The ability to generate income is paramount to establishing a healthy and productive new life for a recovering addict. For this reason, getting a job after rehab is a primary concern for many of them.
It could be scary at first, particularly for those who have not worked for a long time or have built resentments against previous jobs — but it doesn’t have to be challenging.
Here are our best tips on how to get a job after rehab ends!
Be Open
Our number one tip for getting a job after rehab may not resonate right away, but it could work surprisingly well.
The first impulse of someone coming out of addiction may be to keep their condition anonymous, and that’s OK. But getting honest about what you just went through could turn out to be your biggest strength.
Let me explain.
First of all, it shows strength.
Coming out of rehab and into a new life addicts may carry with them some shame without realizing they’ve just accomplished an enormous achievement.
Consider this, most people can’t beat their sugar habit, yet here is an addict beating addiction.
Employers like having teams that can overcome challenges and have discipline. Leverage your recovery as a strength, not a weakness.
Second, it shows courage.
It takes a lot of spine to have the courage to speak about your shortcomings in a setting where most others will inflate themselves
Employers will love your courage and will want to leverage that skill into their business.
Lastly, and probably most important, it shows honesty.
Business is built on trust. There is no better soft skill to have in business than being trustworthy.
Honesty about your recovery and your condition will show your employer that you can be trusted, and that will take you a long way.
Even though some employers could be judgmental, most will see your recovery positively and will want to help.
Understandably, opening up about your condition could be scary, but the results may surprise you!
Just keep a positive mindset, and remember—you have nothing to lose, there are literally thousands of employers out there looking to hire. If one doesn’t agree with your background, then you can always just move on to the next!
Be Resourceful
We live in an incredibly prosperous world where perseverance is rewarded. Opportunity is waiting behind every corner—don’t be afraid to seek it.
Embrace your network, not just your professional network, but also your personal network. Ask around and let others know you are looking.
You may also want to ask a friend who has achieved what you want how they did it. Ask them to help you create a professional CV.
Don’t hesitate to mention your situation when attending 12-step meetings. There may always be someone who knows about an opportunity.
Most importantly, there will always be another opportunity, so don’t give up if you receive a “no”. Keep trying, the right opportunity will present itself.
Assistance Programs and Online Sources
Addicts in recovery may also be able to find financial support from local and state programs. Leveraging these programs is also a great tip for getting a job after rehab.
For example, in Pennsylvania, there is a Vocational Rehabilitation program that offers job assistance to those in recovery.
One of the advantages of these programs is that your employer will know about your condition upfront.
Other great online sources for getting a job after rehab include:
- The Department of Labor
- The National Skills Coalition
- The Salvation Army
- National H.I.R.E. Network
- Indeed
Prioritize Your Recovery
One of the most important tips in our list is not about how to get a job but rather how not to.
Coming out of addiction, and having options to choose from may feel alien to recovering addicts who for a long time may have had none.
A recovering addict may feel tempted to jump into the first opportunity that shows up, or the one that pays the most, but they must exercise caution.
No job or paycheck is worth losing your recovery.
Prioritizing recovery could be challenging for a recovering addict that was in a “risky” career prior to their recovery.
For example, a bartender may probably want to rethink their career if they went into recovery due to alcohol.
Although it doesn’t always have to be so straightforward. An executive working in a toxic and stressful environment could be under as much risk of relapse as the bartender.
Getting out of rehab is a great chance to wipe the slate clean. If your job role in the past doesn’t match your new life, then there is no better time to rethink your career.
Getting Help
Getting a job after rehab doesn’t have to be difficult, and neither does overcoming addiction.
If you or one of your loved ones suffers from addiction then it’s time to get help!
At Outpatient LA we offer our patients support in getting their life backs on track. Our intensive outpatient treatment will arm you with the tools to overcome addiction in the real world.Contact Outpatient LA and ask us for a free consultation today.