Do I have to quit my job?

[Starryeyed]

I've been employed as a liquor representative for the past eight or so years, excellent pay, benefits, and great people. There's currently not alot of options for work around here. So do you think it's possible to keep it, and remain sober? I did once before, but I"m not going to lie, it wasn't easy. Would appreciate any suggestions on how to be in recovery while being able to dissassociate myself from what I do for a living. Or can I?

Thanks.

[dalin]

Hang in there.
That would be a good topic to talk with a sponsor about.
Hang in there ok.

[Clown John]

Hi there,

The first positive thing is that you are thinking and talking about it, seeing the potential for there being a problem in the job, as all jobs. But I'm not a sales person. And good sales depend on the supply/demand. And I guess when it comes to options for work, ya kinda take what ya can get, and it's really not for me to say, but I haven't had a brew in like 5 years, so... what do I know? I enjoy eating nuts a lot though, even have to limit that... that's beside the point. Ok. Any of us can only do our best, and my best isn't anyone else's best, and visa versa.

[BIG AL]

I would say can you do it?Can you work in the industry without drinkking?to thine own self be true.I know a chic from our group who worked as a bartender for yrs in sobriety.I think this a seriuos decision to be made by you and sponsor.I do know if you are anything like me if you drink you wont have the job anyways.There is a place in the big book that says we can go anywere we want if there is drinkking or not if our intentions are honorable.But as they say the way to hell is paved with good intentions.

[Victoriana]

You don't have to do anything. You don't have to pick up the first drink. you don't have to destroy your life through drinking. You don't have to go against what you, your sponsor and your higher power know is right. Easy to say though isn't it? I did change my job some years back because of an addiction and the job was putting me in danger of backsliding but I know a lot of people are stronger than me. You know what you can and can't do. The truth is within you. Be honest with yourself, brutally so. You will make the right decision.

[Starryeyed]

Thanks everyone. I did manage to stay the last time I quit, brought along the big book on days when I worked by myself, and if in need, I could phone a sober friend. I guess, I'm feeling a little weak right now. Took a few extra days off to get over the hump. But todays a new day. I appreciate your thoughts on this. I guess time will tell.

[Clown John]

You can realize to that most of us are addicts, to either food, fun, sex, tv, movies and video, computers, style and fashion, talking, and many more. Even working in health care I see addictions as the norm, people are addicted to medicine. Seriously. Breaking each addiction is also the exception to the norm, and you might be lucky, or blessed to have a more apparent addiction, like booze, because you can see the problem and get out of it. Most people never see the delusion of greed based living and or can ever even dream of breaking free into nirvana.

[sioux]

What a great question....I was told when I got sober that I may want to consider giving up my lifestyle and I thought what kind of outfit would ask me to give up my livelihood. They asked simple questions, like is that working for you? Do you want to test the waters again? Will you survive it? Which do you want more -- working in your industry or taking your chances on living another day and finding another career?

As it turned out, I was so dissatisfied with my career that I ended up getting fired. I guess G-d and my boss made those decisions for me, and I was faced with unemployment at a time when this country was not doing much better than we are faring right now, and wouldn't you know I am here talking to you right now about my experience strength and hope. The bills are getting paid, and I am one more time, unemployed and have been for the last two years.

Sometimes giving up a career is the best thing we can do for our recovery. I know we are in tough times, so I am not going to suggest anything other than asking yourself the same questions I was asked.

Some will tell you that page 100 has the answer to your delima. Frankly, I cannot envision myself as ever being that spiritual. And I am not a promoter of alcohol now either, so you have a lot of moral questions as well.

Pray, meditate, talk to your sponsor, take the steps, write, and see what the market is like for you. I know marketing is high right now, and it may not be as glum as you would think. I bet you have a lot of transferrable skills you don't even know, and there is an equally good living out there. I believe our Creator sees our obsticals, and that alcoholics who want to change their lives are doubly blessed with opportunities because each of us are above average on the intelligence and creative factor. Most of us just don't know it or believe it...yet.

Blessings: Sioux