When you’re searching for that first job opportunity after a stint in recovery, you need to take it one day at a time. There’s plenty to do in the interim to keep a steady flow of income, you just have to be clever about finding those opportunities. You’ve worked at creating a new beginning, and have all the tools at your fingertips to navigate your emotions if you feel overwhelmed. There are a lot of jobs out there; you just have to put in the work. Here are some tips to get you started.
Creating an Appealing Resume
Your first step to finding work is to create a resume that stands out.
- Use Canva. The free online graphic design program contains hundreds of modern resume templates that can be modified and downloaded as PDFs.
- Hire a resume writer. A skilled resume writer like Mike McRitchie can customize your resume to make sure it’s industry-specific.
- Contact a job agency. A local agency will have plenty of handy tips and hints about how to create the perfect resume. While you’re there, establish a relationship and get yourself on their books.
Part-Time Job Ideas
After your time in rehab, it’s essential to find work that feeds your soul and pays the bills. Don’t sign up for a job if it goes against the work you’ve done on yourself in recovery. Your recovery is—and always will be—your priority. Don’t take on anything you can’t handle, especially when you’re at the beginning of your recovery. Take into consideration that part-time work that fills the gaps can often lead to new career interests and your first major job opportunity.
These part-time gigs usually pay well and might be a good place to start:
- House sitting. Contact friends and family or look on notice boards for house-sitting jobs. Some people have made a career of house sitting.
- Dog walking. If you’re an animal lover, consider dog walking. Animals have a naturally therapeutic effect and teach humans about responsibility.
- Counseling. With your experience in rehab and understanding of common struggles, consider helping others find their way.
- Online teacher. There’s a number of free TEFL courses online that will qualify you for becoming an online English teacher and most sites that offer them feature job boards.
- Content writer. If you have a passion for writing, then consider becoming a freelance content writer. You can create a profile on one of the several reliable writing platforms out there, and search the job boards for work.
- Teacher’s assistant. Consider completing your 10-month college program to become a teacher’s aide. This is a great entry into the field of teaching if that’s a path you’d like to follow.
- Transcription services. If you have plenty of writing and editing skills, plus a good headset and computer, you can get paid to translate audio files into text.
Start Your Own Business
It’s not as tough as you think! All you need is some dedication and hard work. To get started, research your target market, choose a business name and structure, and determine your funding needs.
Take advantage of helpful tools and software. For example, if you’re in the construction industry, cloud construction software can help you manage your jobs, payroll, and finances. Look for software that also allows you to categorize income and expense reports so you can gain insights into your business’s financial health.
Seeking New Opportunities
As you search for work, be open to new ideas and opportunities. Always be mindful that sometimes what you want is not what you need. Keep pushing and trying, and don’t close any doors. Do your research before interviewing with potential employers or job agencies, and you’ll be back on top in no time.
