Brad41989

Today was one of those 12 hour days where I get banged out all day open to close and wonder how I don't come home and get extremely drunk and high and just pass out. I'm so far into this journey I keep telling myself something better is out their then again I just go back to work and so it over again as all my other co workers go home and smoke weed or drink or both. I go home shower and either watch Netflix for a hour or go right to bed. I know I need to eventually make changes, for the time being I'm playing catch up after missing 5 weeks of work after ankle surgery. So getting the $ right is the prioty now. Working in a restaurant is not a good place to try to be sober. You got waitress talking about how they can't wait to drink when they get out. Cooks on the line and dishwashers saying they need a cigarette or a beer or a joint. Maybe it's just a giant test I have to pass and when I do I will have gotten something out of being the sober one in a workplace full of enough drugs and booze to put a elephant down.

Constantly I get made fun of for only drinking water and eating healthy fruits and vegetables with my meals for always going to the gym and not eating the sweets or crap leftovers from functions or parties. I know it benefits me and that's why I do what I do. It's almost like its unpopular to take care of yourself in this type of work environment because all they do is make and serve people booze and **** that isn't good for them. Anyways sound off if your sober and work in a kitchen and how you deal with it because I don't know how I've made it this far! I guess I'm just questioning myself too much these days!

CaseyW

I don't work in the kitchen but I am in the restaurant business in the front of house and have been for 15+ years so I know the stress of being around co-workers who live that party lifestyle 24/7 and also the stress of working around alcohol for a living.

It is stressful sometimes when you hear everyone making plans to get together after work at some bar or a party but then I see co-workers coming in on Saturday or Sunday mornings looking like death warmed over or not showing up at all and I don't miss those days and feeling like that at all. I guess I'm a little luckier than you in that in that my co-workers are mostly supportive if they find out I don't drink, though it's not something I really advertise either as it's none of their business. I drank more than my fair share of booze in my drinking days and lost my drinking rights and also can't worry or control what others are drinking now.

All I can really say is hang in there, it's just a job, not your life even if it seems like it sometimes. Work hard, save that money, and maybe look for a more supportive environment once you're OK financially. You know you're making the right decisions trying to live a clean and healthy life so keep on keeping on.

Oh, and congrats on day 441. That's amazing!

DuhDave

Good for you Brad ! You are a rare type ! Find JOY and pleasure and FUN in telling people you dont drink !

Maybe they will get curious...and follow you. You never know.

Spread the word!...someone will listen ! I promise !

DD

Soberwolf

Way to go Brad

thomas11

Hi Brad, great job on being sober but I have a little different perspective that you may find helpful. It sounds like you are quite serious about your work and it is a significant part of your life (as it is with most of us). LOTS of businesses would love to have a sober, motivated person who takes their work at least halfway serious. Maybe look around and see what's out there? I was a blackjack dealer all through college but I was competing athletically and was pretty strict with my daily training so I isolated myself. I knew I couldn't have a "career" there. Same situation you are in, everyone was into drinking, drugs and gambling. I swear, they are the most dysfunctional bunch of people in the world. Graveyard shift would have keg parties after work,meaning it started at 7AM! My point is that someone would really appreciate you, maybe try to find em.

Brad41989

Thanks for the reply everyone! Thomas11 Those are some some great and accurate points! I cant imagine doing that like you said at the casino I've been to Foxwoods and Mohegan sun a few times and now that I think of it it must be a pretty whacked job working those crazy hours at a non stop business. I have to spice up my resume I have one on jobs.com but it's needs some work. I have a Certificate for Personal Training but that was back in 2007 I would need to take another course as a refresher to keep updated. I'm thinking I want to go back to school maybe just community college or a trade school I'm just not sure what I want to spend the time and money on to make sure it's what I really want to do. I'm glad you shined some light on the subject though it's good to hear others opinions as this is the only source of social media I use these days. Thanks again!

emme99

Great job Brad The strength you have is the strength I am trying to build. I work in a small office with people that like to drink and will sometimes bring alcohol into the office. There is no pressure on me to drink though but I still need the strength to turn it down, which can be hard.

Brad41989

Yea turning it down is hard. For me it just became I've come to far to turn back now. Eventually people will realize you don't drink and won't offer you anything. After holidays when the restaurant gets extremely busy the chef will walk around with a big pitcher and pour everyone beers I watch everyone drink as some try to get me to drink. What works for me is telling myself I've come way too far to turn back now and I try to keep to good thoughts of my journey and why started it and remember who I want to be as not who I was. Good luck on your journey you will find the strength and when you do you wil be even more amazed then ever!

PurpleKnight

Fantastic Brad!!