SeaScape

Hi all

I just got a new job. It's a HUGE blessing to me. I start next week. It's a great job. It has benefits. I have my own office. I have been unemployed and that's not really in my life plan. This job is very important to me. It's my day30 today and I feel very proud to be where I am and starting a new job. I have had to make alot of changes and still - as soon as I change something to my satisfaction - a new thing appears. I guess that is called evolution? Evolution of myself.

I have been invited to a work dinner. It's not mandatory, it's a random thing b/c of a visitor from out of town. I'm not going to go. This is the right decision for me but I feel SO insecure in it. I will be nervous and I will be offered alcohol and I really don't want to have any but I would believe it would relax me and help me fit in and so I would have some. I know I wouldn't get out of control - there - at dinner. I do think it would be better if I went- but I won't not have the job if I don't go. I think they just want to get to know me and be kind but I just feel too nervous about going.

thank you for your time!

Have a good day!

bigsombrero

For what it's worth, I think you're making the right decision. You haven't even started yet - sure, it would be a nice "ice breaker", but there's nothing wrong with waiting to rub shoulders until your first day in the office. This one's a no-brainer, but I do understand why you feel a little insecure about it. But rest assured, it's a smart move. Stick with this new kind of thinking.

Dee74

Sounds like a wise choice to me, at least for now. Later you should feel more secure about your decision to stay sober

D

ZeldaFan

That's understandable in early recovery. I had a mandatory work function which was a convention in Las Vegas. During exhibit hall hours, they had free cocktails and my booth coworker brought me a drink both nights. I turned it down politely both times but I did turn down attending a dinner with a client that wasn't mandatory for the same reason. I knew with all the other challenges I didn't want to push it. You know yourself and you know what is right for your recovery. Don't feel bad about putting your sobriety first!

SeaScape

Thank you very much for the feedback. I have no idea what I am doing yet as far as recovery goes or my plan or anything like that. I will figure it out along the way.
I very recently decided to abstain from drinking for 30 days. Well here I am. That WAS my plan. Now I plan to give it up forever after realizing that not drinking is better and that I do have a problem. It is still very hard for me to understand. What I do know is that I am a better person and I feel better sober. Even though I am nervous about this new job- in general I feel less anxiety and self-doubt now that I am sober.

Again thanks for your shares and that every so valuable thing called: reassurance!

least

I think you're smart to turn this one down. There will be other events later after you are more secure in sobriety.