Hi all, I’m halfway through Day 13, I am currently struggling with my job that affects my mental health, the hours are sporadic, the atmosphere is toxic and there is never any routine. How do others in my position get by? I feel trapped.
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For me id look for another job first then move on .bite the bullet till one comes up
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I find that my recovery routine (meetings, daily calls, meditation, readings) gives me stability so that I can handle the unpredictability of my work life. It’s a stable foundation so that storms don’t disrupt me.
In the past I did a lot of running away, hopping from job to job, but that is not a habit I want to continue. I am learning how to build stability in sobriety, independent of external circumstances like people and workplaces.
That doesn’t mean you have to stay in the job, but if it were me I would start by meditating and making a list of things (professional / work things, but also recovery things) that are in my control, things that are only partially in my control, and things that are not in my control, then I would give it a few days to think about it before making a decision.
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That’s what I’ve been doing for 2 months and I haven’t had any interviews.
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Sorry about your job. Nobody wants to work in a toxic environment . I lost my job last July and I can tell you the job market is insane right now. I’m hearing people have been out of work for a year or longer. Just keep applying everyday and in the end it will pay off . Until then make your sobriety a priority. Don’t let a job make you lose yourself .
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I would suggest asking your higher power to change you so that the job you’re at is something you enjoy.
Affirmations: “I love the job I have, I want to be at the job I have, the job I have now doesn’t bother me anymore.”
WE can change GET positive 
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Ill start with what I am about to say is in no way easy, however it is possible. We as humans are trained and naturally always looking for affirmations from our peers and co-workers. Especially as addicts and alcoholics this is a huge detriment to us. Something to work on is not letting the opinions people who do not matter in your long term plans for your life matter. If these people are not going to be there in the long term future do not let them impact your mental health now. I am going on 4 years sober and there are many people including family that I had to train myself to quit caring about their opinions. When it comes to work I had to train myself to quit caring about it when the clock went off. Unfortunately it does not matter where you work, there are always going to be toxic people. We just have to train ourselves to not let them matter to us. Do you have a family? Close friends? Pets?
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What I’m going to say I don’t say lightly and I say it from experience as well.
If something in your life isn’t working or causes you stress and poor mental health. LEAVE.
Life is short. Too short to be stuck in unhealthy things.
Now, do weigh the pros and cons (like eating and a roof) but at the end of it get out if it doesn’t work. No disrespect to others. But all jobs do not suck or have to have bad in them. Find what drives you and what you are passionate about and 100% go for that and don’t stop till you get it.
Life is short!! Don’t spend it with regrets.
Oh and congrats on day 13 (almost)!!!
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I think clearing our heads (getting clean/sober) brings light to what isn’t serving us. Toxic job environments being one of them. It can be motivation to find your next gig. I don’t know what you do for work, but there are temporary jobs out there to maybe tide you over until the next opportunity comes through. I’d say do what you need to do to stay sober and find a new job. It’s a rough market right now but you sound motivated to find a change. Keep at it!
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