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If you have spent a significant part of your adult life struggling with addiction but are now in recovery, you may have regrets about things you could or should have done. You may feel as though you have wasted many years on a substance such as drugs or alcohol and want to do something with the rest of your life. Maybe you would like to get a new job or go back to college to study and get a degree.
Is Now the Right Time?
During early recovery, you may be advised not to take on too much. It may not be wise to make any major changes as the stress could affect your recovery. However, once you are feeling stronger, you should begin to think about your future, and having something to focus on could be hugely beneficial in terms of giving you a purpose and helping your recovery stay on track.
If you are still in the early days of recovery, you may be better off sticking with the job you have, provided your employer wants you back. Looking for a new job this early could be very stressful and put your recovery at risk. If you were to secure a new job at this stage, you would almost certainly not be able to devote the time and focus required to your recovery.
What If You Don’t Have a Job?
If you have spent a long time out of work because of your addiction, and you need to start earning some money, you have to be cautious about the types of job for which you apply. A non-stressful job is the best choice in the early days. You need to make sure that there are very few demands on you as this will allow you to adequately do the job you are being paid for without any undue stress.
Looking for a New Job
If you need to find a new job, you may be worried about what you should say in terms of your past addiction. It is important that you are honest. You may find that your addiction goes against you in some instances, but these days many employers are willing to give recovering addicts a fair crack of the whip.
Nonetheless, lying about your past could come back to haunt you and end up being grounds for dismissal. It really is not a good idea to lie to a prospective employer about why you have not been working for some time.
Being honest will impress employers, and the fact that you have overcome such a devastating time in your life and are trying to get your life back on track may be enough for someone to give you a chance.
You do not have to disclose your addiction on your CV, and you do not have to talk about it in the interview unless it was the reason for a gap in your employment history. Nevertheless, if you are offered a job, you should make a point of telling the employer before you accept.
Make a Fresh Start
Whether you go back to your old job or secure a new one, it is the perfect time to make a new beginning. Make sure you stick to your recovery plan and work hard. Stay sober and prove how serious you are about getting your life together. Do not take on more than you can handle and never lie to colleagues or your employer.
