I am new to this site-new to any forum, I have never been in any sort of forum, so I'm not sure about protocal for this, but anyways...hopefully people can help. 

I am just over 9 months sober.  I was in rehab for 2 months after drunk I crashed my car into a parked car.  I have been struggling since college with finding a good job.  Part of my drinking was due to not being able to handle that life issue.  So I consider a topic relating to alcoholism recovery.  I have my B.S. degree in Marketing, and would like to pursue a career in fashion but I need to financially be on my feet before going to design school.  I have been searching the web for resources that might be able to help me during this phase.  To keep from becoming discouraged, and lead me in a direction of how to approach employers, interviews, job searching, resume writing all of that career related stuff which has always been so overwhelming to me.  I live in Florida, I don't think that is super relevant unless anyone knows of a community program in the Tampa area.

Also, I struggle at meetings.  I would really like to share about this struggle but I don't know how to approach it.  I feel like I have tried all of the suggestions I have get, it would be helpful to hear what others did after recovery to become financially stable/independent/catch up on financial amends.  How do I approach this with others?

Thank you so much!!

Do you have anyone helping you out through your recovery? Someone who was there with you every step of the way and will stay? I've come to realise that recovery and staying sober can never be done independently and another persons help is essential. If you dont feel like group meetings are working out for you I still wouldn't recommend leaving them. Try your hardest, and stay on forrums like these. Sometimes it's easier getting along and taking advice from people you havent met. And in sites like this its mostly people just like you, wanting to get sober, and staying sober. Also try talking to one of the online counselors. As long as taking our advice take theirs too. As for getting financially stable, take it one day at a time and everything will work out. Congradulations on completing rehab and I really hope you manage to stay sober because once the urge is gone it is the most wonderful feeling.

This is a common issue in recovery.  Have you been attending meetings?  I found some contact information for meetings in your area:

OFICINA INTERGRUPAL DE TAMPA-BAY
1936 W MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. BLVD.
ROOM 203A
TAMPA  FL  33607
813 870-0437

TRI-COUNTY CENTRAL OFFICE, INC
8019 N. HIMES AVE SUITE 104
TAMPA  FL  33614
813 933-9722
24 HR ANSWERING SERVICE 813 933-9123
http://www.aatampa-area.org

Also, have you thought about using a temp agency?  This is a good way to try out different jobs without committing to one in particular.  Plus, temp work is usually less formal in regards to the interviewing process and this will alleviate some of the stress that comes along with interviewing and job searching.  Having your degree in Marketing is a great tool and resource to use in the job market.  In regards to the meetings, you should feel comfortable to open up and share.  If not, maybe find another meeting where you feel closer to the individuals involved.  I hope this helps a little.  Good luck on everything.

Thank you so much for your response.  I have a sponsor, I'm on the 9th step which is scary.  I only have like 3 ammends to do in person, but when in the world is the right time to do that.  This weekend would've been ok- but I didn't want to put a cloud over it if my parents got weirded out.  They are in the program so I am pretty sure they realize that I am working on living amends by spending time with them, etc.  But the in person I was worried about it.  How do you go about talking to a counselor on here? 

I do have help with a therapist, things like that, but the meeting thing makes me so uncomfortable.  It's crazy I was fine with it at first, happy to be there, now I hate it.  I don't know what happened?  Has this ever happened to you?

Thank you so much for all of that!  I will look into a temp agency that is something I never put much energy into.  Meetings are so tough for me.  I talk myself out of going so easily. 

whatnowgirl said:

Thank you so much for your response.  I have a sponsor, I'm on the 9th step which is scary.  I only have like 3 ammends to do in person, but when in the world is the right time to do that.  This weekend would've been ok- but I didn't want to put a cloud over it if my parents got weirded out.  They are in the program so I am pretty sure they realize that I am working on living amends by spending time with them, etc.  But the in person I was worried about it.  How do you go about talking to a counselor on here? 

I do have help with a therapist, things like that, but the meeting thing makes me so uncomfortable.  It's crazy I was fine with it at first, happy to be there, now I hate it.  I don't know what happened?  Has this ever happened to you?

Go on the home page and you'll see the pictures of the online professionals, just click on the one you want to talk to. Ask them questions, and if you want to talk to them more I'm pretty sure that you can ask for more contact information, like a phone number or something. You can get a lot of help from them. 3 more steps! pull through and conquer this!!!

Sometimes its good to sort of shop around regarding which therapist you want.  There's all kinds of AA, NA meetings... group therapy, individual, pastoral counseling, that's awesome  you're moving along though.  Hope all is well :)

SMILEY said: Sometimes its good to sort of shop around regarding which therapist you want.  There's all kinds of AA, NA meetings... group therapy, individual, pastoral counseling, that's awesome  you're moving along though.  Hope all is well :)

I like your "shopping around" idea Smiley. It is better. I never had to go to any of these but my sister did. At first she went to NA meetings but they didn't do it for her, she didn't like the crowd and stopped going, She decided to try again 2 weeks  later and went to a different one and it did it for her. NA, church, and the help of family helped her become the amazing sober person she is today.

I dont know if your willing to do this but I am and I think it helps me a lot. Move back in with your parents, just for a little while have them help you stay sober and during that time get back on your feet financialy. Find a good job pay off some of your debts and after a few months find your own place. Keep your self busy with your family and supportive friends and your work. I think thats the best you could do. Thats what I'm trying to do.