More and more people of all ages being diagnosed with dyslexia. In fact it is now estimated that 1 in 10 people have dyslexia. If you recently have been diagnosed yourself – or you are thinking about applying for new part time jobs – let’s take a look at some part time job ideas where you can leverage your dyslexia, making it a strength.
Dyslexia is often misunderstood purely as a learning difficulty that affects reading, writing and spelling. But you yourself will know there is much more to dyslexia than that..
While it has no doubt posed challenges for you at school and in workplaces, dyslexia also comes with many strengths.
For example, you might find that you have significant benefits in the areas of:
- Creativity
- Problem-solving
- Big-picture thinking
- Communication skills
- Strong spatial awareness.
Dyslexia and other areas of neurodiversity is not a learning difficulty but a different way of seeing the world.
For many people with dyslexia, the traditional academic route isn’t the best fit. But the professional world offers a wide variety of roles where your talents can shine.
Let’s explore some part time job ideas for people with dyslexia, highlighting careers across creative industries, hands-on trades, technology, entrepreneurship and more.
Whether you’re choosing your first career path or considering a change, now is the perfect time to browse some options that align with your strengths so that you can land a part time job where you can really work with what you’ve got and shine in your career.
Creative Careers
This is just one area where you can excel.
Many people with dyslexia excel in creative fields because they think visually and conceptually. An ability to see patterns and generate unique ideas often gives an edge in industries that value originality.
Graphic Designer
Graphic design requires visual thinking, creativity and problem-solving. These are skills that many people with dyslexia naturally possess. Tools like Adobe Creative Suite can compensate for text-heavy work, allowing your visual strengths to shine.
Photographer or Videographer
Being a photographer or videographer involves storytelling through images rather than words.
If you are dyslexic, you might find that you have a strong sense of composition and perspective. This makes you a natural visual artist and gives you the tools to build a rewarding career using these strengths.
Interior Designer
If you love interior spaces, being an interior designer could be the ideal job for you. Designing spaces combines creativity with spatial awareness. It involves imagining layouts, playing with colors and creating functional environments.
These are strengths many people with dyslexia excel in, giving you the ability to come up with innovative design ideas.
Actor, Musician Or Performer
Performance-based careers emphasise expression and creativity over reading and writing.
Many successful actors and musicians have dyslexia, proving that natural talent can outweigh academic struggles.
For more information about the types of part time jobs where you can allow your creative side to shine, take a look at our detailed article about part time job ideas where you can exercise your creative talents.
Hands-On Trades
Practical, physical jobs are often well-suited to people with dyslexia, especially those who prefer learning by doing rather than sitting at a desk.
Electrician
Electricians work with systems, diagrams and problem-solving. Apprenticeships provide on-the-job training which can be easier than textbook-heavy learning.
Carpenter Or Joiner
Working with wood requires creativity, precision and strong spatial reasoning. These are all qualities that dyslexic people often have in abundance. And if you want to be a carpenter, this type of role can also exercise your creative side, too, when designing and creating your products.
Mechanic
Diagnosing and repairing vehicles or machines is a logical, step-by-step process that relies more on technical skills than heavy reading. Again, there are various Apprenticeships out there, depending on the type of mechanic you want to be.
Plumber
Like electricians, plumbers solve practical problems in real time. The work is varied and offers independence, especially if you are self-employed.
There are many skilled trades out there where those of you with dyslexia can really use it to your advantage and build a rewarding career.
The good news for jobseekers is that many trades have a skills shortage. So you should be able to find some fulfilling part time roles. Take a look at our list of top part time job ideas for working in skilled trades.
Technology & Digital Roles
Although technology might seem intimidating, many roles in this field value problem-solving and creative thinking more than perfect spelling.
Web Designer Or Developer
Building websites requires logical thinking and creativity. If you are the type of dyslexic person who enjoys puzzles and structured problem-solving, you may find coding rewarding.
Game Designer
This career blends storytelling, visual design and technology.
Dyslexic strengths in big-picture thinking – lots of dyslexic people think in pictures and creativity are valuable in creating engaging gameplay experiences.
IT Technician
Troubleshooting and problem-solving in tech support rely more on logical thinking than heavy reading or writing, making this a good fit for many.
Cybersecurity Specialist
This growing field requires pattern recognition, persistence and analytical thinking. These are often big strengths for people with dyslexia.
Entrepreneurial Paths
Did you know that many people with dyslexia are natural entrepreneurs. They see opportunities, think outside the box and are willing to take risks – all the traits of successful entrepreneurs.
Here are a few ideas to consider if you think you have the entrepreneurial spirit.
Small Business Owner
Running your own business allows you to tailor the work environment to your strengths. From opening a café to running an online store, the possibilities are endless.
Take some time to think about what you are passionate about. Then start to build your small business around something you love doing.
Inventor Or Product Designer
Dyslexic people are often innovative thinkers who enjoy creating new solutions. This can lead to careers in product development, design or engineering.
Consultant Or Coach
Sharing personal experiences or expertise in a specific field will allow you to thrive through a largely verbal communication set up rather than written work.
Real Estate Agent
Selling homes relies heavily on communication, negotiation and interpersonal skills. As with many roles, paperwork does need to be done.
But there is lots of software out there to make your life easier. And much of the role of an estate agent focuses on building relationships with people.
