Hi all, so I've struggled with alcoholism for years now

Recovery
#1

Hi all, so I've struggled with alcoholism for years now. Unfortunate divorce etc... When I decided to turn to a bottle and for comfort instead of getting help. It has got progressively horrible. Jaundice, ammonia on my brain, 2 DWI's, cerosis etc. .

I recently relapsed, resigned from my job and have solely focused on my sobriety. I am an engineer where reputation is highly important. The stigma and reputation will be demolishing if the truth got out. I never drank on the job and I have had underlying health issues I was able to displace my alcoholism upon... I don't feel proud of that but that's the facts.

I haven't worked in several months and I do not know how to explain the gap. Any ideas?

Thank you

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#2

So sorry to hear your going through a rough time but I believe you’re doing the right thing for yourself by focusing on your health and sobriety/recovery. I am in a similar situation. After losing my mother last year, dealing with the pandemic working in a school, and struggling with drinking I also decided to resign. I did not feel my performance was where it should have been and it was not something I could handle anymore at the time.

I also worry about the gap, however I’m pretty sure I just plan to be honest with omitting the addiction issue. That I was caring for my mother/lost my mother/the pandemic affected me/needed to take care of health issues… I am also trying to stay current on School Counseling trends and eventually attend some workshops to add to my resume so when I interview I can show that I was still doing what I could to stay up to date. Perhaps there are similar things you can do for your career?

Will also be looking forward to other comments from those that experienced this and are successfully back at work!

Good luck and God bless!

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#3

Thank you for the reply! I'm sorry for your loss. I couldn't imagine what you've been through. I will keep you and your family in my prayers!

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#4

I echo what A had to say. People are very forgiving of pandemic reasons.

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#5

I agree with A as well. You can dance around the periphery of health problems that required you to resign, focusing on you and your well-being. The question may come up about why you didn’t just take a leave of absence or if your company had a FMLA plan (family medical leave act), that safeguards an employee’s job for up to 12 weeks/year if the employee qualifies.

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#6

I wonder if they can legally go further and ask that..? I would be surprised if so.. Although most full-time jobs have this option, I can tell you I took a month FLMA after my mom passed and what I was getting paid was really not liveable! That is why I went back before I was really ready and then decided I needed more time and resigned. Figuring out finances and health insurance was not the easiest but I did and although I’m still working on my journey, I do not regret resigning.

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#7

They may not, but could ask if your previous employer offered the benefit. Your answer right there about not getting a full pay check while on FMLA and felt you had to go back and it was too much! Don’t stress about it though! :blush:

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