Being dyslexic does not mean you have limited career opportunities! Having dyslexia means your brain interprets letters and words differently than others.
With dyslexia affecting an estimated 20 percent of the population, it is much more common than you might think. And contrary to what many might believe, it is not a sign of intelligence – many of the brightest people in the world have been known to be dyslexic.
Don’t believe me? Check out these super-successful dyslexics:
- Richard Branson, the brains behind Virgin Records, left high school at just 16 years old. He is now a billionaire.
- Leonardo da Vinci, is one of the most famous painters and is best known for his painting of the Mona Lisa. Although not strong in reading, he was a math wiz and an inventor as well.
- Albert Einstein who we all have to thank for the theory of relativity did not let his dyslexia get in the way of being one of the biggest world changers of his day.
And these are just a few of the many successful people!
So, now you know you can do whatever your heart desires without letting dyslexia stand in your way. This condition is a cognitive learning disability that can affect reading, writing, and spelling – it is definitely not a sign of intelligence!
Although those with dyslexia can go on to do anything they want, there are some jobs that may work better with the way their brain works. But, if you want to go on to be a doctor, lawyer, or any other high-level career then we say DO IT!
Good Jobs For Dyslexics!
On to some of the most popular careers for dyslexics! Many are skilled trade jobs, but there are a few other options that make the cut as well.
Skilled trades are really great for those with dyslexia as many require minimal education. This means less time struggling to read or write!
This does not mean there is no need for additional education, many blue-collar jobs will require some sort of certification or training. But, if you just make your teacher or higher-ups aware, they can work with you to ensure you learn the way you learn best!
Florist
Because the creative side of the brain is so strong for those with dyslexia, becoming a florist is a great way to make the most of what you have! Floral designers can work for a shop, or retailer, or even start their own business.
Creating floral bouquets or elaborate floral landscapes for hotels and weddings is a fun and creative way to make a living. This path does not require a lot of education but certifications are recommended.
Be Inspired
Charlotte Phipps was working for a florist when a spelling error cost her the job she loved. Not only that, but the boss went on to tell her she would “never make it in floristry” because of her disability. So, she did what other dyslexics should do and opened her own shop and proved she could do it!
Metal Fabricator
Metal fabricators work with metal and create advanced structures that are used in a variety of sectors. You might create stairs or railings for residential homes or do advanced welding for commercial projects.
Metal fabricators do not require formal education, but certification and licensing are highly recommended. While there will be some reading and need to understand blueprints – most of the work required is math-based and manual labor.
Be Inspired
Justin Friend decided to skip college, even though both his parents have doctoral degrees, to go on to welding school. This two-year program had him earn $130,000 during his first year out of school. But, the story becomes extra special because he struggled in both math and writing during his younger years because of dyslexia. A course in welding in junior high school changed his path entirely. You can read the full story of his career success here.
Creative & Performing Arts
Creative and performing arts are great options for the dyslexic brain. Creativity and intelligence will help with success in fields like dancing, music, acting, art, choreography, and more.
If you are gifted and work hard to perfect your craft, this career path can provide a good, and exciting, life! If there is a time you can no longer perform, you can even consider teaching.
Be Inspired
While you might think musicians might not be successful in music, you would be wrong in that thinking. A few famous musicians that are dyslexic include Cher, Ozzy Osbourne, Beethoven, John Lennon, and so many more.
Chef
If you love entertaining and making people happy, becoming a chef is also a great option with a great opportunity for growth and success. You can work in a local restaurant, hotel, or resort, or start your own personal catering business.
Be Inspired
Jamie Oliver is a successful celebrity chef who not only owns dozens of restaurants and has sold millions of cookbooks, but he is also dyslexic. He was identified as a “special needs” kid in school and was offered little in the way of help. He did not read his first real novel until he was 38!
Truck Driver
With huge sign-on bonuses, great pay, and flexible hours; becoming a truck driver is a great option. There is a deficit in truck drivers so the options for jobs are huge. It requires getting a CDL which may require a brief written test, but other than that this is a good option for dyslexic jobs.
In the past, reading a map may have been an issue. But modern technology has made that part of this job so much easier. Some schools will also offer additional recommendations for dyslexic drivers to help them improve their skills with different techniques.
Be Inspired
Ashley Petty is a severe dyslexic who worked with the disabilities service specialists at Georgia Northwestern Technical College to help her better navigate the world of trucking. Her “directional dyslexia” might have been a game changer for this career path, but the school really encouraged – and taught her how to be successful!
Landscaper
Not only is it creative, but it is so hands-on that it is a perfect career option for those suffering from dyslexia. Landscaping can be so many things from simple lawn maintenance to creating advanced landscape designs. Which path you take will definitely depend on your abilities and educational goals.
Most basic landscape jobs require no advanced degrees. You might want to take some horticulture classes though. If you decide to go for a certification or even Bachelor’s degree you will definitely want to talk to a counselor to make sure they understand your level of dyslexia. This will allow them to best help you and match you with teachers that understand!
Be Inspired
Ashley Penn is a landscape artist who did not learn to read until very late compared to his peers. Being diagnosed at 11 with dyslexia helped him realize he was not “dumb” and had him refocus his efforts. After high school, he attended a vocational school for horticulture but then returned to get a degree for landscape and garden design. While he struggled and hated reading and writing – he persevered!
Other Dyslexic Careers For Adults
Rosalie P. Fink invested some time in interviewing a variety of successful men and women with dyslexia and had some interesting findings.
One of those results was that 67% of the people she spoke to with dyslexia showed a better-than-average ability to empathize with others. It is implied that this is because of the struggles that each had as children.
Why is this important?
It reflects that those with dyslexia may excel in careers that require empathy to be successful. These careers might include:
- Counselors
- Psychologists
- Teachers – especially special education
- Doctors
- Life coaches
When choosing a career, these are definitely some that should be considered as well. Most do require at least a four-year degree, except for life coach which has no official educational requirements.
