Finding Employment in Recovery

The following article is from a guest contributor, Rufus Carter (rufus@recoveringworks.com).

Finding work, even in a booming economy, isn’t the easiest thing in the world. Competition for jobs may cause you to be on the hunt for weeks or even months. But when you’re in the middle of addiction recovery, it becomes more challenging to score a job. While addicted to drugs or alcohol, you may have lost your previous job. Maybe drugs interfered with your education. Gaps in employment and the lack of a high school diploma makes the job search tougher. But with a bit of ingenuity, you can find a way to make ends meet while you hunt for a better job. If you are a recovering addict who needs to find a source of income, consider these tips.

First Things First

Once you find your money-making gig, you don’t want to lose it. It’s important to remain committed to sobriety through diet, exercise, getting support, and taking care of your mental health. If you follow a healthy lifestyle by eating right, getting enough exercise, and getting help from family and friends, your mental health will improve and you won’t feel the need to return to drugs or alcohol.

While you shouldn’t let your job overshadow your recovery journey, you should treat it with the same level of commitment. Set aside time in your daily schedule dedicated to work. If you’ll be doing most of your work from home, choose a space separate from your living space where you can concentrate, free of distractions, and set up a home office. Over time, sharpen your skills using free resources online and from the library. These simple tasks can go a long way in ensuring you achieve success in whatever venture you choose.

Pet Sitting

If you love animals, try pet sitting. Working as a pet sitter doesn’t require a high school diploma. Additionally, the people who hire you probably won’t care about the gaps in employment on your resume. According to Embrace Pet Insurance, the best part of the job is that you get to hang out with animals and enjoy a flexible schedule. Start with people you already know, such as family, friends or neighbors. If you prove yourself to be reliable and professional, your clients may refer you to others who need your services.

Music Teacher

Teaching music is another excellent way to earn money. Whether you have a talent for playing the piano, the guitar, or any other instrument, use it to teach others. Advertise your services online or in the local newspaper. Ask permission to place flyers in community centers, libraries, and other public areas. Give lessons at your place or travel to your students’ homes.

Get Crafty

Do you enjoy making crafts like homemade jewelry? Maybe you like to paint small portraits with watercolors or oil paints. If you’re handy with your hands, sell your creations on websites like Etsy. Etsy lets you run your own online boutique, where you can offer your creations to people who are willing to pay for unique crafts.

Flea Markets

Even though people buy tons of products online, many still enjoy scouring flea markets. When you rent a booth space, you can sell a variety of items ranging from clothing, books, jewelry, toys, and furniture. Some flea markets are open every Saturday and Sunday; others are open several days a week. Check out all the flea markets in your area before renting your booth. You want to make sure you choose the one that gives you the best chance to sell your merchandise.

Freelance Writing

Many people think that being a writer means you work for years on a novel, living in an attic and starving in the process. But not all writers create novels. According to Forbes, “freelance writing is in high demand” -- and you don’t have to have a fancy college degree either. You can have a side gig writing web content, blog posts, press releases, newsletters, and other types of business communications. If you’ve always been a whiz with the written word, advertise your services to local businesses, and help them promote their companies to consumers.

When you’re a recovering addict, finding a nine-to-five job may be difficult at first, but you still have to pay your bills. Make ends meet by pursuing a side gig that will help you get back on your feet financially. Pet sitting, selling crafts, opening a flea market booth, or trying your hand at freelance writing are just a few of the options available to people who need to make money but have trouble finding a full-time job.