Rebuilding Your Career In Addiction Recovery
Recovering from a substance use disorder is one of the most difficult events you may face in your life. After a period of sobriety, you may feel healthy enough to start rebuilding your career to find renewed independence and a sense of purpose. Whether you’re returning to an old job that you had pre-rehab, or searching for a new occupation, there are a number of strategies you can use to rebuild your career while in recovery.
Be Mentally and Emotionally Ready
Before jumping head-first into a career, it's important to take inventory of where you’re at emotionally and mentally. Make sure you have a strong network of support in place, and be honest with yourself when it comes to how much you can take on at once. It may be beneficial to volunteer or take a class so you can ease back into a work routine. Some people find it helpful to commit to part-time work first before returning to a full-time job, but every situation is different.
Update Your Resume and Cover Letter
An updated resume and well-written cover letter are two of the most powerful tools in your job search arsenal. In your resume, focus mostly on your work experience and abilities, any new skills you’ve learned, volunteer work, and classes you’ve taken.
Your cover letter should introduce your current interests and strengths, and is a perfect opportunity to show to a potential employer that you’re the best candidate for the job. Your cover letter is also a good place to explain any employment gaps in your resume honestly but briefly.
Take Advantage of Local Resources
City or county employment offices can provide job listings, training programs, career counseling services, and hiring events that are tailored to your background. Nonprofit groups in your community may offer vocational services as well. Talk to an advisor or case manager at a Cincinnati addiction treatment center to discover all of the local resources available.
Utilize Your Recovery Network
Your community of sober peers is an important resource to tap into during your job search. Other people in recovery may know of a job opening that would be a good fit, or they may be able to provide a letter of recommendation. It’s also helpful to stay connected to sponsors, counselors, and others who have aided your recovery, as they are also great references.
Create Good Work Habits
To prepare yourself for work, it can be beneficial to set a schedule and routine as you would for a job. Wake up at the same time each morning and follow a productivity plan for your day, which should include a minimum amount of job searching. Doing tasks such as these repetitively will build positive habits that will help you be a better employee when you do start a new job.
Need Help With Your Job Search?
Enroll in our online course, Find a Job Fast: The Job Search Accelerator For Career Professionals
Prioritize Your Sobriety
Be sure to continue to meet recovery commitments you have, whether that be attending weekly support groups, 12-step programs, or one-on-one therapy. Your sobriety should be your priority going forward.
When you start working, be upfront about schedule limitations due to support meetings, and discuss reasonable accommodations with your boss or human resources if needed. Relapse can occur even after years of sobriety, and work is a stressor that can trigger cravings. Have a plan to maintain your sobriety and stick to it.
Stay Optimistic
Rebuilding your career in recovery is very achievable, but it will take resilience in the face of obstacles to make it happen. Instead of focusing on failures, celebrate the small wins along the way, like landing an interview. The more you believe in your ability to offer valuable skills to employers, the more they will see your confidence and want to hire you.
Keep At It
Finding the right job opportunity will take some time. Recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that the average American is unemployed for about 19 to 20 weeks. Although these numbers include people who are casually seeking work or uninterested in seeking work, they provide some insight into what to expect during your job search. Continue going to networking events and job fairs and you will eventually find a rewarding job.
The road to employment after addiction is challenging but totally navigable with the right mindset and tools in place. With patience and diligence, you can get back on a career path while in recovery.
Related:
Digital Wellness: Balancing Technology Use for A More Fulfilled Life
How To Leverage Technology to Improve Your Job Searching Efforts
Meet The Writer!
Kent Reason is an editor and content specialist with Ohio Recovery Center, a substance use treatment center located in Van Wert, OH. ORC offers an array of services for addiction and mental health, including multiple levels of care and evidence-based treatment options.
