Huge decision all opinions welcome
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Reno, Nv
Posts: 873
Huge decision all opinions welcome
Yesterday, I got a job opportunity for making sandwiches, I got the opportunity by blowing up my contact list and asking anyone and everyone I knew for help and all my past temp agencies and everything.
Today, another friend of mine has offered me yet another job, that pays more than minimum wage, like the other job would have.
Here is the catch, my friend is a supervisor at a Sports Book ( he takes bets on sports for a living in a casino) the job pay 10/hr. plus I would be making 80 to 200 a week in tips.
The problem is I am still newly sober to alcohol and cigarettes and I have a huge gambling problem. I am not sure I can sustain my sobriety if I work at a casino, but I also know that i could make a quite a bit of much needed money if I take this position. This just fell out of the sky on me in the last 30 minutes.
More money ( supporting my family better) or less money and no temptation. My friend gave me till Monday to make a decision. This community is smart, I need opinions and want to examine this at all angles.
Money vs sobriety ( possibly) but then there is the better for my family, vs my own urges and something I can control like smoking and drinking and gambling.
Wow, I did the right thing by calling the world and asking for help, I am humbled by what is happening. I am sober, medicated for awful mental illness and so much opportunity, but now I am faced with a real dilemma.
I honestly don't know if I took the position if I could stay away from the 2 biggies for me gambling and alcohol, but I honestly don't know if I wouldn't be able to because I haven't tried. Such a conundrum, please SR all input is greatly appreciated, this is surrealistic for me, 2 job offers and tons of support here, a guy could die and go to heaven.
Today, another friend of mine has offered me yet another job, that pays more than minimum wage, like the other job would have.
Here is the catch, my friend is a supervisor at a Sports Book ( he takes bets on sports for a living in a casino) the job pay 10/hr. plus I would be making 80 to 200 a week in tips.
The problem is I am still newly sober to alcohol and cigarettes and I have a huge gambling problem. I am not sure I can sustain my sobriety if I work at a casino, but I also know that i could make a quite a bit of much needed money if I take this position. This just fell out of the sky on me in the last 30 minutes.
More money ( supporting my family better) or less money and no temptation. My friend gave me till Monday to make a decision. This community is smart, I need opinions and want to examine this at all angles.
Money vs sobriety ( possibly) but then there is the better for my family, vs my own urges and something I can control like smoking and drinking and gambling.
Wow, I did the right thing by calling the world and asking for help, I am humbled by what is happening. I am sober, medicated for awful mental illness and so much opportunity, but now I am faced with a real dilemma.
I honestly don't know if I took the position if I could stay away from the 2 biggies for me gambling and alcohol, but I honestly don't know if I wouldn't be able to because I haven't tried. Such a conundrum, please SR all input is greatly appreciated, this is surrealistic for me, 2 job offers and tons of support here, a guy could die and go to heaven.
Guest
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Canada
Posts: 809
I think this is a legitimate test given by your higher power.
I've had many of them.... and every time I've made the wrong choice & ended up relapsing.
Put your sobriety first and no matter what you will win out!!!!
Mmmmm sandwiches!!!!!!
I've had many of them.... and every time I've made the wrong choice & ended up relapsing.
Put your sobriety first and no matter what you will win out!!!!
Mmmmm sandwiches!!!!!!
Forum Leader
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Wisconsin, USA
Posts: 16,945
My personal opinion would be to go for the first job based on your gambling issues. Even if the job is minimum wage now, there's no telling where you can move up to from there once you put in some good work.
Sober since October
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: In the world in my eyes...Somewhere I've never been before...
Posts: 7,355
Hi, Thaddeliveryguy)
It's' great that you are having options to choose from.
Maybe, try to look at a bigger picture, think more long-term?
If you make your sobriety a priority now, and focus on it, and let it grow and be mature, and stable, then after some time you'll have an opportunity to look for another job, that will pay more, but won't present such a danger to your sobriety. IMO, it could be quite challenging to be tempted by two addiction on a daily basis.
I am sure, with some good job record and time in recovery you'll find something when time is right!
Sometimes a step back is actually a move forward.
My best wishes to you with your decision and new job - whichever you are going to choose!
It's' great that you are having options to choose from.
Maybe, try to look at a bigger picture, think more long-term?
If you make your sobriety a priority now, and focus on it, and let it grow and be mature, and stable, then after some time you'll have an opportunity to look for another job, that will pay more, but won't present such a danger to your sobriety. IMO, it could be quite challenging to be tempted by two addiction on a daily basis.
I am sure, with some good job record and time in recovery you'll find something when time is right!
Sometimes a step back is actually a move forward.
My best wishes to you with your decision and new job - whichever you are going to choose!
