Im not sure if this is actually appropriate for this forum, because it might be considered off topic, so I won’t be upset if it gets taken down. I just dont know where else I can ask this question.
Long story short, I’ve been let go today for being drunk at work. This is what started me on my journey of sobriety a few days ago.
The problem im facing now is finding a new job, I was just wondering if anyone else has experience similar to mine, and how you went about filling out applications and during interviews, since I know that jobs often ask why you separated from your previous employer.
I’d say it is appropriate for this forum. First because I am sure you are not the first to find yourself in this situation. Second, because stressors can be have a huge influence on your ability to stay sober.
Many companies will not disclose the reasons for a separation. It would be beneficial to you to find out whether the company that let you go has that HR policy.
As to answering the question about why you were let go or left your former employer, you are going to have to decide how to answer that. You can be upfront about what happened and your current recovery, or you can “gray scale” it and say something generic.
What line of work are you in?
How can you present the situation and clearly reflect that this won’t happen in future employment? Is a temp or temp-to-hire position something you’d be willing to look at, as a means to build up your reputation?
I was in food service, nothing fancy, but I havent had many jobs and im only 25 and I put three years into this one. It is, however the first time I’ve been fired which i hope maybe helps a little?
I was going to look into seasonal work and most likely file unemployment because I can’t risk having absolutly no money coming in.
I got fired from a restaurant head chef position when I was your age for drinking and didn’t learn my lesson-I continued to drink for 3 more years before getting sober so I commend you on learning your lesson and wanting to better your life after this incident occurred. For me, I found work as a nanny…when asked why I left my last job I just said we had opposing opinions on many matters. It’s really none of their business, especially if you’re staying sober. Keep checking in on here. Don’t worry about what you’ll need to say; Write N/A on the applications if it asks and focus more about staying sober and finding work outside of the food industry.
I do know your ex employee cannot give the reason you were fired just if you were rehirable. With that being said honesty is always the best way to go with recovery…but maybe not in this case… fortunately for you we are in the middle of a pandemic and you can just say they let you go…good luck
I knew I had to come clean and own it. And, I’m way better off for it. Crappy pay for a while in my line of work but doing much better now. We live with ourselves all day long and not being honest about the past or how we want to be in the future to all, I feel, will open the door to doing shady shit again and possibly going back out.
And, unemployment is for those who are laid off due to reasons outside of their control. Hang in there.
Allow me to play devils advocate here. First of all, you were working in the food industry. Its not like in a future interview they’re going to be digging all that deep. Just list a friend as a reference. Learn your lesson and move on.
True, I think its just hard to imagine bc I put so much into this one job and I was working up the ladder. I probably put more weight into it than I need to.
My boss even told me that I could probably find an even better job pretty easily
True, and thats what I’ve been talking to people about rn. It looks like our financial situation might be taken care of, at least for this upcoming month. My main concern on that front is that my SO and I are just about to move into our own apartment hence the panick.
But after I talked to my mom a bit I realized that we have it mostly sorted, and what we don’t have, we can get help with. She recommended I take some time to get my head on straight. Luckily the company I worked for has good mental health support thats still available for a short while, even after termination. So I’m hoping to start some form of therapy soon.
After reading all these helpful replies and looking around, I realized right now it doesn’t matter. I’ll work at a gas station if I have to
I have been told by probation (in the UK) that it is perfectly acceptable to have a prewritten letter that I can hand over during an interview explaining my drink driving conviction (DUI). I would imagine it is the same with explaining why they let you go - out of character, engaged with alcohol services etc as applicable.
hence the panick.