Career Options for People with a Bad Memory
Some people are not good at recalling a lot of information. People who don't have a good memory may want to avoid jobs where they would need to remember and act on critical information quickly. Jobs that have consistent daily routines are more likely to appeal to people who do not have strong recall skills, including those listed below.
| Job Title | Median Salary* (2020) | Job Growth* (2019-2029) |
|---|---|---|
| General Office Clerks | $35,330 | -5% |
| Cashiers | $25,020 | -7% |
| Occupational Health and Safety Specialists | $72,530 | 4% |
| Hand Laborers and Material Movers | $30,490 | 3% |
| Chauffeurs and Taxi Drivers | $32,320 | 8% or higher |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Career Information for Jobs for People with a Bad Memory
General Office Clerks
General office clerks perform basic administrative tasks, such as answering phones. They may also type and file documents or sort mail. Most of the tasks they do, such as relaying messages or setting up appointments, are routine and do not require them to recall a lot of details. General office clerks can learn to do this type of work with a high school diploma and training by their employer that can be completed in a month or less.
Cashiers
With on-the-job training, it's possible to work as a cashier. Cashiers spend their days operating cash registers, using scanners and taking payment for items people are purchasing. They may also be responsible for packaging products that have been purchased. Since they perform the same tasks each day, they do not need to have a good memory; they can learn to do this job quickly and typically follow the same process each workday.
Occupational Health and Safety Specialists
Occupational health and safety specialists are required to have a bachelor's degree; they normally study occupational health and safety or a comparable discipline to prepare for this career. Their job is to inspect work sites, and they may also investigate workplace accidents. This job involves a lot of analysis of data from tests and inspections, and people with a bad memory will find that they can review their material and relevant information as needed. Attention to detail and accuracy are important and these professionals may also spend time developing policies or plans to promote workplace safety. This type of work focuses more on research and development than on the need to recall a lot of data or make quick decisions.
Hand Laborers and Material Movers
Hand laborers and material movers spend their days primarily working with their hands. They may perform tasks such as wrapping merchandise that's going to be transported or washing vehicles. People with a bad memory may find that this type of work is appealing because they can learn the skills they need within a short period of on-the-job training, and typically perform the same tasks every day. In this job, employees develop a comfortable routine, and they don't need to recall a lot of data.
Chauffeurs and Taxi Drivers
A license to operate a taxi or limousine is required to become a chauffeur or taxi driver, as well as some on-the-job training; these workers also typically need to have a good driving record. They use their vehicles to take people to and from places. Their job involves operating vehicles and using the same skills every day, which makes this a good career option for people with a bad memory. Although it can be helpful for chauffeurs and taxi drivers to be familiar with different locations in the area where they work, with a GPS or map, these drivers can find their way almost anywhere a client wishes to go.