Member
Join Date: May 2014
Location: Canada
Posts: 2,449
If you are already concerned you may not be able to stay away from alcohol/gambling, I would say you have your answer right there.
What would happen if you did take that and relapsed hardcore? You'd be in an even worse spot. Honestly, I'd stick with the first option for now...I know it's less money but you were AOK with that UNTIL this opportunity came.
It's up to you, only you know you....but you're already having apprehension due to your dual addictions, you'd be walking right into a battlefield friend.
think lots about this. Talk to your wife.
Good luck TDG - whatever path you choose.
What would happen if you did take that and relapsed hardcore? You'd be in an even worse spot. Honestly, I'd stick with the first option for now...I know it's less money but you were AOK with that UNTIL this opportunity came.
It's up to you, only you know you....but you're already having apprehension due to your dual addictions, you'd be walking right into a battlefield friend.
think lots about this. Talk to your wife.
Good luck TDG - whatever path you choose.
Canine Welfare Advocate
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Norfolk, VA
Posts: 10,962
Originally Posted by Thatdeliveryguy 
The problem is I am still newly sober to alcohol and cigarettes and I have a huge gambling problem. I am not sure I can sustain my sobriety if I work at a casino...
You want someone to flat out tell you this is bad idea? Okay, taking this job is a BAD idea.
Keep looking and good luck.
Administrator
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Dancing in the Light
Posts: 61,460
Congratulations on getting two job offers. That's great news for you.
I think you know that choosing the job at the casino would not be the best choice for you. You've come a long way so don't lose direction at this point.
I think you know that choosing the job at the casino would not be the best choice for you. You've come a long way so don't lose direction at this point.
EndGame
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: New York, NY
Posts: 4,677
Hi Jeremy.
I haven't been around for a bit, but have pretty much caught up with the gist of your recent threads. A lot of folks have rallied around your reported improvement and are cheering you on, but it may now be time to take pause.
I was very happy to read that you've gotten professional help for your psych issues, whether they're transient or otherwise. Now is the time to find out.
Though I do appreciate your enthusiasm, I've noticed over time that you have a tendency to get ahead of yourself, with this often ending in panic and questionable judgment on your part. (Even with all the euphoria, which may or may not be masking or clouding other issues.) You've made great progress, which is inspirational for many here, but I cannot stress enough the reality that you are currently still in a very fragile place, having struggled with severe psychiatric symptoms, multiple addictions and the inevitable struggles and disappointments that life lays at our doorsteps for a very long time. You're only now beginning the process of discovering who you are without your addictions and without your psych symptoms and, in terms of your everyday functioning, attention must be paid. This is not only about future employment, but across the board. The people who strongly recommended inpatient treatment were only taking you seriously.
Coming from my own personal and professional experience, I strongly recommend that you start seeing someone regularly for therapy -- not medication management or medication maintenance, but real therapy. Someone you meet with and speak with at least once a week for at least thirty minutes each visit. I know you're strapped for cash right now, but there are community clinics that offer free counseling, and if your application with social services works out for you (and your family) -- and I truly do hope you've been following through on this -- then you can pursue therapy via Medicaid. You don't need to be unemployed to qualify for Medicaid (or food stamps) or for low-cost insurance. The income criteria are much more flexible now than they've ever been, and have gotten better in the most recent calendar year. If you're still allowing your pride to stand in the way of your well-being and the well-being of your family, then it's time to re-assess priorities.
In the case of work or anything else, I won't tell you what to do. But I will offer that now is the best time to start healing, and that the decisions you make in the present will go a long way in determining what comes next.
Finally,
Let's hope for the best, shall we? 
I haven't been around for a bit, but have pretty much caught up with the gist of your recent threads. A lot of folks have rallied around your reported improvement and are cheering you on, but it may now be time to take pause.
I was very happy to read that you've gotten professional help for your psych issues, whether they're transient or otherwise. Now is the time to find out.
Though I do appreciate your enthusiasm, I've noticed over time that you have a tendency to get ahead of yourself, with this often ending in panic and questionable judgment on your part. (Even with all the euphoria, which may or may not be masking or clouding other issues.) You've made great progress, which is inspirational for many here, but I cannot stress enough the reality that you are currently still in a very fragile place, having struggled with severe psychiatric symptoms, multiple addictions and the inevitable struggles and disappointments that life lays at our doorsteps for a very long time. You're only now beginning the process of discovering who you are without your addictions and without your psych symptoms and, in terms of your everyday functioning, attention must be paid. This is not only about future employment, but across the board. The people who strongly recommended inpatient treatment were only taking you seriously.
