I have been working in the charity sector for six years, since I left university. I specifically work as a fundraiser, where much of my focus is on writing applications to funders and networking. Over the past six years, I’ve spent a lot of time reflecting on how to make working in this sector suit my ADHD.

Personally, I think that working for a charity is a great option for someone with ADHD. One of the biggest reasons is that every day is very different. I find I am constantly having to adapt and try new things, which, for me, is a huge benefit in staying motivated. One day I might be using my energy to go out and talk to people about something I’m passionate about, the next I might be really focused on writing a creative grant application. Over the years, both in this field and through my advocacy for neurodiversity, I’ve noticed that once I start talking about a topic I care about, my ability to engage with others increases dramatically. It’s as though being given permission to speak about one of my interests is one of the most freeing aspects of my professional life—and I don’t think many jobs offer that.

Another significant benefit I’ve found in my role is that I can use my hyperfocus effectively when it comes to written work. I know this can vary greatly from person to person, but I’m able to completely lose myself in a writing task, and I find it incredibly rewarding that my job gives me space to do that.

With the right charity, you can be actively involved in addressing issues that affect people across the country. I know that had I not entered the charity sector, I wouldn’t have the depth of understanding of ADHD that I have now. This came particularly through spending five years working at a charity that directly supported children with ADHD. I worked on the front line with these children for three of those years, and I also gained a master’s degree with a focus on neurodiversity. I feel like I have the right connections from the field to be kept up to date on resources, opportunities and charities that are sharing the most up to date information on ADHD. There is so much interesting research out there and being in an industry where it is useful to be update on this knowledge is such a massive bonus to me!

One of the biggest challenges I’ve seen—both in adults and children (that have accessed the charities I have worked at)—is the lack of support before and after diagnosis, unless you can afford to make a financial investment in managing your ADHD, which is shocking. Receiving an ADHD diagnosis can be really difficult, but with the right support, individuals can thrive. Unfortunately, schools are currently not equipped to offer the level of individualised support needed, and this has a lasting effect into adulthood. Without having easily accessible resources it means that I have had to take a lot of time to learn my only skills and implement them within work.

I’ve seen that there are many different careers where people with ADHD can succeed, but I think the most important factor is self-reflection. I’ve learned what I find overwhelming or challenging and have been clear about that in the workplace. I also know where my strengths lie and have found ways to support my ADHD so that I don’t feel hindered at work. One of the biggest breakthroughs for me, one that took five years to figure out, was finding a to-do list system that works. I’ve tried probably every to-do list out there, but once I found one that suited me, it revolutionised my productivity.

With the rise of AI, I’d also recommend trying an AI note-taker for meetings. Meetings with lots of people have always been something I’ve struggled with, but AI has made it much easier to stay on top of tasks and follow-up actions.

One of the most amazing developments has been the creation of a neurodiversity online networking group specifically for fundraisers. It was incredible to see that there are others like me in the industry. I had always thought I was the odd one out, a fundraiser with ADHD, but discovering that others enjoy the role and have made it work for them too was truly heartening. Although I’ve always loved fundraising and the charity sector as a career, I often questioned how I’d managed to make it work for me. Now I know there’s a whole group of people who share the same strengths in this role.

I love being an ADHD fundraiser and hope others will feel the same!

Hannah Waugh is Head of Fundraising at Be Free Young Carers.

Are you an ADHDer or support ADHDers in Berkshire, Oxfordshire, or Buckinghamshire? Got something to say or share? We’d love to hear from you