Do not let a list of the worst jobs for dyslexics fool you into thinking you can’t overcome your disability. No matter what any so-called expert says, I believe everyone is capable of achieving their dream career, no matter the obstacle!
Dyslexia is a language-based learning disability that includes difficulties with words, letters, reading, and writing. It affects an estimated 1 in 10 people and is the most common learning disability.
Chances are, you know someone in your family or circle of friends who suffers from dyslexia.
There are many jobs that are difficult for dyslexics. These jobs require things like reading and writing, which can be difficult for dyslexics.
However, there are many jobs well-suited for people who suffer from this condition.
Below, you’ll see the ten worst jobs for any dyslexic person, followed by a list of alternative jobs a dyslexic can consider.
Here are the top ten worst jobs for dyslexics:
- Air Traffic Controller
Being an air traffic controller requires quick thinking, excellent problem-solving skills, and a high level of abstract thinking. These tasks can be difficult for dyslexics, who have slower reading and writing speeds. Dyslexics are also prone to attention deficit disorder, which can make it difficult for them to stay focused on the task at hand for long periods of time.
- Teacher
On average, teachers work more than 50 hours a week. This includes professional development time, grading and preparing lessons, and providing extra help to students who need it. This can be tough for those with dyslexia because they require more time to read and process information.
A teacher’s work is both mentally and physically demanding. The hours are long, often requiring them to work through their breaks and lunches. They are constantly surrounded by children with a range of social skills and requirements that they need to address. This can be exhausting for someone with dyslexia who is already struggling with focus, concentration, and organization skills.
- Lawyer
A lawyer’s job is not the best occupation for someone who has dyslexia. The work relies heavily on reading and writing, which are skills that the individual with dyslexia may not have. Lawyers also have to be able to edit their own work, which can be more difficult for people with dyslexia.
There are a number of jobs that dyslexics may find challenging. One of these is the job of a lawyer, since it requires hours on end reading through piles of documents. Lawyers also need to be excellent writers, which can lead to problems for dyslexics.
- Doctor
Doctors are often required to read and write to diagnose patients, but these tasks can be difficult for dyslexics. Doctors also have to spend a lot of time looking at charts, which would also be difficult and crucial to a patient’s well-being.
- Accountant
Dyslexics find accountant jobs complicated because of the many numbers involved. These professionals need to have good math skills and a level of precision that can be difficult for those who struggle with dyslexia. They also need to work with numbers in an order that makes sense, which can be challenging for those who are struggling with their sequencing skills.
- Cashier
Cashiers need to be able to scan items quickly and accurately while also maintaining a customer-facing demeanor. This is one of the worst jobs for dyslexics, as they may find it difficult to stay focused on tasks such as this one, which can lead to errors. They may also struggle with tasks such as weighing items or counting change.
- Journalist
Journalists are known for having to write in an accurate, concise, and timely manner. This is often problematic for dyslexics because the job requires high-quality writing skills that many dyslexics struggle with.
- Librarian
Librarians are regularly required to perform a variety of tasks, such as processing books, organizing materials, and providing information to patrons. These tasks require verbal communication skills and the ability to read quickly and accurately. For dyslexics who have difficulty reading or listening to people speak, this job could be very difficult.
- Restaurant worker
When you have dyslexia, reading can be a challenge and the rigidity of restaurant work hours might not be convenient for your work schedule. In addition, the mental focus required for this job might not be manageable for people with dyslexia. The following positions are generally considered some of the worst jobs for dyslexics:
- Chef
- Cook
- Food preparer
- Server
- Bartender
- Musician
Musician jobs can be one of the bad jobs for dyslexics. They require a lot of memorization, which can be difficult. There is also the possibility of living in a city with a high cost of living, as many musician jobs are located in major metropolitan areas.
An article, published on the website of the British Dyslexia Association in March 2019, warned that “The creative arts are no good for people with dyslexia”. A musician authored the article and he says that because reading music is an abstract skill, it can be difficult to learn. He also wrote that it can “end up feeling like a pointless struggle”.
Of course, this should not deter anyone who loves music, has the talent and wants to try their best to be a musician!
Government Jobs for Dyslexics
People with dyslexia can typically find it difficult to compete in the job market. Despite their skills and talents, they may be overlooked or even judged because of the stigma surrounding dyslexia.
For those looking for an entry-level position, a government job is one option.
There are many jobs for dyslexic adults in the public sector. These jobs are usually less demanding than ones you will find in the private sector.
Employees have more time for training and advancement opportunities than they would at a private company.
As an example, there are many government jobs in your local postal service, both inbound and outbound, mail room clerk, and courier.
Here are additional government jobs:
- Customer service representative—This job will require you to answer customer queries, provide information about products or services, and take payments over the phone.
- Receptionist—You will be required to greet visitors, answer their queries, and direct them to the appropriate person or department.
- File clerk—This job requires you to open mail, sort it into files according to the subject, and alphabetize and store it properly for easy retrieval when needed.
- Administrative assistant—You’ll take care of any daily office chores such as preparing correspondence, scheduling appointments, ordering new supplies, or taking notes.
- Police officer—For dyslexics, a career in law enforcement may be a good choice. Unlike many jobs, the required reading level is fairly low and there are many opportunities for advancement. A police officer’s training is rigorous, but there are dyslexia-friendly resources to help you succeed. For example, you can easily use your smartphone to dictate your police reports. Then you can use an app such as Grammarly to help you correct any errors.
- Firefighter—You will often have to read medical reports, read and understand fire plans, and write up reports. All of this takes a lot of reading and writing, but you have plenty of tools at your fingertips, just like police officers. Dyslexia affects reading and writing abilities, but it’s less likely to be as great of an obstacle for firefighter jobs than in other professions.
