Making Ends Meet While Recovering from Substance Abuse

Finding a job after experiencing substance abuse can be quite difficult. Odds are, you will have an unexplained gap in your work history that potential employers are going to want explained. Furthermore, depending on how long you were out of the workforce, you have probably missed key opportunities and lost time. It is normal to think about what would have been if you never had substance abuse disorder, but it is important not to linger on the past. Instead, look forward to the future and focus on the now. That first job is out there, but until you land the opportunity, here are a few things you can try to help ends meet:

Start a Side Gig

The term “side gig” is not exactly accurate. After all, many people make their living with only one or two side gigs and don’t have a full-time job. Plus, many people who don’t have jobs or are in between jobs use side gigs to help pay the bills. Therefore, a side gig really isn’t always a side gig.

There are countless side gigs out there. According to Side Hustle Nation, people are making money from doing everything from teaching English, renting out a room through Airbnb and affiliate marketing. The odds are that you have a skill someone is willing to pay for. Are you good at drawing? Perhaps consider design business logos. Love pets? Become a pet sitter. There are lots of opportunities out there that can help you make some extra cash while you’re looking for jobs. Plus, all of these things can be added to your resume! People who can work independently and accomplish projects by themselves are great assets to any business.

Sell Homemade Items

If you can make something that other people want to buy, you can make money. In today’s fast-paced, online world, it is easier than ever to sell physical items to people across the country and make a pretty penny while doing it. Decades ago, the only way to sell anything was to either open up your own physical store, post flyers, or get an existing store to buy your stock. However, now you can simply sell your items on sites like Etsy. According to the Talented Ladies Club, you can also sell on sites including Folksy, Facebook and on your own website.

Teach Music Lessons

Here is where those childhood piano lessons pay off. Many parents want their children to learn some type of instrument and with many schools cutting down their music programs, they’re starting to turn to independent music teachers. If you can play an instrument, you can teach others to play that instrument as well. Of course, there are some instruments that are more popular than others. If the demand is particularly high in your area, it might even be worth learning a new instrument so that you can teach others.

Take Care of Yourself

With so many possible ways to make money, it can be very tempting to try them all. After all, the more things you try, the more money you’ll make. However, it is important not to overwork yourself, especially when you’re still recovering from your addiction. Maintain your commitment to sobriety by eating a proper diet, hydrating throughout the day and exercising regularly. If you work so much that you don’t have time for yourself, you will quickly burn out and find yourself unable to work as hard as you could otherwise. Take regular breaks and leave plenty of time for self-care, especially when you are stressed or have just begun a new venture.

Finding a new job while recovering from substance abuse disorder can be difficult. You probably have bills to pay and loved ones to take care of, but a gap in your work history can make it difficult to find a job that isn’t soul-sucking. Fortunately, there are lots of fulfilling, flexible ways to make a living.