You, like 3 million other people, went to rehab to seek help. You were ready to end your crippling addiction to drugs and/or alcohol.
A step in the right direction, you completed treatment with a few bumps and hurdles but nonetheless, you persevered. Leaving rehab left you feeling dignified and like a new person.
However, going back to the real world isn’t without its struggles as a recovering addict. After being months away, you need to support yourself and your family.
To start, you’ll need to find a job. Feeling overwhelmed, you don’t know where to begin with the employment process.
That’s why we’ll go over a few effective ways you can find employment after rehab. Take a look!
Think About What You Want to Do
Completing rehab is a second chance to live your life the way you want to. In order to find a job, you need to think about what you want to do.
Love to cook? Then a restaurant is the place for you. If fashion is your passion, a boutique or retail shop would fit you.
Knowing your interests will get you off on the right foot to finding a job.
Update Your Resume
Once you have an idea of the kind of job you’d like to have, it’s time to update your resume. You want it to reflect the job you’re after.
Add your experience but for your skills, adjust them to the positions you’re applying to. For example, a line cook needs good time management and the ability to stand on their feet for long periods of time. You’ll want to add that onto your resume so you have a better chance of landing an interview.
Since you’ve been in rehab, you’ll have a gap in your resume. Don’t feel pressured to explain that gap right away. If they ask, you can explain but you don’t have to overshare.
Sharpen Your Skills
Now’s your chance to add more to your skill arsenal! Learning is the best way to grow and there are plenty of courses you can take to sharpen your skills.
Along with skills, don’t forget to obtain your GED or diploma if you haven’t already. A starting education is needed for almost all jobs. Certificates from non-credited courses can also help you get your foot in the door to lucrative careers.
Turn to Friends and Family for Opportunities
You never know when friends or family members know about job opportunities. Ask around and see what they might have lined up.
If anything, they can let you know about local job fairs or temporary positions. And don’t forget about volunteering! Not only is it a rewarding experience but it might lead to a permanent position or other opportunities.
Don’t Set High Expectations
Finding a job is already hard. You can’t expect to land an interview the moment you start passing out your resume.
That said, don’t set your expectations so high. Understand that patience is needed and focus on continuing your sobriety. The right job will come along as long as you put in the effort to look and grow as a person.
Finding a Job as a Recovering Addict
It’s no easy task to find a job after rehab. As a recovering addict, the road ahead of you is long but filled with promise. As long as you follow our tips to finding a job, you’ll be on your way to getting the career you want.
Remember to stay focused on your sobriety. That said, here are three coping skills to help you out.