Coming from my own personal and professional experience, I strongly recommend that you start seeing someone regularly for therapy -- not medication management or medication maintenance, but real therapy. Someone you meet with and speak with at least once a week for at least thirty minutes each visit. I know you're strapped for cash right now, but there are community clinics that offer free counseling, and if your application with social services works out for you (and your family) -- and I truly do hope you've been following through on this -- then you can pursue therapy via Medicaid. You don't need to be unemployed to qualify for Medicaid (or food stamps) or for low-cost insurance. The income criteria are much more flexible now than they've ever been, and have gotten better in the most recent calendar year. If you're still allowing your pride to stand in the way of your well-being and the well-being of your family, then it's time to re-assess priorities.
In the case of work or anything else, I won't tell you what to do. But I will offer that now is the best time to start healing, and that the decisions you make in the present will go a long way in determining what comes next.
Finally,
Originally Posted by Thatdeliveryguy
...a guy could die and go to heaven.
Member
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Manchester
Posts: 104
If it was me, I probably would have gone for the job with more money, fell apart, drank, smoked and gambled what little extra I would have made.
I am going through a bad patch at the moment and so please feel free to learn from what would be an amazing mistake.
Take the lower paying job and keep your sobriety is the right thing to do.
I am going through a bad patch at the moment and so please feel free to learn from what would be an amazing mistake.
Take the lower paying job and keep your sobriety is the right thing to do.
Member
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Wellington, NZ
Posts: 250
Hey TDG,
Another job offer is great- you're doing really well :=]
As far as the Sports Book job goes, if I were you I'd think rationally about it for a while and then go with my original gut feeling :=] Gotta love that process!
Seriously, I hope you don't take it. It just seems to darn risky- in fact it seems like a job that's almost designed to make your work life as hard as possible.
Another job offer is great- you're doing really well :=]
As far as the Sports Book job goes, if I were you I'd think rationally about it for a while and then go with my original gut feeling :=] Gotta love that process!
Seriously, I hope you don't take it. It just seems to darn risky- in fact it seems like a job that's almost designed to make your work life as hard as possible.
Hears The Voice
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Unshackled
Posts: 7,901
That is a tough situation to be in.
You're a gambling man? Let's weigh the odds...
What are the odds you'll start drinking, gambling, smoking again if you take the job?
What is the pay off?
What is the cost of the bet?
How much are you willing to risk for a few dollars an hour?
How much would your family put on that bet? Can they afford to lose you?
It looks to me like small upside and infinite downside potential. Smells like a sucker bet. What do you think?
You're a gambling man? Let's weigh the odds...
What are the odds you'll start drinking, gambling, smoking again if you take the job?
What is the pay off?
What is the cost of the bet?
How much are you willing to risk for a few dollars an hour?
How much would your family put on that bet? Can they afford to lose you?
It looks to me like small upside and infinite downside potential. Smells like a sucker bet. What do you think?
Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: My city of ruins...
Posts: 593
I am 2 years sober and I won't even go into a casino let alone work in one. Casinos are rich with temptation for me - and I don't gamble. The association with drinking and smoking is just too much for me and I know I would struggle greatly every single minute.
Based on your current situation as you describe I am in the majority here when I say put your sobriety FIRST. It has to be the only thing that matters ... money will come, or it won't, but at least you will be present and accounted for in your own life, making wise decisions and enjoying your family.
Best of luck and I hope you enjoy your new position whichever you choose as the best fit!
Based on your current situation as you describe I am in the majority here when I say put your sobriety FIRST. It has to be the only thing that matters ... money will come, or it won't, but at least you will be present and accounted for in your own life, making wise decisions and enjoying your family.
Best of luck and I hope you enjoy your new position whichever you choose as the best fit!
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Reno, Nv
Posts: 873
Oh my, there is a consensus here, and all of your comments are correct. I am going to decline the casino job. However, once the other job offer was made I got excited and made it a "huge decision".
Around a month ago, I quit my whole life because I was literally going crazy and wanted and need things to get better. If I am going to put my life on hold for sobriety, I need to stay the course I called my friend a few minutes ago and told him no! That kind of makes me sad, but everyone here is right, I can make money later make this about the here and the now and being sober.
Thank you all for caring so much and responding, i need as endgame and other pointed out I need to take my head from being in the clouds and my general euphoria and return to earth. I am an addict, I need help, and casinos are places where addicts implode regularly.
Around a month ago, I quit my whole life because I was literally going crazy and wanted and need things to get better. If I am going to put my life on hold for sobriety, I need to stay the course I called my friend a few minutes ago and told him no! That kind of makes me sad, but everyone here is right, I can make money later make this about the here and the now and being sober.
Thank you all for caring so much and responding, i need as endgame and other pointed out I need to take my head from being in the clouds and my general euphoria and return to earth. I am an addict, I need help, and casinos are places where addicts implode regularly.
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