I share this article with you written by Rufus Carter because it brought up for me my own memory of those early days in my recovery when I was transitioning from the old life of addiction, shame and misery and shifting into a whole new way of seeing myself and my life.
I remember having no idea of who this newly emerging self was; all I knew was that the old lifestyle no longer fit. I remember feeling as it I was trying to find the right wardrobe to fit a self that no longer looked, felt, or acted as it once had, and feeling uncomfortable in the old self, but not quite comfortable in the new either.
I found these tips to be helpful for those of you, who like me, have found yourself caught in the throes of rebirthing a new life. Lynne
Thriving Through Recovery: Tips for Finding Your Fresh Start
by Rufus Carter
Your recovery needs to be your top priority, and when you’re new to your program, life can be overwhelming. Recovery is the most important journey you will ever take in your life. And along with that path, you need to find means for making a living. A flexible yet stable position can help you thrive, leaving the old you behind and embracing what is fresh and new.
Explore Your Possibilities
When you’re new to recovery, a job that is adaptable to your therapy schedule, fulfilling, and earns sufficient income can mean success. Thanks to the gig economy, the possibilities are nearly endless. USA Today points out that side gigs can be started with minimal investment, and the opportunities can mesh nicely with your interests, needs, and abilities; you can pursue anything from dog sitting to musical instrument lessons. If you’re creative, try selling handmade items on Etsy. Love to crunch numbers? Become a bookkeeper to professionals who prefer to outsource their assistance. Whatever you choose, a side gig is a great opportunity to earn enough income to help you make ends meet while still tending to your other obligations. It’ll help you create structure in your days while you transition back into the workforce.
Search Your Soul
This is a time to envision your future; you are rebuilding your life in a new light. Whatever you do now can serve as a stepping stone toward a new career path. Unsure what direction that would be? Consider what sorts of things energize you, and weigh what your strengths are. You might want to take a career quiz to help you figure out what would fit well with your personality type, and think about what experiences you have that can help formulate a plan of action.
Prepare Paperwork
Once you determine your general direction, it’s vital to update your resume as a first step in your new path. You’re reentering the job market with your new and improved self, so you should refresh your resume to reflect that. You can use an online resume builder to take the guesswork out of this step. A resume builder will assist you with the entire resume-building process, from selecting a template and color scheme to inputting your work experience and skills. You will then need to create an appropriate cover letter. As Glass Door indicates, a resume conveys the facts of your skills, experiences, and abilities, while a cover letter is your chance to show more about your personality. This is your chance to shine, so make sure you put your best foot forward.
Land an Interview
When you’re reframing your life following a recovery experience, certain things can feel unsteady, and job interviews can feel like one of the most daunting challenges. When you’re in recovering, you might be particularly concerned about what to discuss and how to talk about certain details can feel unwieldy. One suggestion is to decide ahead of time whether you will open up about your addiction in a job interview, and if so, what information would you be willing to share. You can talk about things in a manner that helps interviewers see how much you gained from your experience. Federal law prohibits employers from discriminating against you due to your history of addiction while also protecting your privacy. The decision of whether to discuss your past is entirely yours, but don’t get hung up on what used to be. Remember, if we are in Christ, we are new creations, and the old self is put away. You might like to review common interview questions to prepare for talking with employers. By thinking through the questions and responses you can become more comfortable with the process as a whole. With a proper mindset and good preparation, you’ll be on your way to your dream job!
Recovering from an addiction is a challenging path. When you are ready to enter the job market, finding the right fit can be imposing. With some planning and preparation, you can not only find the right fit, but you can also find work that helps you to heal and thrive.
Rufus Carter