Is it the job or is it alcoholism?
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Is it the job or is it alcoholism?
Needing input especially from folks who have been sober a few years. Basically I'm trying to decide if changing jobs will help me find peace and happiness again. I KNOW I have a drinking problem. ....that's not even up for debate! 😉 The question is whether my cognitive problems, memory problems, stress, and extreme dislike of my job are actually signs to look for a better fitting job or signs that my brain is damaged. I'll say this: I was sober 1.5 years and still felt similar problems at work. I'm wondering how long the memory issues, brain fog, and anxiety lasted for you, specifically? ?? (I've read A LOT about cognitive impairment on the forums and elsewhere. ....but hope to hear from you guys personally. ) thank you in advance!!!
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I'd love to tho know this too. My ex was always calling me ditzy and forgetful. My memory is horrendous and I never ever put it down to the alcohol I'd consumed every night for the last god knows how many years!
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It seems to me that if you were sober for 1.5 years and during that time found your job to be full of problems, maybe it's time to rethink things. But, it sounds like you're drinking now, so I think stopping drinking and then re-evaluate the job situation, after a period of sobriety.
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Originally Posted by Anna 
It seems to me that if you were sober for 1.5 years and during that time found your job to be full of problems, maybe it's time to rethink things. But, it sounds like you're drinking now, so I think stopping drinking and then re-evaluate the job situation, after a period of sobriety.
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Originally Posted by Secretdrinker
I'd love to tho know this too. My ex was always calling me ditzy and forgetful. My memory is horrendous and I never ever put it down to the alcohol I'd consumed every night for the last god knows how many years!
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Originally Posted by SportsFan15
Needing input especially from folks who have been sober a few years. Basically I'm trying to decide if changing jobs will help me find peace and happiness again. I KNOW I have a drinking problem. ....that's not even up for debate! 😉 The question is whether my cognitive problems, memory problems, stress, and extreme dislike of my job are actually signs to look for a better fitting job or signs that my brain is damaged. I'll say this: I was sober 1.5 years and still felt similar problems at work. I'm wondering how long the memory issues, brain fog, and anxiety lasted for you, specifically? ?? (I've read A LOT about cognitive impairment on the forums and elsewhere. ....but hope to hear from you guys personally. ) thank you in advance!!!
You mention stress...and while your job may not be very good right now...changing jobs is ALSO stressful. What are your options? And 'extreme dislike' is likely a red flag. I would probably ask myself: Is changing jobs stressful or is staying in your current job MORE stressful. Part of my own recovery is to learning how to manage stress better and not turn to alcohol to cope.
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Originally Posted by teatreeoil007
Thanks for sharing.
You mention stress...and while your job may not be very good right now...changing jobs is ALSO stressful. What are your options? And 'extreme dislike' is likely a red flag. I would probably ask myself: Is changing jobs stressful or is staying in your current job MORE stressful. Part of my own recovery is to learning how to manage stress better and not turn to alcohol to cope.
You mention stress...and while your job may not be very good right now...changing jobs is ALSO stressful. What are your options? And 'extreme dislike' is likely a red flag. I would probably ask myself: Is changing jobs stressful or is staying in your current job MORE stressful. Part of my own recovery is to learning how to manage stress better and not turn to alcohol to cope.
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I get what your saying. Looking at the bigger picture. Long term sobriety and happiness. I've often thought of a job/career change as well. Seemed as though the two would go hand in hand. But I wouldn't make drastic changes like that without some serious sober time.
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Originally Posted by Arbor
I get what your saying. Looking at the bigger picture. Long term sobriety and happiness. I've often thought of a job/career change as well. Seemed as though the two would go hand in hand. But I wouldn't make drastic changes like that without some serious sober time.
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I don't know about your situation, but in my own experience I got to the point I hated my job and blamed it for a lot of my misery.
After getting sober, my job didn't change a lot - but my attitude about it did.... once I did the work to shift my attitude in general.
Nowadays, I still don't think my job is the greatest thing ever - but I love my life and the way my job fits into and supports my life is actually pretty positive. I don't blame my job for things anymore, and I have a far better attitude about my job and about all the other external commitments of my life.
For me.... a lot of my misery was the product of being addicted to booze.
After getting sober, my job didn't change a lot - but my attitude about it did.... once I did the work to shift my attitude in general.
Nowadays, I still don't think my job is the greatest thing ever - but I love my life and the way my job fits into and supports my life is actually pretty positive. I don't blame my job for things anymore, and I have a far better attitude about my job and about all the other external commitments of my life.
For me.... a lot of my misery was the product of being addicted to booze.
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Originally Posted by FreeOwl
I don't know about your situation, but in my own experience I got to the point I hated my job and blamed it for a lot of my misery.
After getting sober, my job didn't change a lot - but my attitude about it did.... once I did the work to shift my attitude in general.
Nowadays, I still don't think my job is the greatest thing ever - but I love my life and the way my job fits into and supports my life is actually pretty positive. I don't blame my job for things anymore, and I have a far better attitude about my job and about all the other external commitments of my life.
For me.... a lot of my misery was the product of being addicted to booze.
After getting sober, my job didn't change a lot - but my attitude about it did.... once I did the work to shift my attitude in general.
Nowadays, I still don't think my job is the greatest thing ever - but I love my life and the way my job fits into and supports my life is actually pretty positive. I don't blame my job for things anymore, and I have a far better attitude about my job and about all the other external commitments of my life.
For me.... a lot of my misery was the product of being addicted to booze.
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There's that silly saying, "no matter where you go, there you are." If you change jobs, you will still have your alcoholism. I agree with the others, get some sober time then re-evaluate job.
After 2 1/2 years I'm still the same forgetful silly person I was. But I'm much happier and healthier.
After 2 1/2 years I'm still the same forgetful silly person I was. But I'm much happier and healthier.
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Originally Posted by wehav2day
There's that silly saying, "no matter where you go, there you are." If you change jobs, you will still have your alcoholism. I agree with the others, get some sober time then re-evaluate job.
After 2 1/2 years I'm still the same forgetful silly person I was. But I'm much happier and healthier.
After 2 1/2 years I'm still the same forgetful silly person I was. But I'm much happier and healthier.
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