I was 'retired' at 30 due to health issues from one career, and lost my other career, music, through drink.
My work was my purpose too.
Not having it sent me into a decade of the most self destructive drinking ever, which then decimated my other career.
Lucky me.
Then I stopped drinking and two amazing things happened.
I found a new purpose here at SR and, later, I got my music career back.
I guess my point is....there are no absolutes anywhere Briar.
You can find another purpose or you can find a way to fulfil your current purpose sober.
The one thing I wouldn't do is put anything ahead of your recovery - because that will eventually put everything you love and value at risk.
D