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does your job help your recovery?

K

kwhat

Bluelighter
Joined
Feb 22, 2013
Messages
101
Location
Michigan
i jus had 2 n a half months clean but fucked it up last week, went on a 2 day bender but i jus got a job a cpl days ago at this super dank hot dog place where i live. i jus started working n god it helps me so much get my mind off things n jus stay in the moment n not worry about shit, everyone i work with is super cool n laid back so thats a plus. jus wondering how other people in recovery think about there jobs if they help ya or stress ya out? feel like things r lookin up:)
 
Great to hear yours is helping! I don't currently have a job but I find that my classes/intership definitely help me stay clean since they keep me busy and keep my mind on other things. The worst thing to do if you're trying to quit drugs is be idle really.

A big congrats on 2 and a half months clean btw :)
 
Yeah, similar for me. Without a job/frequent uni courses I see my chances for a clean life close to zero. I think just hanging out every day is my most important trigger. Second thing is making stupid mistakes (misorganisation etc.), third is loneliness, and fourth is being too stressed out. Yes, I have to find a certain balance, and that balance is not the same everyday. There may be months where I feel great working/learning 60 hours a week and participating in other activities during the weekend and other months being busy for 4-5 hours per day is my optimum. Very tricky because I get easily lost in work/chilling, so it requires a lot of attentiveness, planning and flexibility to keep myself clean...

However, I could not imagine to stay clean without a job, even if it's a simple one.
 
I'm having a lot of anxiety at my new job since I am tapering off of benzos at the moment but I'm troopering through it okay I suppose. It does seem to give me a sense of accomplishment when I'm in my car driving home everyday knowing I survived yet another day.

Previously before getting this job (I just got it a month ago) I had not driven over 10 miles in over 2 years. This job is well paying but 25 miles from my house so I was forced to begin driving again although it caused me severe anxiety. I seem to have overcome the anxiety of driving and I'm surprised that I am able to also make it through an entire day of socializing with people without breaking. All I know is if I can make it through this I can do anything I think.

I definitely think working helps your recovery.
 
I found it best in early recovery to get low stress, disposable jobs.. This allowed me to focus on the basics of living differently (and responsibly). Now, I work in a treatment center and absolutely love it. It definitely helps but does have its own challenges. Its common for people that work in treatment facilities to replace their early recovery practices with the job itself. I can't afford to fuck around like that. Learning this balance is tricky but its finally working
 
kwhat said:
i jus had 2 n a half months clean but fucked it up last week, went on a 2 day bender but i jus got a job a cpl days ago at this super dank hot dog place where i live. i jus started working n god it helps me so much get my mind off things n jus stay in the moment n not worry about shit, everyone i work with is super cool n laid back so thats a plus. jus wondering how other people in recovery think about there jobs if they help ya or stress ya out? feel like things r lookin up:)
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My job stresses me out which is a trigger for me, but I'm learning to live with that and deal better.

It sounds like you have a great mindset, so I'm sure this will help you. <3
 
40 hours a week of mandatory sobriety. helps with setting limits, and rewards for being good.

real paychecks help with the good living principals.
 
My job is one of the key factors in my sobriety.

It keeps me busy, gives me purpose, and keeps money in my pocket. Money allows me to have freedom.

The worse thing for me in my addiction is boredom.
 
My job really helps me in my recovery and constantly gives me a feeling that I am actually working towards a goal that I will eventually accomplish.

It can be very stressful and aggravating, but I normally just try to laugh about the situation/people instead of getting all worked up.
 
For rehab we are required to get a full time job before moving into Intensive OutPatient. I just applied 2 place and really hope when I call in tomorrow one of them has something goood to tell me. I really hope it helps me stay clean.
 
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