Ways to Find Work After Rehab
If you’ve recently progressed through alcohol or drug rehab and have learned how to cope with and manage your addiction, you should feel like a new person. Getting through drug or alcohol treatment can be difficult and will invariably come with numerous obstacles that need to be overcome. Many people who are able to successfully progress through drug rehab find that a weight has been lifted from their shoulders once they leave. However, most of these same individuals quickly discover that there are numerous struggles that they will need to overcome in the real world as well, the primary of which is finding a job. While it might seem overwhelming to enter into a job search following drug or alcohol treatment, there are numerous guidelines that will make it easier to find work after rehab.
Determine What Kind of Job You Want to Pursue
The first thing to focus on after completing a drug or alcohol rehab program is identifying what kind of job you want to pursue. While you should definitely broaden your scope when trying to find work after rehab, it’s still important that you have a general idea of what you’d like to do with your work, which should make the job search more straightforward. It’s also recommended that you focus on doing something that’s enjoyable to you.
While some additional training and education might be necessary, working at a job that you actually enjoy will keep stress down and will make it easier to get the results that you want following rehab. It’s also important to understand that working at a job that frustrates you makes it more likely that you will relapse in the future. If you enjoy cooking, consider working at a restaurant. If you’re more interested in fashion, there are many different settings that allow you to explore and delve into this type of job. By knowing what kind of job you want to pursue, your job search will be more focused and regimented.
Make Sure That You Update Your Resume
Once you’ve chosen your desired job, update your resume accordingly. Your resume should match the work you want and the job you’re pursuing. When applying as a restaurant cook, highlight relevant characteristics and experience employers seek. Emphasize any cooking experience you have in your resume.
Without much experience, focus on valued characteristics like leadership and accepting criticism. For line cook positions, showcase strong time management and physical stamina. A tailored resume significantly improves your interview chances. Interviews let you demonstrate communication skills impossible to show on paper alone.
Employment gaps from rehab will appear on your resume. Don’t explain resume gaps unless asked by employers. If asked about gaps, provide a brief, simple explanation without excessive details.
Set Realistic Expectations
Before you set out to find work after rehab, you need to set realistic expectations for yourself and this process. Finding a job is difficult for anyone, which shouldn’t be viewed as a bad thing. You shouldn’t expect to be given numerous interview opportunities immediately after you’ve sent out your first batch of resumes. If you set realistic expectations, you’ll be able to avoid frustration and should be able to more effectively cope with the inherent difficulties that come with finding a job.
Patience is absolutely essential if you want to get through the job search without experiencing too many hurdles. During your search, it’s recommended that you focus on maintaining your sobriety, which is even more important than finding a job. When you’re looking to set realistic expectations, make sure that you do so for the type of job that you want. For instance, don’t hesitate to take a part-time job or entry-level position at the beginning. In time, you’ll likely be able to get an even better job. However, saying no to the first opportunities that you’re given will make it all the more difficult for you to land any job in the future.
You should also try to detach yourself from the outcomes that will occur during your job search. It’s perfectly fine if you land an interview but aren’t called back afterwards. This happens with everyone and shouldn’t be seen as abnormal. In most situations, finding a job is a lengthy process with many ups and downs, which is why it’s important to keep emotions steady throughout the entirety of this process.
Update Your Skills
Upon completing a drug or alcohol treatment program, you should consider updating your job skills to open up new job possibilities. There are a myriad of certificates and education programs that can help you bolster your skills and increase the chances of landing a job that you want. Sharpening your skills now will make it more difficult for a prospective employer to overlook you in the future. Any individuals who haven’t obtained a diploma or GED should consider going back to school to receive these diplomas. Even a non-credited certificate course may be able to provide you with the education necessary to help you get the job that you want.
Consider Obtaining Extra Assistance
There are many fantastic resources that offer extra assistance to people who have recently completed a rehab program. For instance, an organization known as America in Recovery will help people find employment after rehab. This help comes in the form of online job boards. These boards are able to pair an individual with a company that’s open to providing second chances. Companies are willing to give employees second chances. There are also many additional resources that are just like America in Recovery. They can help you find work if you’ve been having difficulties doing so. These programs include temp agencies, unemployment offices, and the “One Stop Career Center.” The Department of Labor operates this center. The National Skills Coalition is also a valuable resource.
Additional Tips on Finding Work After Drug or Alcohol Rehab
There are also some additional tips that should assist you in finding work after rehab. First of all, it’s important that you always maintain a professional image, which means that you should be neatly groomed appropriately dressed at every job interview that you’re given. You might also want to consider turning to friends and family for work opportunities. They may have the perfect job for you. With these tips and guidelines in mind, your search for a job after rehab should be much less complicated.
