Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) can provide many challenges in a work environment. Especially an office setting. For this reason, it’s granted that many out there are looking for the best compatible jobs for OCD.
The trick to landing your dream career is to find a work environment that avoids OCD triggers. Furthermore, it can be beneficial to have coworkers and bosses that understand your condition and your necessity to treat it.
Throughout this article, we’re going to explore the best jobs for OCD. At the end, we invite you to ask further questions.
What is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a type of anxiety that affects 1 in 40 adults (about 2% of the U.S. population). ¹ Those with the condition experience symptoms that are characterized by:
- Unwanted and uncontrollable thoughts (obsessive)
- Repetitive and ritualized behaviors (compulsive)
People with OCD are aware that their thoughts are irrational. However, they feel powerless in their control over these thoughts. More so, the only control they do have is by performing specific behaviors to ease anxiety. ²
While there are many types of OCD, most people fall into one of the following categories:
- Checkers – Those who constantly check on something to avoid danger. For example, you may continuously check to make sure a door is locked or an oven is off.
- Counters – Those who develop a superstition concerning specific numbers, arrangements, or colors.
- Doubters – Those who perfect everything in order to ensure something terrible won’t happen.
- Hoarders – Those who keep things they don’t need in fear that something bad will happen if they throw those things away.
- Washers – Those who fear contamination. Due to this, washers are likely to repeatedly wash their hands or clean their houses.
Jobs for OCD Challenges
There are a number of challenges that arise in the workplace when you have OCD. These vary depending on the person and the severity of their condition. However, common difficulties include:
- Difficulties using public transportation due to intrusive thoughts
- Struggle being around other people (including shared spaces)
- Tardiness from time-consuming rituals
Beyond these, OCD can also bring issues between co-workers, employees, and supervisors. For example, if you feel the need to constantly check over your work, you may find yourself not making deadlines. In turn, this can cause problems with teamwork and progress in your career.
When it comes to the right jobs for OCD, there are a number of accommodations to consider. These include:
- Allowing time off for treatment
- Flexible work hours
- Having a designated area
- Working from home
Unfortunately, not every employer is willing to make these accommodations. For this reason, we developed a list of the 10 best jobs for OCD.
Top 10 Best Jobs for OCD
When it comes to OCD, it’s ideal to have a career that accommodates to your needs. Luckily, there are a number of jobs out there that cater to these accommodations. We’ve selected the 10 best jobs for OCD in order to make the search easier for you!
1.) Freelance Writer
If you’re word-savvy, a career in freelance writing may just be for you. This work allows you to have complete control over your hours and locations. Through this, you’ll have the freedom to accommodate for your OCD treatment.
Not to mention, freelance writing is very rewarding when it comes to those who pay close attention to detail. The more proper your writing is, the happier you’re going to make clients.
The only difficulty with freelance work is it provides a number of challenges other careers don’t. These can include the need to find your own health insurance and a lack of consistent work.
2.) Photographer
If you’re a perfectionist, you’ll probably make a great photographer. Having a keen eye for the little details most ignore is vital to this line of work. Furthermore, photographers mostly work on their own terms making this great for those with social anxiety.
The only difficulty with photography is it’s extremely competitive. As you can imagine, people from all walks of life are interested in this career. And the window of opportunity is quite small compared to other fields.
3.) Housekeeper
When it comes to jobs for OCD, many will assume housekeeping is ideal. If you’re already a perfectionist when it comes to cleaning your house, why not do it at someone else’s?
A career as a housekeeper has its perks for those with OCD. It allows them to express their compulsive behaviors while making money in the process. However, it can also have a number of downsides that aren’t immediately apparent.
For one, housekeeping work requires you to act on your compulsions which could be bad for treatment. Secondly, the pay is fairly lower than other careers on this list.
4.) Web Developer
Web development require you to design, code, and modify visually appealing websites. Usually, these involve a user-friendly interface and easy-to-use navigation. As you can imagine, such work needs an attention to detail which OCD can apply.
Most web developers work on their own terms. In other words, they have a flexible schedule and work from remote locations. The only difficulty with web development is work isn’t always consistent and you may need to find your own benefits.
5.) Social Media Consultant
In the world of online marketing, social media has become a vital tool for many companies. As such, many have found the need to hire a social media consultant. People in this line of work will develop online media campaigns that incorporate blogs, videos, and forums to promote products and services.
If you’re someone who can handle multiple projects at the same time, a social media consultant may just be the career for you. Often, you’re required to juggle a number of different tasks and constantly check to make sure campaigns are running smoothly.
6.) Software Developer
If you have a knack for coding, you may want to check out a career in software development. This involves creating, developing, and applying codes for the sake of web, mobile, and computer applications.
While this line of work requires a great deal of attention, it can also be quite rewarding. Not only will it allow you to show your perfectionism but it’s also the highest-paying job on our list.
7.) Medical Coder
Medical coders have a fairly simple job – to sort medical records and health information. However, as simple as this job is, it’s also extremely important that candidates are detail-oriented. Not to mention, that they can handle a repetitive work environment.
People with OCD may find a career in medical coding a great fit for them because they can work from home and around their own schedule. Furthermore, such work is extremely important for the sake of maintaining databases on medical and treatment histories.
8.) Computer Support Specialist
If you’re computer-savvy and find yourself offering help to friends and family, why not make a career out of it? Computer support specialists play an important role in helping the average person understand software and applications better.
The work is solitary in nature and usually comes with a pretty flexible schedule. In fact, some companies will even allow you to work from the comfort of your home. This is a great option for those who struggle with social anxiety issues in the workplace.
9.) Accountant
For those with a detail-oriented mind, becoming an accountant can be an ideal solution to making use of your talents. Accounting requires you to file financial records, keep them organize, and continuously update financial records.
A career in accounting is not only great for people with OCD but it’s a perfect job to keep yourself stable. As of 2018, the average accountant made about $70,500 a year.
10.) Travel Agent
Planning a vacation is a lot more stressful than most realize. It requires a lot of planning (for travel, accommodations, activities, etc.) and attention to detail. In fact, not everyone has the ability to plan for their perfect vacation.
For this reason, people with OCD may find a job as a travel agent extremely beneficial. Not to mention, most travel agencies allow employees to work from home – giving you a flexible schedule.
Final Word on Jobs for OCD
When it comes to jobs for OCD, there are a lot of options. In truth, people with OCD have a lot of talent that the general population just doesn’t have. For this reason, there are a number of careers you may not have realized you can excel in.
Still, it’s important to make sure that you continue treatment as you find a job. Furthermore, that the company you work for understands and allows you to commit to your treatment plan.
Your Questions
Still have questions concerning the best jobs for OCD?
We invite you to ask them in the comments section below. If you have any further advice to offer – whether personal or professional – we’d also love to hear from you.
Reference Sources
¹ National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
² American Family Physician: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Diagnosis and Management