Careers and overcoming the damage already done.
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Toronto
Posts: 3,195
Careers and overcoming the damage already done.
I have been in recovery for 3 years now and having great difficulty finding any meaningful work beyond menial jobs that I take just to pay the bills. Before alcoholism took over, I worked in finance but I drank my way out of the job and many more after that.
I am sober now but the problem for me is that I can't pass a background check because of a DUI, a bankruptcy, and long gaps in my resume. I have no decent references anymore as the last 7-8 years of my working history are very spotty.
I have given up on any mid-size to large company hiring me because of the numerous red flags I raise. I have had 3 job offers rescinded since I got out of rehab due to my past and now that I am 38 yo, I am getting too old for entry-level positions.
Any advice from anyone out there who has successfully entered the work force after getting sober despite their checkered past? I feel a sense of hopelessness starting to eat away at me and I am worried about my future.
I am sober now but the problem for me is that I can't pass a background check because of a DUI, a bankruptcy, and long gaps in my resume. I have no decent references anymore as the last 7-8 years of my working history are very spotty.
I have given up on any mid-size to large company hiring me because of the numerous red flags I raise. I have had 3 job offers rescinded since I got out of rehab due to my past and now that I am 38 yo, I am getting too old for entry-level positions.
Any advice from anyone out there who has successfully entered the work force after getting sober despite their checkered past? I feel a sense of hopelessness starting to eat away at me and I am worried about my future.
Member
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 1,355
Can you stick at one of the menial jobs for a little while and get a solid reference from that? I think that would go a long way if someone sees these red flags but then most recently you have this reference that is a solid in your favor?
Member
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 8,637
I haven't been in quite your shoes, but some thoughts that came up for me;
with a background in finance, have you considered getting into independent financial planning / financial advisory? Not sure what the requirements are for repping as a personal financial planner but maybe that could be a place to start?
how about looking at small business opportunities - dust off your financial hat and look around you - are there local businesses or smaller organizations that might need a bit of skilled financial help?
Consider volunteer work to get back in the game - are there any non-profits or volunteer organizations that could use some financial help where you could get yourself a foot in the door even pro-bono at first, to build up some momentum, references and recent experience?
How about something totally-unrelated; have you ever considered doing recovery work? Maybe you could get yourself credentialed to be a counselor. Here again, perhaps there is a local recovery center you could volunteer at. Get some references, get some experience, start understanding the skills and certifications you might need, turn something that personally impacted you into an avocation of doing something positive in the world.
Is there something you've always yearned to do with your life? Maybe this is a good time to think about that shift. Heck, if you're in a lull anyway what better time to reinvent than NOW!!! The sky is the limit.
"Too Late" - you say?
Not a chance. If you're still breathing it's not too late.
with a background in finance, have you considered getting into independent financial planning / financial advisory? Not sure what the requirements are for repping as a personal financial planner but maybe that could be a place to start?
how about looking at small business opportunities - dust off your financial hat and look around you - are there local businesses or smaller organizations that might need a bit of skilled financial help?
Consider volunteer work to get back in the game - are there any non-profits or volunteer organizations that could use some financial help where you could get yourself a foot in the door even pro-bono at first, to build up some momentum, references and recent experience?
How about something totally-unrelated; have you ever considered doing recovery work? Maybe you could get yourself credentialed to be a counselor. Here again, perhaps there is a local recovery center you could volunteer at. Get some references, get some experience, start understanding the skills and certifications you might need, turn something that personally impacted you into an avocation of doing something positive in the world.
Is there something you've always yearned to do with your life? Maybe this is a good time to think about that shift. Heck, if you're in a lull anyway what better time to reinvent than NOW!!! The sky is the limit.
"Too Late" - you say?
Not a chance. If you're still breathing it's not too late.
Guest
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: New York, NY
Posts: 1,305
I think I may have mentioned this before, but you might seriously consider becoming self-employed. You have skills and education in finance, so you would need some assistance in 2 main areas: Business structure (LLC, sole proprietorship, etc.) and networking. If not in finance (I'm not sure how your bankruptcy would impact that), you can definitely do something at a professional level. A quick Google search turned up "Enterprise Toronto," I'm sure they have some level of free counseling and you could start something with little or no startup capital. Just a thought...good luck WL! 
