Member: joe k.
Location: kansas
Date: 8/6/00
Time: 11:32:06 PM

Comments

am i the first one? lets talk employment!!! joe


Member: Sheri F
Location: Portland, Oregon
Date: 8/6/00
Time: 11:44:18 PM

Comments

Good evening; Sheri here, alcoholic. I am employed by my Higher Power whom i choose to call God. My task assigned to me was to carry the message of AA to everyone that might have a problem with booze. One of my "duties" is to stay sober. Another is to work the steps. A very important "duty" is to love everyone with an Agape' love. I don't have to like them but I DO have to have the Agape' love. I also have to be a friend, a true friend and let my life be an example instead of preaching the message. Yes we are employed in AA. I love you and MY God loves you too. Sheri


Member: Clinnt H
Location: L.A
Date: 8/7/00
Time: 12:41:26 AM

Comments

Sheri, I'm Clint an alcoholic and that's a wonderful way of thinking but life involves footwork. Life involves stuff that isn't about my alcoholism. I have to continnue to figure out how to take care of myself and family. That means footwork. Not think-work


Member: Jim M
Location: B.C CANADA.
Date: 8/7/00
Time: 1:07:51 AM

Comments

Jim Alcoholic: Employment to me can mean more in the Spiritual bank or more in the financial account I believe both are important but if I have nothing in my Spiritual bank I can be a pretty miserable SOB. Today I choose to take the suggestions from my sponsor as well as meetings to improve my net worth to myself as with others. To me being in the program of AA is a form of self employment, the only requirement for membership (employment?) is a desire to stop drinking.


Member: Richard S.
Location: Pocatello, Idaho
Date: 8/7/00
Time: 1:14:16 AM

Comments

To all here prior and after, my name is Richard S. and I am an alcoholic. I found that in my sobriety work is essential. In the Bog Book it says something to the effect that none of us can or should make getting other alcoholics our sole vocation. To some extent I agree with this and in others I do not. I presently work as a Nurse in one of our local hospitals, this is my full time job. Part-time I work as a Peer Drug and Alcohol counselor in one of the local rehab centers that caters only to adolescent patients. I have found that I need both of these in order to work a successful program. The one job deals with life, and with the career that I want to pursue eventually as a doctor. The other deals directly with recovery and allows me the opportunity to do some twelth step work on a daily basis. I also do volunteer work for a non-profit organization called United Way. I am a campaign speaker for this orginization and I am allowed the opportuniy to go out into the community, into businesses and share my experience strength and hope in order to help raise funds for the organization that funds the rehab center that changed my life. I do believe that the best drug and alcohol counselors, however; are people who have and are working a program of recovery. The Big Book agrees with this when it says that recovering alcoholics are the best people for spreading the word of sobriety to those still suffering. God works in my life by allowing me both time to do the work that will be my career, and in doing the work that will help keep me sober. Sheri, I completely agree with what you said when you said that we must be a shining light in a word of darkness and spread our message through example and not through preaching. With that in mind, every time I lead a group discussion at my part time job, I always say "I do not want you to listen to a thing that I say... Let me repeat that for those of you who do not believe it. I do not want you to listen to a word I say...until you see how I live." God bless all of you.


Member: Roy G.
Location: Colorado
Date: 8/7/00
Time: 2:49:05 AM

Comments

I think employment is a great subject! I just recently, really began wanting to quit drinking. Yes, i'm a newbie, but we have to start somewhere right? I'm only 25 and have had many problems with my job because of alcohol. seems like I can go a month without missing a day, but sure enough, sooner or later i'm too hung over to make it in. Also, every time that i do go with the hangover, my thinking is not there like it should be(of course). I'm just afraid if i don't get my life straight and lose my job that i won't be able to use my #1 reference on my resume. I wish i could tell you how many other problems alcohol is causing me and my family, but I'll stick to the subject :) thanx for the subject joe. roy


Member: Sierra
Location: Great White North
Date: 8/7/00
Time: 8:38:57 AM

Comments

I am new to all of this and I don't attend AA meetings other than on the net. What is Agape love? I recently started a job supporting families who are involved with chilren and family services who are at risk of having their children removed from their homes or have already lost their children to the agency. A lot of their problems stem from the use of alcohol and drugs. How can I support them when I am getting drunk two to three nights a week and risking my own children?I want to quit drinking for many reasons and my recent emloyment (I haven't worked in almost 15 years) just adds to the growing list of reasons to quit. I have my first 24 hours under my belt and I pray to God that by the time I go to bed tonight it will be my first 48 hours under my belt.

God bless you all.


