When I lost my really good finance job in 06 due to drinking, my self confidence, and self esteem were shattered - so much of my identity was tied up in work.
Then my struggles to stay sober until recently made me feel like even more of a failure.
And I couldn't find any work, no matter how many resumes I sent out which felt like failure.
Then I went bankrupt, had to give up my apartment and move into transitional housing - more feeling like a failure.
But I feel like I'm coming out of a dark place and slowly rebuilding my confidence.
I just moved out of the transitional housing and into an apartment with a friend. I did all the leg work on finding the apartment and organizing the move, that helped me feel competent.
I've picked up some contract work, which while it won't support me yet, is at least making me feel useful.
I've stayed sober for 19 + months now, which is making me feel a lot better about myself.
And I'm going back to school in Jan. to finish a post graduate diploma in forensic accounting that will hopefully let me get back into the job market.
It hasn't been easy, but I finally feel like I'm getting my old, pre-drinking self back.
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