When you’re entering recovery from an addiction, the process of reframing your life is challenging. Oftentimes, relationships and lifestyles are in disarray, making it tough to make ends meet. Here are ideas for finding opportunities that are fulfilling and flexible so you can get on your feet financially and establish a firm foundation.
Build a Path
There are many consequences of an addiction, and chances are several aspects of your life need to be brought into alignment. Among those concerns, a career is probably near the top of your list. As HuffPost points out, a job not only provides income, but it is also good for your confidence and self-esteem. It’s also important to understand you’ll have good days and bad days. With that in mind, a position that is flexible can be key to your success.
First Hurdles
Depending on the job path you choose, one of the toughest obstacles can occur right at the start -- the interview. Thankfully, with good preparation, you can not only navigate a job interview, but you can also nail it! Do some research to become familiar with common interview questions and tips, and think through how to respond. Contemplate how you are uniquely qualified for the position you want and what in your life experience applies. Prepare a list of questions for the interviewer, and print out and bring with you any paperwork you might need, such as your resume, portfolio, and references. Showing you are prepared tells the interviewer you are serious and organized. As they say, you never get a second chance to make a good first impression, so this is your opportunity to really shine!
Easing In
Before jumping from recovery to full-time work, take a little time for establishing your schedule and new lifestyle. Psych Central suggests that the first 90 days after rehab are especially critical. Take time to adjust, talk with your significant other, and make plans for framing how things look. Ensure everyone realizes recovery needs to be your top priority, including pertinent meetings and timetables. Side gigs can provide the perfect solution, like selling handmade crafts on websites like Etsy, teaching musical instrument lessons, or pet sitting. You can set your hours around other priorities, such as counseling and therapy sessions.
Refreshing Opportunities
One way to move forward in your career is to revisit rusty skills. If you have an old interest you want to rekindle, or if it’s time to revisit skills you honed in school, look into how much the industry changed since you were last active. Don’t be afraid to pursue old roots, even if things evolved or if you’re concerned about employers holding your history against you. Take a class to brush up on your abilities, and remember that employers are not allowed to discriminate against you in most cases. People recovering from an addiction are considered disabled under federal law, so your rights are protected. There are several programs out there to help you find employment, too, so take advantage of available resources for your job hunt.
Old Job, New You
Returning to a job you held prior to entering recovery offers its own set of concerns and issues. You may need to improve the impression coworkers and your supervisor have if your performance suffered prior to entering recovery. It could be necessary to pick up some pieces, both in terms of work and perceptions. Addressing issues openly can help, especially if your performance directly impacted the company and your fellow workers. If challenges in the workplace and financial worries contributed to your addiction, Beating Addictions recommends talking with a career counselor about your situation.
Clean and Satisfying
Finding that first job opportunity when you’re new to recovery can be challenging. Make some preparations and find a good fit for your situation. You can find fulfilling ways to make ends meet while tending your personal needs.