Why the Gig Economy is the Perfect Employment Option for Those in the Early Stages of Addiction Recovery

Taking time off for recovery from addiction is a brave first step toward regaining control over your mental health. But as you begin this journey, you may also be wondering how you can make ends meet until you’re ready to work again. Luckily, there are tons of gigs that can help you earn a little income while you focus on your recovery. But to make a gig work for you, and be ready for the next step, you’ll need to follow these basic tips to keep you on track.

Get Yourself, and Your Home, Ready for Success

Before you start working a side gig and looking for a new job, you should take some time to put a few things in order. First, pick up some new business-appropriate outfits so that you are ready for potential interviews and client meetings. When you’re working a side gig, you can usually keep it pretty casual, but for interviews, always put together a more professional look. Don’t forget to take care of grooming basics as well so you can make a stand-out first impression. You will also need an organized workspace at home to keep yourself productive. Most gigs involve working from home, and a home office space can also be useful when updating your resume and completing phone/Skype interviews. Locate your office in a corner or room in your home that is away from distractions, and pick up a few pieces of comfortable furniture to make working easier on your body. You can also add some organizational tools, such as a mail station and containers, to help get your new business off to the right start.

Take This Time to Explore Your Career Options

Working through recovery is like opening a new chapter in your life. By breaking free from addiction, you are reclaiming control over your future. Why not make sure that the future is exactly what you want? Take your time thinking about what kind of work would truly make you happy before you begin applying for full-time work. Maybe you’d like to go back to school before you find a new job, or you’d like to enroll in some other kind of professional training. Getting started with a gig can take financial worries out of the equation and help you explore your options. You can make a little extra money selling handcrafted items on Amazon, Handmade, or Etsy, or teaching children how to play an instrument. There are so many fun, low-stress ways to supplement your income without sacrificing your recovery or your long-term career goals. One way many people in recovery are making ends meet is by walking or boarding pets. Aside from being a simple way to make extra cash, hanging out with dogs can actually aid your recovery, so this could be the perfect side gig for you.

Keep Your Recovery as Your Primary Focus

Having a way to pay bills and generate income can take a lot of stress out of your life. However, you also need some practical ways to deal with any work stress that may be added. Stress is one of the most prolific triggers for addiction and relapse, so make sure you are leaving time in your new schedule for self-care. Contributing to your recovery with exercise, healthy foods, and tension release can help you keep your focus on what’s most important right now: overcoming your addiction. You can even incorporate these self-care habits into your morning rituals, to set a positive tone for the rest of your day. Wake up a half hour early to get in a gentle workout and short meditation, so you can stay productive and succeed with your new gig.

Working through recovery may mean not working full-time for a while, but you can still keep your finances in order with some savvy side gigs. Whether it’s walking dogs or teaching lessons, you can find a gig that will keep you happy, provide the flexibility you need now and help you get through recovery without worrying about money or other financial pressures.

Author Bio: Caleb Anderson developed an opiate addiction after being in a car accident. He’s in recovery today and wants to inspire others to overcome their addictions.

Photo Credit: Unsplash

The opinions and views expressed in this guest blog do not necessarily reflect those of www.rtor.org or its sponsor, Laurel House, Inc. The author and www.rtor.org have no affiliations with any products or services mentioned in this article or linked to herein.