Finding Work After Recovery Doesn't Have to Be Stressful
by
Jennifer McGregor
Anyone who has experienced addiction treatment knows it’s a process that takes determination, especially once you return home. And part of returning to the real world means finding gainful employment. But as Verywell Mind points out, “going back to work can provide a new set of relapse triggers for people in recovery.” Perhaps you used to drink with co-workers or the idea of returning to work leaves you feeling stressed, overwhelmed, and fearful of failure.
Returning to the typical 9-to-5 might not be something you are ready for yet, and that’s OK. However, you’ll need to find a way to make ends meet. The following unique side gigs are a great start, whether they are used as an in-between or the start of a business that will be profitable long-term.
Follow the Trends
If starting an online business sounds like the ideal choice, you might struggle to not only come up with an idea, but one that will be successful. Take a look at business trends that are on the rise and then think about which products you can sell online. To learn more about e-commerce, turn to one of the many online guides that can walk you through e-commerce concepts such as branding, inventory, distribution, sales channels and ecommerce marketing.
Put Your Shopping Savvy to Good Use
You love to shop, but how cool would it be to go undercover as a customer and get paid to provide feedback? This is exactly what a mystery shopper does. Posing as a regular shopper, you can earn cash for stopping in at grocery stores, restaurants or car dealerships, as well as earn freebies. Typically a purchase is required, but reputable companies will always reimburse you. Stick to companies that are members of the Mystery Shopping Providers Association (MSPA) and have legitimate user reviews.
Take Another Survey
Some people groan at the thought of taking a survey, no matter how short it is. Would your opinion change if you could earn money for completing a survey? As crazy (and easy) as it sounds, you actually can earn cash to complete surveys, but the key is to find trustworthy survey sites. Most surveys offer direct cash or enable you to redeem points for cash. Avoid offers that require you to pay to join.
Tap Into Your Love of Pets
Dogs and cats are great companion animals, and you might even have one, two, or three of your own. Ask any pet owner, and they’ll tell you that taking care of an animal can be hard work. This is where you come in. If working with animals is something you’d enjoy doing, offer up your services as a pet sitter or dog walker. You can even tap into your creative side with pet photography or baking gourmet dog treats.
Use Local Knowledge to Your Advantage
If you live in an area that is a popular travel or vacation spot, chances are you can spot someone who isn’t a local from a mile away. Perhaps their eyes keep drifting to their phone as they look around in confusion, or maybe they’ve gone old school with a map. As someone who has the lay of the land, you know all the good places to visit for food, entertainment, and sightseeing. You can use this knowledge to become a tour guide. Even if your hometown isn’t one of the top 10 places to visit, you can likely put your skills to use since lack of knowledge of the area puts you in high demand.
Become a Flipper
When you think of flipping, you probably think of houses. However, homes aren’t the only thing that can be flipped for cash. Flipping involves turning an item of lesser value into one of higher value, and this concept can be used for furniture, power tools and even bicycles if you have some mechanical skill. Searching for items is like a treasure hunt, and seeing the finished product is just as fun.
Make it Official
A new business can be an important part of refreshing your life and your outlook, but make sure you take the steps necessary to be a professional and profitable venture. That means doing things like choosing a business structure, registering with your state, creating a website and writing a business plan. That all sounds like a lot to swallow, but there are online platforms that can help you along, every step of the way. Take advantage of the tools and services available to you so your new business is a source of joy and prosperity, rather than a burden.
Post-recovery is all about continuing what you learned in treatment and getting your life back on track. A key piece to this is getting your finances in line. If you aren’t yet ready to return to work, consider a side gig to make ends meet.
Now more than ever is the best time to work with an experienced therapist who can help you shake off the past and live in the present. For expert psychotherapy services, look to Natalia El-Sheikh, who can help you come realize that life can truly be different and you can find joy.