Loss of income........... - SoberRecovery : Alcoholism Drug Addiction Help and Information

AmericanPatriot · 10-23-2008, 08:48 PM

I have been clean & sober for 19 years and am having the worst week of my life! I live with my elderly mom - who receives a set income from SS - and have been in the substance abuse field for 13+ years. I lost my job this week and took a fast food job because I have become totally disillusioned about my field.

In 2 days, I have gone from making $30000/yr to under $7 an hour and I cannot remember a time when I was more desperate and afraid that I would not be able to make a living......

I am 54 years old and been doing basic desk work for over 13 years. Now I am on my feet doing physical stuff for the entire shift (with little or no breaks) and my entire body is screaming at my to stop!! But I cannot as I must bring in money so mom is ok - and we can eat.

Who, pray tell, will hire someone who has been in substance abuse for 13 years and has NO current experience in anything else? I am having a hard time explaining to myself what has happen here.

Have I thought about drinking? Damn right I have!! But my mom's well being is more on my mind, thank God! There is only one thing I can come up with as to why all this has happened.........

That God is doing for me what I could not do for myself!! You see, I have been very unhappy doing what I was doing and have been for the last couple of years. The clients I never had a problem working with - but the other 'professionals' and management have been a great source of unnecessary stress in my life. But the money kept me there.

So I screwed up on some of the billing (bad deal) and they let me go without even considering anything else. So much for loyalty on your employer's part even after all the loyalty the employee may show, huh? No warning, probation, nothing! Just good-bye!

I figure God knew I needed to quit spending ALL my time taking care of others and start spending some taking care of me - which is something I have not done in many years. Talk about humility!!!! I am not even making $7 an hour, for crying out loud!!!

One thing I know for sure is that I believe and have Faith in God and where he has led me over the years. I just kinda of wonder what he is doing at the moment concerning me and my future.

Anyway, thanks for listening (reading) and feedback is definitely welcomed and needed.

**Impurrfect** · 10-23-2008, 08:53 PM

Welcome to SR!

Sorry for your circumstances, but I can understand them.

Five years ago I was an RN, making fairly good money. Enter addiction. Today, I am waiting tables for $3.13/hr plus tips (which have decreased due to the economy).

I HAVE other experience, but it is more than 15 years old.

I don't know what to tell you, but know that you're not alone. I am filling out applications, learning Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook, since that is a requirement for a lot of jobs.

I do believe when one door closes, another one opens. It's just not in our time (I'm really impatient).

Good for you on all your sober time, and for not going back down that path.

I know I'm not much help, but at least you're not alone!

Hugs and prayers!

Amy

AmericanPatriot · 10-23-2008, 08:56 PM

Your reply DID help and thank you!!

fluer · 12-10-2008, 10:31 AM

Wow. What a crazy time for you!

Financial stress is so awful, and cumbersome. I know it is easy to get bogged down in all the pressure and demands before you. My advice may sound cotradictory to what may actually be helpful, but it has served me VERY well.

I too believe God has things in store for you. Although it's tempting to get buried underneath all these functional and financial problems I hope you can find a way to get in touch with all the different emotions going on inside you. Don't let the emtional and spiritual you get snuffed out by these new pressures. Letting yourself fall apart, and feeling all the fear (and maybe hurt/anger too) thats currently going on inside you will actually be what helps you see what your next step will be.

Be kind to you. And if you have someone who will listen, tell them how scared you are. I care, and I am sorry. I am here to listen. You will get through this.

doorknob · 12-10-2008, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Impurrfect

Today, I am waiting tables for $3.13/hr plus tips.

That's appalling... and against the law in WA.

tes · 12-15-2008, 07:05 AM

This is likely the main reason why I cant sleep at night. I have been unemployed for many months now. I was fired because I failed a surprise urine test after a night of heavy drinking. I have managed to get a couple of short term part time jobs though a temp agency a few months ago but that is it. The combination of being fired from my last stable job, lack of professional references, my criminal background (recent DUI), drivers license suspension and MVR, and length of unemployment has cost me dearly. I have been on so many job interviews it is pathetic. It all usually ends the same way. The interviews go well and I have the impression that I will get the job, they string me along for awhile, and then either avoid my calls or tell me that they've picked another candidate or some other nonsense. My gf and I are currently living with my father who is in fear of being laid off and who is getting up in the years. He has went through most of his ira because he was laid off of his desk job he held for 35 years and stayed unemployed for 2 years before giving in and going to work under one of his friends making $9/hr. If I cant land anything in the next few weeks I am likely going to give in and goto fast food and try to get back in school, even though the pay wont even scrape the surface of what is needed. Im really worried.

