Getting Back to Work: Making Ends Meet if You’re New to Recovery
The most important consideration for individuals new to recovery is to maintain their sobriety. That’s key when you get down to finding a new job that suits your financial and recovery needs and doesn’t create undue stress, especially if you’re still in a vulnerable state. While you’re networking, getting a resume in order, interviewing, and waiting to hear back from potential employers, the need to generate income remains. A side gig can help make ends meet while keeping you occupied and avoiding negative thoughts and activities that can lead to relapse behavior. You never know; you might even find a new career or build a business that’ll change your life.
A great gig
If you’re looking for something completely new, there’s good news. The gig economy is changing the way people work and live. There are countless ways to make money doing something you enjoy. In many cases, you can even set your own hours and work at home while pursuing something that’s always been of interest. Do you love animals? Why not consider starting a pet-sitting gig? Many people whose work and social schedules keep them away from home for long hours are looking for somebody to be their stand-in “pet parent.” You’ll get to spend hours playing with and taking care of dogs and cats and get started in a growth-oriented business niche. If you like making things and enjoy crafts, think about marketing your wares on Etsy. Many people with educational/academic backgrounds are able to fill in the gaps by tutoring school-age kids or college students. If you can play an instrument, think about giving music lessons. It’s a great gig if you want to stay in control of your schedule.
Making your own gig
Some people are just happier working on their own instead of being in an office, factory, or warehouse eight hours a day. For someone new to recovery, it might be better to steer clear of chaotic and stressful work situations for a while. Consider setting up your own business, especially if you have an entrepreneurial streak. Bear in mind that starting a business means you need to be self-motivated, determined, and good at problem-solving. Selecting a business niche you’re comfortable with and know about can make things easier and help mitigate some of the stress that comes with starting a new business venture.
Beginning with a comfortable side gig is often the best way to launch your own business. Starting small and building carefully can help you get around having to come up with start-up money, which might be problematic if you’re in recovery or find yourself in debt. Many people who start a new business began as freelancers and gradually built up a clientele, a common model for writers, editors, and graphic artists. If you do return to the workplace, be aware that workplace stress can be a trigger for negative behavior if you’re new to recovery. Make good use of the coping skills you’ve learned for maintaining your sobriety.
Set up an office
Whether it’s a gig or a long-term venture you’re planning for, you’ll need a dedicated home office that will help keep you on task and focused on the work at hand. A home office should be in a space that’s free of distractions—no TVs or gaming consoles—with plenty of room for everything necessary to do your work. That means getting a desk large enough to accommodate a computer, as well as the equipment and supplies you’ll need. If you anticipate spending a lot of time sitting down, find a comfortable desk chair that provides plenty of back support.
Whatever you choose to do, approach it with confidence and the optimism that comes with beginning a new life. Think of finding a new job or starting a new gig as an opportunity to start over on your own terms, under circumstances conducive to your health, well-being, and happiness.
Image courtesy of Pixabay.com.
Rufus Carter has been in recovery for 9 years. For the past 6 years, he has worked as a personal trainer. His website, www.recoveringworks.com, organizes resources for anyone in recovery who is trying to choose their career path. With the site, he hopes to help those in recovery create fulfilling and lucrative careers.
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