Member
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: East Coast USA
Posts: 167
A change in careers most likely would work. The medical field is always hiring - we hear a lot about Doctor and Nurse shortages. Some medical professions only require a few courses. I don't believe having past credit problems or DUI would be an issue.
Administrator
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Dancing in the Light
Posts: 61,492
I would also favor the volunteer idea. You have good skills to offer a volunteer organization and they, in turn, would be able to supply you with a good reference. You might even meet someone who could help you find a job in your field. And, of course, it would help you to feel better about yourself.
Guest
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: New York, NY
Posts: 1,305
If you decide to volunteer, I would recommend a program like this: Community Volunteer Income Tax Program in Canada | Canadian Personal Finance This is a great program in the US, and it may be almost as good in Canada. 
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Toronto
Posts: 3,195
Thanks for all the replies. I think I need a whole new career path. I have been out of the financial field for 8 years now and my certifications are all long expired. It was never something I was suited for. I guess I need something to be passionate about. I was miserable in my previous career.
Member
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 5,937
Sober you have options. Perhaps you need to do some soul searching and think about what you're passionate about and what's important to you. Not everyone is lucky enough to do work that they love but you should be able to find something fulfilling that you don't hate!
Member
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Midwest USA
Posts: 69
Originally Posted by FreeOwl 
I haven't been in quite your shoes, but some thoughts that came up for me;
with a background in finance, have you considered getting into independent financial planning / financial advisory? Not sure what the requirements are for repping as a personal financial planner but maybe that could be a place to start?
how about looking at small business opportunities - dust off your financial hat and look around you - are there local businesses or smaller organizations that might need a bit of skilled financial help?
Consider volunteer work to get back in the game - are there any non-profits or volunteer organizations that could use some financial help where you could get yourself a foot in the door even pro-bono at first, to build up some momentum, references and recent experience?
How about something totally-unrelated; have you ever considered doing recovery work? Maybe you could get yourself credentialed to be a counselor. Here again, perhaps there is a local recovery center you could volunteer at. Get some references, get some experience, start understanding the skills and certifications you might need, turn something that personally impacted you into an avocation of doing something positive in the world.
Is there something you've always yearned to do with your life? Maybe this is a good time to think about that shift. Heck, if you're in a lull anyway what better time to reinvent than NOW!!! The sky is the limit.
"Too Late" - you say?
Not a chance. If you're still breathing it's not too late.
with a background in finance, have you considered getting into independent financial planning / financial advisory? Not sure what the requirements are for repping as a personal financial planner but maybe that could be a place to start?
how about looking at small business opportunities - dust off your financial hat and look around you - are there local businesses or smaller organizations that might need a bit of skilled financial help?
Consider volunteer work to get back in the game - are there any non-profits or volunteer organizations that could use some financial help where you could get yourself a foot in the door even pro-bono at first, to build up some momentum, references and recent experience?
How about something totally-unrelated; have you ever considered doing recovery work? Maybe you could get yourself credentialed to be a counselor. Here again, perhaps there is a local recovery center you could volunteer at. Get some references, get some experience, start understanding the skills and certifications you might need, turn something that personally impacted you into an avocation of doing something positive in the world.
Is there something you've always yearned to do with your life? Maybe this is a good time to think about that shift. Heck, if you're in a lull anyway what better time to reinvent than NOW!!! The sky is the limit.
"Too Late" - you say?
Not a chance. If you're still breathing it's not too late.
This!
Recognizes the Beast
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: In the kitchen, cooking up a storm
Posts: 704
I'm not sure how much my situation is comparable to yours, but like you I was too old for entry level jobs, so I've had to suck it up and move out into the middle of nowhere for a full-time position. And this really is the middle of nowhere.
Now I could dwell on the negatives, but I chose to be grateful instead. I see this as an awesome opportunity to hone the skills in my field and I've already accumulated a couple solid references which will serve me well when I'm ready to move back to an urban setting.
Now I could dwell on the negatives, but I chose to be grateful instead. I see this as an awesome opportunity to hone the skills in my field and I've already accumulated a couple solid references which will serve me well when I'm ready to move back to an urban setting.
Member
Join Date: Jun 2011
Posts: 526
Originally Posted by Wastinglife
Thanks for all the replies. I think I need a whole new career path. I have been out of the financial field for 8 years now and my certifications are all long expired. It was never something I was suited for. I guess I need something to be passionate about. I was miserable in my previous career.
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