I have to remember this when I get discouraged. GOOD things have come from my Higher Power, once I started accepting His gifts, through recovery.
I have interviews lined up, and a second interview at a particular place I am very interested in. The old thinking comes back... "UGH!! You have to self-disclose your scrapes from the past... they are going to reject you for sure...." But this has never been the case before, and why should now be any different now? God always had something good planned for me, and He will again.
My Higher Power has brought me too far to drop me now. And if I go leaping out of his hand, I am sure to find trouble. So I will stay right here, and be certain that He has plans for me in the coming days, and that they will be GOOD, in fact, better than any I could make for myself. God's got this, so I can rest in that knowledge, thanks to AA (and a terrific Women's Meeting tonight!)
Thanks for listening!
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~~"It's hard to be hateful when you're grateful."~~
You know JJ, I would like to let you know that during interviews, if the past came up, and it appeared that I might have to do some fibbing to get around my past, I just very calmly and maturely stated that the behavior in question was during a part of my life that strengthened me and as bad as the behavior was, it is in the past. If I was further questioned, I proudly told them I was a reforming alcoholic that had been sober for X amount of time, and that sobriety and the maintenance of my sobriety is probably at the top of my achievements. I even went into how as part of the program, I had to make ammends for that behavior. I am not sure that will work for every interview, so take it with a grain of salt, but it worked in the military and frankly blew their socks off with the honesty. The honesty was, of course, part of the program. I think it would be an easier interview if they did not delve too deep (after all we are anonymous) but you do have a lot to be proud of as a reforming alcoholic, and it is a real character builder (as you well know) DISCLAIMER: I am just another knucklehead doing my best to give you my feelings on the subject. A job is a very important thing, so before you use the advice of some knucklehead off a web board, think it over very carefully! I would not want to cause you to lose a dream job. Good Luck, Tom
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"You're in the right place. That's the door right there. Turn around."
Hey Joni Just sent you an IM before reading this post! I had to chuckle because of the similarity!! You'll see what I mean!
When I interviewed for my current job, I was honest up to a point. Didnt go into all the drama with my ex(bitch lol) coworker but did say that I got fired and it was for charting! My now boss, asked me what my weaknesses were "besides charting!!!" It was all in good fun and my previous supervisor had nothing but good to say about me! -then why did she fire me and cry when she did it!!!(oh thanks for draggin that up!!!! lol) (truly Im Almost over it!!)
So just be you and you will shine girl!!!
Hang in there and keep the faith!!! Lani
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"We tend to forget that happiness doesn't come as a result of getting something we don't have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have. "
Here's something that I heard early in meetings, that I've been doing ever since. When I had an important meeting, interview, court, deposition, sales appointment.... I pray and ask my HP to go in with me and help me to stay calm and say the right thing, achieve the outcome per his will. It works very well and I never get nervous or scared.
You're doing great! Wow all these fantastic opportunities that you've worked so hard for. These are gifts and never lose sight of the fact that you too are a gift from God
Not sure if this helps or not but a little trick I used to do when I was actively looking for work was going in with the attitude of not needing the job but was looking more for the opportunity to add what I had.
After a few years of sobriety I found out that not everyone I met had to know that I was an alcoholic and a drug addict. Today outside of these rooms I only say it when I think someone needs to hear it. As you know the disease knows no boundaries. If I pick up someone is having a problem or someone they know is, I look for an opportunity to speak to them privately. If they are comfortable enough to share their problem I feel that's my cue to share a bit of my hope. If it's received great, if not the seed is planted and I feel good because I have given some back.
If the employer is looking for someone in recovery they will make that part of their requirements otherwise it really is a non issue
The next person that hires you will also be blessed with what you can add. Go get them.
AMEN!!! Thanks, all. My sponsor and I had a long talk about all of this. She urged me not to put my business out on Front Street, but if asked, be brief and to the point. Yesterday, at my first interview, I had already submitted my resume. But the application asked, "Have you been convicted of a felony in the past 10 years". Answer? No. End of discussion. (Misdemeanors... now thatwould have been another issue entirely!)
I have self-disclosed in every job I have ever actively sought, and have gotten every job in recovery that I have wanted. Not that this trend will continue, as my HP knows what is best for me. But I have nothing to FEAR, as long as I have faith. I am also lucky to work in a field where I am certainly not the only one who has had chemical dependency issues, and where SOME physicians see it as an illness which can (and in my case, has been) arrested. Ouch!! I just used the word "ARRESTED"......
OK, onward, and off to the dream-job interview today. Hope hope.... then home for a NAP!!!!
Love you guys, and thanks!!
Joni
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~~"It's hard to be hateful when you're grateful."~~
