6 Secrets for Professional Success in Recovery

If you are currently in addiction recovery, you have already started a new chapter in your life, but you may be wondering where your career fits into your new narrative. Making ends meet can be a challenge when your primary focus is staying sober, but earning extra income does not have to cause you immense stress. From starting a side gig to polishing your resume, here are some simple steps to ensure your professional success during recovery.

Research Your Funding Options

If your dream is to start your own business, you may be looking at a longer ramp-up period than if you joined a full-time or gig-based team. That doesn’t mean it can’t be done, though! The best way to ensure your success is to start planning as early as possible, especially when it comes to budgeting and your funding options. Research the market you plan to enter, identify the exact costs you’ll incur (purchasing equipment or wholesale materials, for example), and make a plan for getting them covered. If you don’t have the cash on hand to pay for them yourself, look at your loan options, and start making moves to improve your odds of securing the financing you need. For instance, if your credit score is low, take steps to boost it, and if you’ll need collateral to qualify for your prospective loan, know exactly what you’ll use.

Work on Your Resume

If your heart is set on a nine-to-five job, it’s important to take a long, hard look at your resume. You want to make sure it showcases your talents and experiences. If you haven’t done it already, refreshing your resume at least once or twice a year is always a good idea. Try using an online resume builder to make sure your new resume looks polished and professional. A resume builder is a great tool for those who are looking for guidance through the entire process, from choosing a template to listing your work experience.

Find a Gig That Fits You

One of the perks of the gig economy is that you can get paid to do or sell just about anything. Choosing work that you love is a great way to make ends meet while you are in recovery. If you love quilting and knitting, you could try selling your finished items on sites like Etsy. Not into arts and crafts? If you love animals, you could start a side business walking dogs or pet sitting. Whether you’re caring for dogs, selling crafts and vintage items online, or teaching music lessons, the side-gig possibilities are endless.

Just be sure to stay informed on any tax laws that may impact your earnings, and use productivity apps like ToDoist and Trello to stay on task and get your work done. If you’re going to be using a lot of apps, it’s crucial that your smartphone can handle the workload. If you’re still using an older phone, check in with your wireless provider to see if they’re offering any special trade-in deals for new-model phones.

Create a Calming Home Office

When you are in recovery for addiction, drinking coffee and working from a cafe may not always be your best option. That’s why it is so important to set up a space inside your home where you can really focus on your work. Your home office should be in an area of your home that is away from traffic and free of common distractions, such as televisions and windows looking out onto busy streets. If you are working on a budget, try looking for office furniture at a local thrift store or flea market to makeover into your own. Add some good lighting, a calendar, and some basic office equipment, and you have all you need to stay on task.

Update Your Work Wardrobe

No matter where your career is headed while you are in recovery, you’ll want to have some professional-looking attire to help get you there. Even with side gigs, you will be going to interviews, meeting with clients, and working in public, so make sure you make a good impression with your clothing. Dressing business casual should be okay for most of your client meetings, but it is especially important to dress in business attire for the initial appointment.
Stay Focused on Your Recovery

Your financial goals and responsibilities do not stop for your recovery. Making ends meet is important since money can be a big source of stress. However, if your gig starts to cause too much stress, which can be a trigger for addiction, then you may need to take a few steps back. Take some time off, set aside time for self-care, or try a new gig that is less demanding. At the end of the day, staying sober is the most important goal on your plate, and you have to do what’s needed to make that happen.

By beginning your recovery, you’ve already taken a huge step in changing your life for the better. Take your life even further by using these tips to tackle your financial success too.

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