Greetings
I have over three months clean and all I see is a wake of disaster left behind. I was caught shoplifting a couple of months ago and now paying for it. I can't get a job in what given trade I have. So what's the point of existing? Life is so s***ty that I almost tempted to say I prefer being drugged.
Deirdre
Deirdre,
There are a couple of other people here who have criminal records and are working. Maybe someone will come on and give you advice about that. I don't know what field you work in. I seem to remember that it was mental healthcare related?
As addicts, I'm sure we understand that feeling. But we're also a recovery board here and so we can't support you staying drugged.
Congratulations on your three months. The early months are the hardest ones. Now, what do you want your sober life to look like? What would make you happy and fulfilled? How can we help?
Gina
There are a couple of other people here who have criminal records and are working. Maybe someone will come on and give you advice about that. I don't know what field you work in. I seem to remember that it was mental healthcare related?
QUOTE |
Life is so s***ty that I almost tempted to say I prefer being drugged. |
Congratulations on your three months. The early months are the hardest ones. Now, what do you want your sober life to look like? What would make you happy and fulfilled? How can we help?
Gina
Thanks Gina...
I am just going to do slave labor through some labor ready places. I know I will detest it; I much prefer tending to people. But to think something so petty as shoplifting makes me exempt from ever having a job in that field.
Deirdre
I am just going to do slave labor through some labor ready places. I know I will detest it; I much prefer tending to people. But to think something so petty as shoplifting makes me exempt from ever having a job in that field.
Deirdre
Deirdre,
You might have to work outside your chosen field for a while to build back your credibility. There may come a time when your dream job comes along and the prospective employers are willing to consider your entire history without writing you off because of one mistake.
In that case, I wouldn't trivialize the shoplifting if they do a background check. Tell them that it was the outcome of a problem that you have since addressed. Explain that you are in recovery and that your program keeps you from repeating drug-related behaviors. From the point of view of an employer, I would be less interested in the fact that you fell into a black hole than in the steps you took to climb back out, and how those steps will prevent you from repeating past mistakes. If I were you, I wouldn't dwell on the shoplifting or be inappropriately self-disclosing, but I would make sure they knew I took it seriously. Whether you or they think it's a petty charge, they want to know that you are now trustworthy and reliable.
Good luck.
Gina
You might have to work outside your chosen field for a while to build back your credibility. There may come a time when your dream job comes along and the prospective employers are willing to consider your entire history without writing you off because of one mistake.
In that case, I wouldn't trivialize the shoplifting if they do a background check. Tell them that it was the outcome of a problem that you have since addressed. Explain that you are in recovery and that your program keeps you from repeating drug-related behaviors. From the point of view of an employer, I would be less interested in the fact that you fell into a black hole than in the steps you took to climb back out, and how those steps will prevent you from repeating past mistakes. If I were you, I wouldn't dwell on the shoplifting or be inappropriately self-disclosing, but I would make sure they knew I took it seriously. Whether you or they think it's a petty charge, they want to know that you are now trustworthy and reliable.
Good luck.
Gina
D..were you high when you shoplifted? If not maybe you might want to think about talking to someone about your behavoir.