10-23-2008, 08:48 PM	#1 (permalink)
AmericanPatriot Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: USA!! Posts: 3	Loss of income........... I have been clean & sober for 19 years and am having the worst week of my life! I live with my elderly mom - who receives a set income from SS - and have been in the substance abuse field for 13+ years. I lost my job this week and took a fast food job because I have become totally disillusioned about my field. In 2 days, I have gone from making $30000/yr to under $7 an hour and I cannot remember a time when I was more desperate and afraid that I would not be able to make a living...... I am 54 years old and been doing basic desk work for over 13 years. Now I am on my feet doing physical stuff for the entire shift (with little or no breaks) and my entire body is screaming at my to stop!! But I cannot as I must bring in money so mom is ok - and we can eat. Who, pray tell, will hire someone who has been in substance abuse for 13 years and has NO current experience in anything else? I am having a hard time explaining to myself what has happen here. Have I thought about drinking? Damn right I have!! But my mom's well being is more on my mind, thank God! There is only one thing I can come up with as to why all this has happened......... That God is doing for me what I could not do for myself!! You see, I have been very unhappy doing what I was doing and have been for the last couple of years. The clients I never had a problem working with - but the other 'professionals' and management have been a great source of unnecessary stress in my life. But the money kept me there. So I screwed up on some of the billing (bad deal) and they let me go without even considering anything else. So much for loyalty on your employer's part even after all the loyalty the employee may show, huh? No warning, probation, nothing! Just good-bye! I figure God knew I needed to quit spending ALL my time taking care of others and start spending some taking care of me - which is something I have not done in many years. Talk about humility!!!! I am not even making $7 an hour, for crying out loud!!! One thing I know for sure is that I believe and have Faith in God and where he has led me over the years. I just kinda of wonder what he is doing at the moment concerning me and my future. Anyway, thanks for listening (reading) and feedback is definitely welcomed and needed.

10-23-2008, 08:53 PM	#2 (permalink)
Impurrfect Social Network Moderator Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Atlanta Posts: 25,183	Welcome to SR! Sorry for your circumstances, but I can understand them. Five years ago I was an RN, making fairly good money. Enter addiction. Today, I am waiting tables for $3.13/hr plus tips (which have decreased due to the economy). I HAVE other experience, but it is more than 15 years old. I don't know what to tell you, but know that you're not alone. I am filling out applications, learning Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook, since that is a requirement for a lot of jobs. I do believe when one door closes, another one opens. It's just not in our time (I'm really impatient). Good for you on all your sober time, and for not going back down that path. I know I'm not much help, but at least you're not alone! Hugs and prayers! Amy __________________ "I'm not where I want to be, but thank God I'm not where I used to be" - Joyce Meyer "You got what it takes you can win, today is your day to begin. - Shania Twain (Tinker, Elvis [RIP], Patches and Mots - Mouth Of The South)

10-23-2008, 08:56 PM	#3 (permalink)
AmericanPatriot Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: USA!! Posts: 3	Your reply DID help and thank you!!

12-10-2008, 10:31 AM	#4 (permalink)
fluer Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: US Posts: 49 Blog Entries: 3	Wow. What a crazy time for you! Financial stress is so awful, and cumbersome. I know it is easy to get bogged down in all the pressure and demands before you. My advice may sound cotradictory to what may actually be helpful, but it has served me VERY well. I too believe God has things in store for you. Although it's tempting to get buried underneath all these functional and financial problems I hope you can find a way to get in touch with all the different emotions going on inside you. Don't let the emtional and spiritual you get snuffed out by these new pressures. Letting yourself fall apart, and feeling all the fear (and maybe hurt/anger too) thats currently going on inside you will actually be what helps you see what your next step will be. Be kind to you. And if you have someone who will listen, tell them how scared you are. I care, and I am sorry. I am here to listen. You will get through this.

12-15-2008, 07:05 AM	#6 (permalink)
tes Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Atlanta Posts: 15	This is likely the main reason why I cant sleep at night. I have been unemployed for many months now. I was fired because I failed a surprise urine test after a night of heavy drinking. I have managed to get a couple of short term part time jobs though a temp agency a few months ago but that is it. The combination of being fired from my last stable job, lack of professional references, my criminal background (recent DUI), drivers license suspension and MVR, and length of unemployment has cost me dearly. I have been on so many job interviews it is pathetic. It all usually ends the same way. The interviews go well and I have the impression that I will get the job, they string me along for awhile, and then either avoid my calls or tell me that they've picked another candidate or some other nonsense. My gf and I are currently living with my father who is in fear of being laid off and who is getting up in the years. He has went through most of his ira because he was laid off of his desk job he held for 35 years and stayed unemployed for 2 years before giving in and going to work under one of his friends making $9/hr. If I cant land anything in the next few weeks I am likely going to give in and goto fast food and try to get back in school, even though the pay wont even scrape the surface of what is needed. Im really worried.

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