses.
  • Self-Taught: Practice with tools like Kali Linux and participate in capture-the-flag (CTF) competitions.

3. UX/UI Design

• Why it might be a good fit:

  • Creativity: Designing user-friendly interfaces.
  • Problem-Solving: Identifying user needs and designing solutions.
  • Collaboration: Working with developers and other designers.

• How to get started:

  • Online Courses: Platforms like Coursera and Udemy offer UX/UI design courses.
  • Design Tools: Learn tools like Figma, Adobe XD, or Sketch.
  • Portfolio Building: Create a portfolio showcasing your design skills.

Tips for Success:

• Start Small: Break down large goals into smaller, manageable tasks.
• Time Management: Use time management techniques like the Pomodoro Technique to stay focused.
• Find a Community: Join online forums and communities to connect with other learners.
• Seek Mentorship: Find a mentor who can offer guidance and support.
• Embrace Failure: Don't be afraid to make mistakes. Learn from them and keep moving forward.

Remember, the key to success is consistency and perseverance. With dedication and hard work, you can achieve your goals.