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OCD and your career

Posted on • Career planning, Confidence, CVs and applications, Disabilities and health conditions, Job search, Neurodiversity

Lego figure representing OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder)

Career decision making can bring the excitement of new opportunities and experiences, but the uncertainty involved can be challenging, often triggering anxiety and flare ups, for those with OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder).

OCD involves a cycle of intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviours or mental acts (compulsions), which can be distressing and interfere with daily life. High expectations, pressure to perform, and fear of making the “wrong” choice can intensify these experiences. However, with the right support, many people develop strong discipline and resilience, enabling them to build successful — even extraordinary — careers, like legendary professional English footballer David Beckham. While renowned worldwide for his celebrated career, exceptional precision with his left foot, and cultural impact on and off the pitch — so significant it even inspired a university module — it is less widely known that David Beckham lives with OCD and achieved greatness while managing the condition.

Follow our football-focused tips to help you move forwards with your career goals:

 

1. Tackle your triggers and blocks during the job search

Join one of our Career together sessions to find the motivation to take action to focus on your future by working alongside others in a friendly environment. If you’re anxious about telling a potential employer about your OCD, Your Career Planning Guide provides information and advice on how to explain it to an employer in CVs, applications and covering letters. When applying for jobs also try setting time limits for completing applications to avoid getting stuck in compulsions and control your perfectionism by taking a ‘done is good enough’ approach.

 

2. Play to your strengths

When writing your CV or job applications, remember to recognise your skills and demonstrate what you have to offer such as:

  • Attention to detail
  • Strong sense of responsibility and reliability
  • Persistence
  • Structured thinking

Then use our interactive tools – CV builder and CV360 to help you develop and review your CV that plays to your strengths.

 

3. Shoot for roles that help you to score

Explore our wide range of vacancies and work experience opportunities. Whilst some work environments can trigger or exacerbate OCD and anxiety, there are many more that are supportive. Never limit yourself in what job you apply for but finding a role that compliments what makes you feel comfortable and choosing a career that suits you will help your employer get the best out of you and you get the most out of your job. So, shoot for roles that:

  • Provide clear structure or routines and expectations
  • Offer well-paced deadlines (not constant urgency)
  • Give hybrid/remote flexibility

 

4. Defend your rights

Understand your rights to ensure your working environment supports your OCD. Most employers aim to create inclusive workplaces, and in the UK they also have a legal duty to do so. Under the Equality Act 2010, employers must make reasonable adjustments for people with OCD at work, such as those outlined above.

 

5. Kick off a conversation

Want to talk it over? Book a careers consultation where we can support you to explore your strengths and build strategies when things feel more challenging.

Whoever you are, whatever your goals, background, ethnicity, abilities and disabilities, identity and differences, Careers and Employability Services are here to help you to succeed with career confidence.

 

ADHD can co-occur with other conditions such as TS (Tourette’s Syndrome), OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) and Autism. Read the other articles in our Neurodiversity and your career series.

 

 

Annabel Bennett is a Development Coordinator in the OU’s Careers and Employability Services. She supports careers-related activity both within the service and across the University, helping students to achieve their ambitions and fulfil their potential. Explore the rest of our blog for more articles from your careers team.