So glad I found this board. I'm Lisa, and new to NA, having just celebrated 60 days clean.
I lost my job because of my addiction (worked in a pharmacy...maybe I'll share the story another time, but u can c where this is going) Anyway, I'm facing an F4. Having never been in trouble, my attorney is pushing for treatment in lieu of conviction. the judge is really tough, and our county doesn't really offer any type of diversion program for first time offenders. The prosecutor is onboard with my attorney, so I have my fingers crossed.
I have lots of issues causing frustration, but the main one is I CAN'T FIND A JOB!!!! Okay, I can find them, till they find out I have a charge pending, then they tell me I'll never pass a background check. I've been honest on every application I've filled out as to being terminated and why. I don't want to lie, only to be found out and fired later. My self-esteem is low enough, can't handle being fired again.
Can anyone offer suggestions? Honestly, I've applied for probably 60 plus jobs since October. I don't qualify for unemployment since I was fired. I'm barely hanging on here. We don't qualify for any types of assistance, with myhusband's overtime, we make around 50 bucks too much a month. Had an agency tell me today to tell him to back of the overtime for 3 months then maybe they can help. Yeah, right, lady......not hanging on with what we've got. Called job and family services yesterday, explained what's happened. Gentleman I talked to kept saying that's what we're here for, we can help, yada yada. Sat through a 3 hour presentation today, where basically all suggestions are things I'm doing. I asked guy after presentation if he's got employers willing to overlook my situation...yesterday he indicated yes....today not so much. I've applied at fast food, groceries, bakeries, gas stations, large companies, small companies.........I'M JUST CLUELESS. People tell me that since I've only been charged, it shouldn't show up on a background check. However, last week, Monday, I was offered a job pending the background...................I didn't pass the background. can only assume they're seeing the charge. thanks for letting me rant!!!! If anyone has any ideas for employment, please share...experiences, ideas, etc.
Welcome to NA. NA doesn't promise you a job, or money or anything like that, only that you can stay clean. Keep focusing on what you need to do to stay clean--going to NA meetings, working with your sponsor, working the steps, fellowship with addicts in recovery, service, prayer and meditation. If you do these things, the rest will take care of itself. Staying clean must come first. If you don't stay clean, I can guarantee you your situation will get worse.
Hi and welcome. I understand your frustration and fear about a job, but I didn't hear you say anything about getting off drugs? You lost one job due to addiction what makes you think it wouldn't happen again even if you managed to find one? Maybe someone here has some experience they can offer you about finding a job, but our primary purpose is to help those who want to get clean and stay clean. All other considerations, jobs, relationships, etc. can only be dealt with after we get straight. Good luck in your job search. Have you been to a NA meeting? The recovering addicts in your area would be the most familiar with the local employment scene. There you will also be introduced to the NA process of recovery that has given thousands a new outlook on life.
I've been clean for 60ish days, have been going to at least 1 meeting daily since day 25. My goal is staying clean, and honestly, I really haven't had any thoughts of using, maybe because I'm so preoccupied with job searching, etc. I don't take that for granted, though, believe me.\ I know NA doesn't offer me a job, etc., I really was just looking for advice/suggestions, assuming someone's been in the same boat. While I have been attending meetings, I've had a hard time reaching out to others. I have tons of phone numbers, just haven't been able to make the calls. It's silly, I know! My goal starting today is to try to call at least 2 people and just ask how their day was, to maybe get a conversation/friendship started.
paperlade, you wrote " We don't qualify for any types of assistance, with myhusband's overtime, we make around 50 bucks too much a month. Had an agency tell me today to tell him to back of the overtime for 3 months then maybe they can help. Yeah, right, lady......not hanging on with what we've got."
Just on the practical side re: making ends meet, it may be worth following that suggestion-the time is going to go by anyway...if nothing changes, you'll be deeper in the hole and still not eligible for assistance. If you become eligible, some arrears MIGHT be paid, like overdue electric bills--that depends on the state or local policies--maybe check on that.
Many of us have been in that boat and worse, and found that what got us through was staying clean, being honest, reaching out with those phone calls, and being willing to put our recovery first. Even when things got worse, we knew that using was not going to make anything better.
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From dying and surviving to living and thriving. LeeU
Keep coming back,Things will get better,I lived in poverty in early recovery,Didn t have a dime to pass the time,i kept coming back,Followed direction from peaple who beleived in me wanted to help me,I m not rich with money,But i feel rich on the inside,And i m loved,My needs are met and i am living a life i couldn t of dreamed of before I got here,So keep coming back we need you,
here's a suggestion, make 90 meetings in 90 days, get a sponsor, tell people at the meetings you are struggling and you need all the help you can get and that no matter what, you don't want to use, just for today! let me know how its goin for you in about three months??? miracles happen only IF we are honest, willing and open-minded. Good luck, pray and go to a meeting, just for today.
IF we are honest, willing and open-minded. Good luck, pray and go to a meeting, just for today.
