Seeking Help as a professional: Keeping Your Career Intact
Making the decision to seek help for an addiction is life-altering, and when you’re a professional who has worked for years to build up your career, it can be difficult to know what the right choice is. Do you risk losing everything you’ve worked so hard for by walking away to seek treatment, or should you be honest and open about your struggle with your employer and hope that they’ll be understanding? It’s a tough decision.
Addiction and treatment are different for everyone, and so is employment. While there is no one right answer, there are several things you can do to ensure that your decision to get help for addiction won’t interfere with your career. From being forthright with your employer and having a plan when it comes to taking time off to doing some research on which type of treatment will work best for you, it is possible to seek help and keep your job. Here are some tips from Above Addictions to get you started.
Know Your Rights
One of the most important things to keep in mind as you go through this process is that you need to know your rights. If you need to take time off to seek treatment in an inpatient facility, your employer legally can’t discriminate against you. You have a measure of protection under the Family Medical Leave Act, but only under certain conditions. If you were found to be under the influence or abusing substances while on the job, those protections may not apply. Do some research to find out exactly what your rights are.
Find the Right Treatment for Your Needs
Every individual who is going through recovery has different needs, and that applies to treatment. You may require an inpatient stay that will allow you to focus solely on your health without distractions. You might want to be able to leave during the day in order to go to the office. There are many different treatment options available, including holistic and 12-step. Think about what’s right for you before you make a decision.
Be Open
You may be nervous about talking to your employer about your decision to seek help. Often, the best route is to be open and honest so they can assist you as much as possible. Your employer may be able to rework your schedule so you can stay on top of things even during treatment. They might arrange for you to have some paid time off while you’re away. You don’t have to give details, but talking about your decision could help you in the long run.
Set Personal Goals
Addiction recovery can feel like a full time job, but you should set other personal goals to keep you motivated. Perhaps you want to learn how to master the guitar or get into shape. Or maybe you want to finish that degree you started ages ago. If you are considering a business bachelor’s degree, look into online programs from accredited colleges. A business degree could be a good choice if you want to get into business management or even start your own business.
Take Care of Yourself
It will be very difficult to make your recovery a success if you don’t take care of yourself. This means exercising daily and getting enough rest, at the very least. These can all be a struggle in themselves for those who are battling addiction. It’s important to try and build up your strength as much as possible and get your body to a healthy place. Also, make sure you’re eating well-balanced meals. Instead of snacking on unhealthy snacks like chips, live healthier by eating a piece of fruit or some nuts.
It’s also imperative to try and reduce stress when you can. Consider taking up yoga and meditation, and create a distraction-free space in your home where you can seek solitude and relaxation.
Make a point to also anticipate what you can expect to come back to in your job. If managing too large of a staff or the inability to maintain a work-life balance has the potential to increase your stress again and derail your efforts. It’s also important to discuss this with your employer.
You should also take steps to avoid burnout. Carefully manage your time, set boundaries, and make time for self-care. While you may have to change your role in the company upon return, it could be the shift you need in order to focus on yourself.
Gather Support for Your Journey
Making the decision to seek help for an addiction is a big step, and it’s one you should be proud of. Going through recovery is never easy. With every good decision you make, the next one will be much easier. Talk to your close friends and family about your plan for the next month. They can be a support system as you make your way on this journey.
Are you looking for support during your recovery process and beyond? Then visit Above Addictions today!
