The recovery process often requires a temporary deviation from one’s career path. Full-time work,
in particular, can be made impossible due to the all-encompassing nature of recovery. On top of that,
the workplace can be a source of stress and anxiety which can increase the likelihood of relapse,
which is why it’s important to practice good self-care (getting exercise, eating a healthy diet, getting
seven to eight hours of sleep, etc.).
That being said, certain work can be a valuable addition to the recovery process. After all, work
gives people a purpose, daily structure, financial stability, and the means to utilize creative and
analytical skills. If you are looking for a fulfilling way to make a living during the early stages of
recovery, consider the following options.
Consulting
Consulting can be a great way to continue professional development while in recovery. There are
countless industries and individuals in need of consultants such as yourself. Start by making a list
of what you’re good at. Marketing? Team leadership? Business planning? Whatever it is, there is
likely a demand. If you are looking to make a career change or simply take a break, consider making
a list of what you are passionate about. Clothing? Home Decorating? Research? The list of
consulting opportunities is truly endless.
However, if you are looking for something a little less formal, consider teaching out of your home.
Music teachers, academic tutors, and language teachers are needed in many areas across America;
all you need to do is identify the demand in your area.
Once you have selected a potential consulting/teaching area, do some market research. Next, it’s
time to generate some client leads. Because you do not yet have an established reputation, getting
your first clients can be tough. To get started, consider people in your professional or social circle
who may be in need of your services. Working with people you know is the best way to practice
your skills and build your network
E-commerce
If you are fascinated by sales, innovative products, business, and brand creation, a gig in
e-commerce might be right for you. It’s easier than ever to create a business and start selling
products online. With drop-shipping companies such as Oberlo, you may not even need to store
physical products. That being said, e-commerce is a highly competitive industry and can take a
great deal of time and energy before seeing monetary returns. Before jumping in, ensure there is
demand for your product/products. The more niche your business, the less likely you will have to
compete with other e-commerce companies.
Freelancing
Do you love marketing, brand development, accounting, bookkeeping, or writing? Remote
freelancing might be for you! Companies and individuals hire freelancers for everything from
piecemeal work to full-time employment. There is also an increasing demand for organized,
efficient executive and personal assistants. If you are interested in starting a freelancing business,
your first step is developing an online portfolio to showcase your work. There are a number of
websites that can help you do this, including Wix, Squarespace, and Wordpress. When it comes
time to start finding clients, consider freelance job boards such as DesignCrowd, Rat Race Rebellion,
and Upwork. You might also consider posting an ad of your own on sites like Craigslist, Indeed, or
Monster.
Pet Sitting/Walking
For pet lovers, there is always demand for dog walkers and pet sitters. Not only will these jobs keep
you active, but animals also provide companionship and endless affection. The best part: you can
do as much or as little work as you want. Start by asking neighbors and friends if they need
additional animal care assistance. Once you have a few clients, look for opportunities online or
create a profile on Rover.com or PetSitters.org. Addiction recovery does not have to mean a
complete break from work. If you want to structure your day, earn a bit of money, and find a new
career, consider some of the opportunities above. Your new career could be right around the corner!.
in particular, can be made impossible due to the all-encompassing nature of recovery. On top of that,
the workplace can be a source of stress and anxiety which can increase the likelihood of relapse,
which is why it’s important to practice good self-care (getting exercise, eating a healthy diet, getting
seven to eight hours of sleep, etc.).
That being said, certain work can be a valuable addition to the recovery process. After all, work
gives people a purpose, daily structure, financial stability, and the means to utilize creative and
analytical skills. If you are looking for a fulfilling way to make a living during the early stages of
recovery, consider the following options.
Consulting
Consulting can be a great way to continue professional development while in recovery. There are
countless industries and individuals in need of consultants such as yourself. Start by making a list
of what you’re good at. Marketing? Team leadership? Business planning? Whatever it is, there is
likely a demand. If you are looking to make a career change or simply take a break, consider making
a list of what you are passionate about. Clothing? Home Decorating? Research? The list of
consulting opportunities is truly endless.
However, if you are looking for something a little less formal, consider teaching out of your home.
Music teachers, academic tutors, and language teachers are needed in many areas across America;
all you need to do is identify the demand in your area.
Once you have selected a potential consulting/teaching area, do some market research. Next, it’s
time to generate some client leads. Because you do not yet have an established reputation, getting
your first clients can be tough. To get started, consider people in your professional or social circle
who may be in need of your services. Working with people you know is the best way to practice
your skills and build your network
E-commerce
If you are fascinated by sales, innovative products, business, and brand creation, a gig in
e-commerce might be right for you. It’s easier than ever to create a business and start selling
products online. With drop-shipping companies such as Oberlo, you may not even need to store
physical products. That being said, e-commerce is a highly competitive industry and can take a
great deal of time and energy before seeing monetary returns. Before jumping in, ensure there is
demand for your product/products. The more niche your business, the less likely you will have to
compete with other e-commerce companies.
Freelancing
Do you love marketing, brand development, accounting, bookkeeping, or writing? Remote
freelancing might be for you! Companies and individuals hire freelancers for everything from
piecemeal work to full-time employment. There is also an increasing demand for organized,
efficient executive and personal assistants. If you are interested in starting a freelancing business,
your first step is developing an online portfolio to showcase your work. There are a number of
websites that can help you do this, including Wix, Squarespace, and Wordpress. When it comes
time to start finding clients, consider freelance job boards such as DesignCrowd, Rat Race Rebellion,
and Upwork. You might also consider posting an ad of your own on sites like Craigslist, Indeed, or
Monster.
Pet Sitting/Walking
For pet lovers, there is always demand for dog walkers and pet sitters. Not only will these jobs keep
you active, but animals also provide companionship and endless affection. The best part: you can
do as much or as little work as you want. Start by asking neighbors and friends if they need
additional animal care assistance. Once you have a few clients, look for opportunities online or
create a profile on Rover.com or PetSitters.org. Addiction recovery does not have to mean a
complete break from work. If you want to structure your day, earn a bit of money, and find a new
career, consider some of the opportunities above. Your new career could be right around the corner!.
