By Patricia Hill
Recovering from addiction can be long and arduous. It comes with many rewards, including a better quality of life, but it can also be hard to make ends meet as you search for your first job and take other steps to build a new foundation. Polite On Society shares five practical tips for staying financially afloat during this challenging time:
Go to a Rehab Center if You Need To
First things first — if you’re in the midst of an addiction, it’s essential to seek help before anything else. It might be tempting to skip rehab and jump into your job search immediately, but you’re not likely to achieve long-term success unless you’ve overcome your reliance on substances. Many rehab centers offer financial assistance, and the benefits of getting help far outweigh the temporary financial burden.
Take time to research different facilities in your area. Compare factors like prices, treatment modalities, certifications, and patient reviews as you choose the best centers in New York. Keep in mind that some rehab centers provide free services through Medicaid or local programs.
Using Online Resources
There are countless online resources available to people in addiction recovery. Many websites provide job search resources like job postings and resume builders.
Some sites are also tailored specifically to those in addiction recovery, providing mentors and job opportunities that accommodate flexible schedules and allow for self-care. You might also check out online forums and chat rooms where people share their experiences and advice on finding employment and managing finances, and early recovery.
Looking at Possible Side Gigs
While searching for your first job, you must be open to the concept of side gigs. These can include becoming a virtual assistant, dog walker, babysitter, or any number of other roles.
The gig economy provides countless opportunities that can accommodate your schedule and prove to be an excellent way to earn extra cash. Along with helping with your immediate financial needs, a side gig can also help build your resume and potentially lead to future employment opportunities.
Finding Jobs
In addition to job search engines, you can find job postings on social media platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn. Among other features, these platforms have group pages for specific industries where you can find job postings that align with your skills and interests.
It’s also a good idea to follow and subscribe to industry-specific publications and websites. And don’t forget to network! Letting your community know what kind of work you’re seeking can present employment opportunities that otherwise may not have been on your radar.
Starting a Business
Launching a small business can be a great long-term solution to finding financial stability in recovery. There are many types of small businesses you can start with minimal capital, such as house cleaning, selling handmade products, and others.
Taking a class or workshop on business management and marketing can give you the information you need to get started. When you know what you want to do, create a thorough business plan that outlines your steps going forward. This document should describe your business, the funding required, how you’ll sell your products or services, and more.
Further, be sure to build a professional website to promote your business or side gig. Some entrepreneurs use an online web-building platform to save money, but you might benefit from hiring professionals to create your site; that way, you know you’ll have a unique, top-notch site while skipping the time and stress that comes with website design and development. Remember to connect with experts for the best hosting services you can find!
Summary
As you navigate your journey in addiction recovery, finding employment and financial stability should be a top priority. But it’s important to take the time necessary to heal and seek help if you need it.
Keep in mind that finding your first job may not be easy, but you can lay a foundation for a fulfilling and lucrative career with the right mindset and resources. Along with the support and guidance of your community, use the tips above to blaze a path to a fulfilling and prosperous future in recovery!