Working Toward a Brighter Future
The majority of people that undergo recovery from drug or alcohol addiction have to find ways to make ends meet while searching for that first job opportunity. This includes taking any work, no matter how small, in order to support themselves and their families. Finding the right job is crucial for anyone’s success but even more so for those in recovery.
Having a stable income is vital for managing any addiction. Unemployment only makes it harder and can put those in recovery at risk for relapse. If it’s difficult for you to find a job that can be tailored to fit your treatment schedule, try starting your own business, one you can operate from home.
Home-Based Business Ideas
- Petsitter. This is a great home business for anyone but especially for those in recovery. It allows you to spend time with a non-judgemental companion. You’ll spend time outside in the fresh air and get exercise by taking them on walks. And you can feel good about yourself knowing you’re providing care and comfort for the pets in your charge. It’s easy to find jobs, too, by asking friends and neighbors, thereby building up references. There are classes you can take online to become certified, too.
- Furniture or antique refinishing. This involves picking up pieces at yard, garage, and antique sales for reselling online or for consignment sales at antique or vintage shops. The act of refinishing is therapeutic too since it gives you something to do that helps take your mind off of cravings and gives you a great sense of satisfaction when you see your completed project.
- Teaching music in your home~instruments, or vocals. It can be easy to market this business at local schools that have music departments. Again, friends and neighbors can be recruited as your first clients, sometimes at free or at reduced rates in order to get references
- Language instruction or translation via video conferencing. Global marketplaces need qualified language instructors and translators. If you speak a second language it’s possible to get work as a translator. Or, you can also work via teleconferencing in language instruction for both children and adults. This allows you to feel connected and less isolated while you’re earning money.
- Photography. Many small businesses need someone skilled in product photography, and a home studio can be adapted easily for large or small products. If you have the skill and can borrow equipment until you can purchase your own, this side-gig can pay very well.
The Business of Business
You are now your own boss and that means marketing, managing your finances, organizing, and planning.
Start by creating a business plan. This is an important and necessary step when starting a business. A solid plan will underscore the feasibility of your business idea. It’ll also help you forge a plan of action for developing, operating, and growing the business. You’ll need a plan to present to lenders, too, if you require start-up capital.
You’ll also need a business card, lots of business cards because you’re going to be giving them out to everyone you see. Luckily, you can make them yourself using a free software app that lets you design your card to be as unique and special as you want and you don’t even have to know what you’re doing. You can also find all kinds of free or reasonably priced invoicing and bookkeeping software, online calendars with reminders, and financing and income tax tools to help keep you on good terms with the IRS.
The process of recovering from trauma and drug addiction can be a very long and challenging one. However, it is possible to heal, put the past behind you, and move on with your life, and creating your own small business can be the best way to do that.