Which leads us on to…
People-Focused Jobs
Dyslexic people often have strong interpersonal skills, empathy and the ability to connect with others. If you love to be around people and you think your strengths lie in working with people and helping them, here are a few ideas to get you started…
Teacher or Tutor (Specialised In Dyslexia Or Creative Subjects)
Many people with dyslexia become inspiring teachers, especially when working with students who face similar challenges.
If you are working with others who also have dyslexia, you will be able to bring understanding, empathy and practical strategies to help them negotiate challenges in the classroom or workplace.
Therapist Or Counselor
Counseling relies on listening, empathy and guiding others through challenges; skills that many dyslexic people naturally excel at.
Social Worker
Supporting individuals and families requires compassion and problem-solving, making it an excellent career for empathetic people with dyslexia.
Nurse Or Healthcare Worker
While medical terminology might prove to be challenging, the human side of care – empathy, problem-solving and patient connection – plays to dyslexic strengths.
Outdoor & Active Jobs
Many of you with dyslexia might find that you thrive outside of traditional office settings.
Active and outdoor jobs reduce the emphasis on paperwork and allow practical skills to shine.
Landscaper Or Gardener
Working outdoors with plants and environments can be deeply rewarding for people who prefer hands-on work.
As well as the fulfilment gained from looking after gardeners, there are also many mental health benefits to being a gardener.
Gardening lends itself well to part time work. Take a look at some ideas out there for types of part time gardening jobs that might suit you.
Adventure Guide Or Outdoor Instructor
Leading hikes, kayaking trips or climbing expeditions emphasises communication and leadership as well as building relationships with people.
Obviously, you will need to be physically fit to take on roles like this. But they could be good for those of you who are looking to do part time seasonal work.
Farmer Or Agricultural Worker
Farming requires problem-solving, resilience and practical skills, making it suitable for those who enjoy physical, independent work.
Bear in mind that you will be required to also work outdoors on cold winter days at various hours as well as the warm and sunny days.
Firefighter Or Emergency Responder
These roles require quick thinking, teamwork and bravery. While training includes written work, the core of the job is highly action-oriented.
If you are the type of person who loves to be in the great outdoors rather than being in an office or other indoor place of work, take a look at this list of part time job ideas for outdoor workers.
Arts & Media Careers
Many dyslexic people have a natural gift for storytelling, even if spelling and grammar aren’t their strongest suits.
Not all stories have to be written down.
Journalist (Audio Or Video Focused)
While traditional writing-heavy journalism may be difficult, careers in radio, television or podcasting allow dyslexic strengths in spoken storytelling to shine.
Filmmaker
Directing or producing films requires creativity, leadership and vision. These are qualities that are often dyslexic strengths.
Illustrator Or Animator
Drawing and visual storytelling can be excellent outlets for creativity and there is minimal reliance on text.
Fashion Designer
This career combines creativity, visual design and hands-on creation – a path where dyslexic strengths thrive.
Whilst fashion can be a competitive field, it is an area where you could excel.
And if your passion is fashion but design is not your thing, you could consider part time jobs in fashion retail. That’s where you can use your communication strengths to build relationships with customers, helping them to choose the best outfits and accessories for them.
Hospitality & Service Industry
Customer-focused roles are often a good fit because they rely on people skills rather than text-heavy tasks. This makes the hospitality and service industry a great area to work in if you are dyslexic.
Chef Or Baker
Cooking is creative and hands-on. Much of the work is practical and instinct-driven as is other types of work in the cooking sector.
Take a look at some ideas for part time kitchen roles if you love to be in the kitchen in a busy environment. There are lots of ideas for both entry level roles and roles that might require more experience or qualifications.
Event Planner
Organizing weddings, conferences or parties relies heavily on communication and big-picture thinking.
Hotel Manager
This role requires leadership, organisation and interpersonal skills, all of which many dyslexic people excel in.
Tour Guide
Tour guiding focuses on storytelling and interaction with people rather than written communication. You will need to be able to remember lots of facts and also be prepared to work outdoors as well as indoors.
This could be a great job for those of you who love to entertain and inform people. And there are lots of types of tour guide jobs out there.
This is just a small handful of the types of part time hospitality jobs that you could consider. If you think this sector might suit your particular strengths, take a look at our other ideas for working in the hospitality sector.
Jobs That Value Visual-Spatial Strengths
One of the core strengths of many people with dyslexia is visual-spatial awareness, making them well-suited for careers that require 3D thinking and design.
Surveyor
Measuring and analysing land uses maths and spatial reasoning rather than heavy reading.
Urban Planner
Designing cities and public spaces relies on visual and conceptual thinking. Again, this is also where you can leverage your dyslexia and draw on your creative skills, too.
Set Designer (Theatre/Film)
Designing sets combines creativity, practicality and visualisation skills.
Tips for Choosing a Career with Dyslexia
When you start exploring job options, here are some points to consider:
- Play to your strengths. Focus on roles where creativity, problem-solving or interpersonal skills are valued.
- Leverage technology. Tools like text-to-speech, spellcheck and dictation software can make text-heavy tasks manageable.
- Look for supportive workplaces. More and more companies are realising the value of having neurodivergent people as part of their team and actively support neurodiversity, providing accommodations.
- Consider self-employment. Running your own business allows flexibility and control over your work environment.
- Don’t be afraid of training. While academic work may be challenging, many careers offer hands-on apprenticeships and practical learning.
Now that you have an idea of some of the types of part time jobs that will make the most of your skills as a dyslexic person, why not take a look to see if there are any current vacancies out there that will suit you?