Tips on How to Make Ends Meet When You are in Recovery
Tips on How to Make Ends Meet When You are in Recovery
Trying to make ends meet while you are also new to working through addiction recovery can be a stressful time. Instead of a full-time office or vocational job, there are several things to consider when you are searching for your first job opportunity.
Whether starting a side gig as a pet sitter, selling handmade items on Etsy, or teaching musical instrument lessons, there are several fulfilling ways to make a living. Consider these ideas from Summer Sky.
Tap into Your Network
The challenges of looking for a job and workplace stress can be a trigger for those in recovery. However, the addiction recovery process can put you in touch with a network of counselors, sponsors, and sober friends who may be willing to help you get on your feet more quickly. Many recovery care facilities also have work-related resources. As you are formulating your plan, consider if your former job or career enabled you to abuse substances or gave you unsupervised access, and if so, be ready to make a move toward something different.
Start Your Own Business
If you do not want a job with a traditional 9-to-5 office setting, you can turn a passion or a side gig into a full-time or part-time pursuit. If you choose to go this route, do some research into how to get up and running. Your first step will be to write out a business plan so you have a clear path to success. It may also be wise to legally form your business since entities like LLCs (limited liability companies) offer tax advantages and protect your personal assets from your business assets. It is also a quick and inexpensive process to start an LLC in Texas, especially if you use an online service rather than an attorney.
If you are interested in working for yourself, consider these ideas, which take little or no money to start up.
Turn a Hobby into Cash. Do you have a knack for something creative? Do you doodle or draw, or knit or sew? Have people consistently come to you for home decorating ideas? Taking a good look at how to monetize your hobbies can be a rewarding venture. The saying goes, “If you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life.” Etsy is a dominant online global marketplace for unique and creative goods, and a few years ago, it rolled out a business model to actively help sellers increase their sales and visibility. Do a little research, and you may find setting up an online outlet for your wares will help bring in a little extra cash while you’re looking for something more lucrative.
Consider Pet Sitting. Pet sitting and/or dog walking will give you the chance to make your schedule and earn money while you are having fun — presuming you’re a dog or cat person, that is. It is a booming industry, with recent research indicating it earned $2.6 billion in 2019. Pet sitters do not need a license to operate, nor do they have to carry insurance, though it is a good idea to do so. A simple “pet sitting jobs near me” Google search can reveal pages of pet-sitting organizations and opportunities in your area.
Teach Music. Teaching music to children and adults is another way to bring in extra cash, and you can offer lessons around your schedule. Of course, you must already know how to play, but you do not have to be a bona fide rock star to get started. Check out some advice from music teachers all over the country. Creating an awesome student experience, planning for lessons ahead of time, and staying in the right mindset are key elements to a successful venture, as is marketing your services. Creating a profile on Google Business, building your website, and tapping into your network of friends and family will help ensure you’re off to a good start.
Find Ways to Save
While you are searching for job opportunities, it’s a good idea to cut costs where you can. Plan out your meals for the entire week, so you eat out less. Do not spend on nonessential services that you can do on your own (e.g., washing your car, maid services), and try ditching cable for streaming services. If you are a homeowner with enough equity in your home, you may be able to save on your monthly mortgage by refinancing. Bear in mind that a refinance won’t be practical if you plan on selling your home in the next year or two.
Finally, as you head back to work after recovery, make sure you set up a self-care plan that will help you stay well physically and emotionally. Having a well-rounded approach to taking care of your whole self will help ensure you can take on the stress of getting back into the job market while nurturing your recovery plan. Be sure to lean on the coping skills you have learned to help navigate stress and stick to your sobriety.
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If you are ready to start your sobriety journey, Summer Sky can help. We offer affordable inpatient and outpatient addiction treatment programs for people all around Texas. Contact us online or call 888-857-8857 to take the first step to your new, sober life.
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