Build Stability in Recovery: Finding The Right Job for You

 Recovery is intimidating for many reasons, especially if you are new to it. You need to focus on your health while adjusting back to life. It's important to not only reintegrate into society, but to maintain a commitment to sobriety through diet, exercise, getting the support you need, and taking care of your mental health. Making ends meet until you find your first job opportunity post-recovery is necessary, but shouldn't add stress. There are plenty of options available for you, all of which can be fulfilling.

 Find a Side Gig

Thanks to the internet, there are plenty of side-gig style opportunities available. Start by thinking about your interests to choose a point of focus. What are you best at? Is there a market for your skills? Don't discount things that might be stress-free, such as being a pet sitter. Not only is this type of position flexible, allowing you time to seek out something more reliable, but pet sitting is something that does not take much money to start. Often, supplies will be provided by the owners of the pet. You can start by asking people you know if they need help watching their animals, using an app to advertise your new business, or posting information online to attract clients. Other side gigs may require a home office. To maximize your productivity, make sure your workspace is free of distractions.

 Get Crafting

If you are an avid crafter, you may be able to turn your pastime into a living. Websites like Etsy.com allow you to host content and advertise your creations to people across the globe. Some sellers make a staggering living off of their creations, and with millions of people searching for homemade goods using it, it's easy to see why. Make sure you do research to find out what sells and how much people are charging for items similar to yours so you can be competitive. You need to also use the right keywords when listing your crafts to make sure that you're reaching as many people as possible. Engage with whatever community is available online for your specific creations. The more time and energy you put into maintaining your listings, the more likely they are to be seen.

Try Teaching

If you have a skill, you can teach it. Whether you choose to teach online or in person, there are many options available to you. Before you start, come up with a course outline so you aren't scrambling to create the content you'll need when you get a client. For instance, if you plan on teaching an instrument, think about where you will start with students. All you need to begin is the ability to play yourself. After all, you don't need a degree to teach, especially to beginners. You do, however, need to be patient and know how to communicate well.

Temporary Employment

Seasonal and temporary work are both options that are available. It may not be glamorous, but you could consider working in the agricultural industry picking produce. Try reaching out to various farms to see what is available. Depending on the time of year, the harvest will be different. For instance, strawberries are picked in late spring and early summer. Apples are common late in the summer, while grapes are harvested in autumn. This is temporary, and difficult, work. If you are not feeling well physically, it may not be the best option for you. However, if you think a change of scenery would do you well (you will be working on a farm, after all), it may be a good way to reconnect with yourself. Just make absolutely certain that you are physically able to commit to the physical demands of the job.

 Remember, no matter what, you need to take care of your entire well-being. That includes your physical and mental health. Exercise, eat well, and don't neglect your support. You may experience stress, especially when looking for work. Take time to yourself and look after your mental well-being. It may take time to establish a new way of earning a living, but don't be disheartened. There are many ways you can earn enough to take care of yourself during this time.

*** Written for Meridian Counseling by Rufus Carter.

Rufus Carter has been in recovery for 9 years. For the past 6 years, he has worked as a personal trainer. His website, 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