Member: Dawn J.
Location:
Date: 8/7/00
Time: 10:34:55 AM

Comments

Employment? Well let me tell you. When I got sober I was told that I shouldent work more than 24 hrs a week. So I found a job working 15 hrs week. With 2 kids to support I thought it would be a impossible for me to survive. I have to say that my Higher Power didnt let me sink. I had plenty of time to work on me and attend meetings. Now that I have some good clean time and good attendence in meetings I am ready to move up alittle bit. Now that Im around people more who arent in the program, they are just my co-workers. It has really been hard on me. Ican see why I was told to take it so slow. I dont understand how people go strait from rehab to afull time job. I relieze what a sheltered life I have led the last 14 months. Im gratefull that I have taken it so slow and built myself a good foundation. Im not sure how long I could have made it without all this time to work on myself and my relationship with my God. Thanks for listening!


Member: Liza B.
Location:
Date: 8/7/00
Time: 11:03:05 AM

Comments

A good subject. I can't afford to miss a day of work and I don't suffer from hangovers -- unfortunately. I was sober for over 6 years, thanks to AA, and then took a job that took me to too many small towns with no AA meetings, and so I started drinking again -- even though I carried my Big Book with me. Now, I pray to my Higher Power that I can be sober again -- one day at a time, ofcourse!

To my knowledge, Agape is not an AA term -- or it wasn't when I was in AA 10 years ago. It is a Greek or Latin word for a friendship kind of love, I believe, though am not 100% certain of the definition.

Thank you for being here and letting me share my message.


Member: Corinne B.
Location: Camino, CA
Date: 8/7/00
Time: 12:43:35 PM

Comments

When I first got sober, I was barely employable. I had a job doing books for a restaurant/bar/store in Port Canaveral, FL. I'd been stealing things from my employer's store & had to return them, which led to my being fired. I took a job in a jewelry kiosk in a mall and eventually got hired in a Real Estate office, after completing the exam 2 months into sobriety. (I'd taken the course the year before, while deep in the disease, so was quite surprised I passed.) I was grateful for being hired in the field, but resentful at having to take direction from someone for whom I had little respect, even though he & his brother signed my checks! I eventually worked in another R.E. office, then moved onto what seemed the ideal opportunity - a job in administration for a treatment center! Ha! The director of that concern ended up stealing the modalities off the computer system, so everyone he hired got fired!

So, off to Nashville, TN, and a few more unpleasant work situations, where I was expected to work too hard for too little pay. I finally figured out that rather than continue to complain about that plight, I ought do something about it, so I went to night school to get my paralegal degree. I was fortunate to land a job in the largest firm in town and one & 1/2 yrs into that job I tossed away my sobriety (at 6 yrs sober), because I am an alcoholic and that is what I do "best." I'd let my primary purpose become the almighty dollar, rather than keeping sobriety my priority. I was fired one and 1/2 yrs after I began drinking, because I took it upon myself to make decisions about things I had no business making decisions about, such as when to come in and when to go home.

I see myself in others so often now, looking back. I'll hear someone bemoaning about not being able to find a job, and then when they do, they'll say something like "Well, it's not the greatest job; I'd rather be doing something more advanced; be making more money; have better conditions; have a more responsible position" - the list could go on & on - I said those same things!!!

Here we are, barely employable one day, then expecting to be the boss the day we finally get a job, or thinking we know a better way of doing things this company has been doing for a long time before we came along! So typical of our grandiose thinking but I still get a chuckle out of realizing I was just that way!!


Member: Danna
Location: Montana
Date: 8/7/00
Time: 3:43:44 PM

Comments

from the 12 X 12 pages 125 -126 ..... "When a job still looked like a mere means of getting money rather than an opportunity for service, when the acquisition of money for financial independence looked more important than a right dependence upon God, we were the victims of unreasonable fears. And these were fears which would make a serene and useful existence, at any financial level, quite impossible. But as time passed we found that with the help of A.A.'s 12 steps we could lose those fears, no matter what our material prospects were. We could cheerfully perform humble labor without worrying about tomorrow. If our circumstances happened to be good, we no longer dreaded a change for the worse, for we had learned that these troubles could be turned into great values, for ourselves and for others."


