Going home after a residential rehab program is all about getting your new routine down and settling into your new life. Finding a new job is often a part of the process and can be a real source of stress. Minimizing stress and maintaining a positive attitude about the job hunt will help you to land a good job and will contribute to your long term recovery success. Getting discouraged and frustrated as you search for a job can lead to setbacks, and even relapse, so it’s important to go about things the right way and maintain some good perspective.
Labeling Yourself
Searching for a job is sometimes a lengthy process, and you’re going to hear more “nos” than “yesses” along the way. You may feel that you’re not being offered a job because of your history with addiction, but this is not necessarily the case. Finding a job is difficult for everyone, and you’re not the only one struggling. Be careful not to label yourself as ”cursed” or “unsuccessful,” or to give yourself negative self-talk because of mistakes you’ve made in the past. The fact that you’ve come this far in your recovery shows that you’re strong and committed—great attributes for any employee to have! Give yourself some credit, have some confidence, and show potential employers that you’re a good investment for them.
Your Best Impression
Giving yourself an edge in the job market is an important part of job hunting. Dress your best for interviews, show up on time, and be prepared to answer questions about yourself professionally and honestly. Ask for help with your resume if you need it, and prepare a cover letter that helps you to stand out in the crowd. The job market is very competitive, and you need a way to set yourself apart from other job seekers. You don’t have to tell others about your experiences with addiction unless it’s a specific part of the application process. If it does come up, put a positive spin on things by discussing the things you’ve learned from recovery, and what your goals for the future are.
Aftercare Participation
The early days of recovery are the most difficult, and your aftercare program will be designed to help you through. As you search for a job, and eventually start working at someplace new, you will need your aftercare resources to lend you additional support, and to help you successfully manage stress. Attend your meetings, make time for your individual therapy sessions, and continue to be an active part in the recovery community in order to ensure continued success.
HR Brown is the founder and President of Renaissance Ranch and a Advanced Substance Use Disorder Counselor. He has worked in the substance abuse field for the last 12 years as well as an additional 15 years of finance and business management experience. Through his personal experience in recovery, HR has developed a passion for helping people understand and overcome the disease of addiction.
Labeling Yourself
Searching for a job is sometimes a lengthy process, and you’re going to hear more “nos” than “yesses” along the way. You may feel that you’re not being offered a job because of your history with addiction, but this is not necessarily the case. Finding a job is difficult for everyone, and you’re not the only one struggling. Be careful not to label yourself as ”cursed” or “unsuccessful,” or to give yourself negative self-talk because of mistakes you’ve made in the past. The fact that you’ve come this far in your recovery shows that you’re strong and committed—great attributes for any employee to have! Give yourself some credit, have some confidence, and show potential employers that you’re a good investment for them.
Your Best Impression
Giving yourself an edge in the job market is an important part of job hunting. Dress your best for interviews, show up on time, and be prepared to answer questions about yourself professionally and honestly. Ask for help with your resume if you need it, and prepare a cover letter that helps you to stand out in the crowd. The job market is very competitive, and you need a way to set yourself apart from other job seekers. You don’t have to tell others about your experiences with addiction unless it’s a specific part of the application process. If it does come up, put a positive spin on things by discussing the things you’ve learned from recovery, and what your goals for the future are.
Aftercare Participation
The early days of recovery are the most difficult, and your aftercare program will be designed to help you through. As you search for a job, and eventually start working at someplace new, you will need your aftercare resources to lend you additional support, and to help you successfully manage stress. Attend your meetings, make time for your individual therapy sessions, and continue to be an active part in the recovery community in order to ensure continued success.
HR Brown is the founder and President of Renaissance Ranch and a Advanced Substance Use Disorder Counselor. He has worked in the substance abuse field for the last 12 years as well as an additional 15 years of finance and business management experience. Through his personal experience in recovery, HR has developed a passion for helping people understand and overcome the disease of addiction.