Member: Rich R, slowly recovering compulsive person :-)
Location: Detroit
Date: 8/7/00
Time: 4:32:16 PM

Comments

Employment, now there's a topic I never heard before...thanks Joe. Well I always worked ever since I was a kid and now I have 35+ years with the same company, so alcoholism didn't cause me to lose my jobs. But alcoholISM sure made a difference in my accomplishments at work. It's hard to be ambitious and efficient when your mind is always on your addictive substances/activities. So I told myself, "self, you don't really want to get promoted in this company anyway, look at how much time they spend working, that's no life!" But, now that I am sober 9+ years and see many, many of my coworkers getting promoted past me I realize that I was just rationalizing. I really did want to be more successful at work and probably could have been had I found AA before I was 44. But, all that is in the past and I'm sure nothing - absolutely nothing - happens in God's world by mistake. So maybe work is just work. I have a good job that allows me freedom, so there really isn't much to whine about. I am happy and can retire pretty soon, which isn't too bad for an addict! Thanks for the unusual topic Joe, not sure my share is going to help anyone but me today...


Member: Robert B
Location: Nova Scotia
Date: 8/7/00
Time: 5:44:33 PM

Comments

Good topic!One of my main rationalizations for not trying harder to get of booze for the last years were,"I haven't been fired over drinking"and "I have never lost my drivers license",so booze can't really be my main problem,Im just one of those guys who lives hard and partys hard,if I run into a scrape now and then,well thats all part of the game.Really,I used to try to make myself believe that stupid shit,the "Im different"syndrome,and it damn near killed me.Guess what,I did lose my drivers license,I did lose my job[s],its just like those oldtimers said,"if it hasn't happened to you yet,just keep on drinking".Well,Im fortunate to have a decent job in my line of work,that though it will never make me rich I make a good living,its not to stressful,its interesting enough to keep me from getting bored,and hell I like going to work in the morning!I rarly did when I was drinking.I also know that without a doubt if I was still drinking I wouldn't have it,nor would I long keep it if I went back.One terrible thing about being a practising alcoholic is that it takes one hell of a lot of money,so ya need to work,but its damn hard to work when your drunk all the time.


Member: Ladd G.
Location: Wetumpka Alabama
Date: 8/7/00
Time: 7:37:52 PM

Comments

first

Hi,Ladd alcoholic here.This topic dosent seem to be getting the input I thought it would from the old timmers.The Big Book talks about new people launching into two modes of action in new soberity,those who dive haed-first into work thinking money will settle all there problems andset there lives right.-the other type search so heard for the spirit life thay lose there sence of reality,the book says -MAYBE-the first could be in more danger of getting drunk.It also says we con have our head in the clouds as long as our feet are on the ground.that is were our fellow travelers are.The thing that AA has given me is a sober life in a saine world.I trust that god will see to my needs if I suit up,show up,and do my part. Many people say many things in AA,much of it is not in the book My personial experance is that God will not do for me what I can do for myself. I must not drink,I must go to meetings,and I must help others.Part of that means pulling my own weight. You can tell by my typing Im not an intelectuial.but I am sober,I have a home,I speak to my children,I work hard .none of those things were true of me befor AA...balance in all things.thats my goal and with that. You people and God have helped be a part of a good life...thank you all! it works,it really does.Love Ladd

g


Member: Shannon S.
Location: Southern Cal.
Date: 8/7/00
Time: 8:36:28 PM

Comments

Shannon, alcoholic here. My higher power has a great sense of humor. I was fired from my earthly job on 7/13/00 because my employer decided he didn't like me(no I'm not kidding). Its so good to be sober and have a clear conscience about my actions. This is God's way of making room for a better job in my life. Also, I'm having to learn that I am not what I do for a living. Today I have faith that God, the true source of all good will continue to care for me as he always has. Best wishes to all for a lifetime of happy, serene sobriety.


Member: David B
Location: NSW, Aust.
Date: 8/7/00
Time: 9:19:46 PM

Comments

Good evening all my name is David and I am an alcoholic. Employment, after 20 years of drinking I came to AA, unemployable, but I have held a few jobs in sobriety. From each I learnt new things about myself and the people I had to deal with, and took the best ones into the next job. Having to cooperate with people who do not have or understand our program is taxing and rewarding and if you can maintain some of the AA ethics, for we are not perfect, they will also benifit from us. For me I have a very bad broken leg and it looks like I will not work again. I will miss that interaction. David.


Member: Robin M
Location: northwest
Date: 8/7/00
Time: 9:48:22 PM

Comments

Hi I'm Robin, and I'm an alcoholic. I am really stressed out about work right now. I just got out of an inpatient program, and I'm now in an outpatient program. I have No Idea how I'm going to work right now. I "need to" cause I have lots of bills, but I'm so shakey. And I'm heavily into my avoidance tactics. I'm watching alot of TV and avoiding meetings. I have to go, and yet I just don't seem to be able to make myself. I want to be left alone. This affects work too, in that I don't want to face everyone. Everyone knows I was in the hospital and I feel like it's this big drama. That's actually also the problem I have with the rooms. I'm embarrased to go back. I was in the program for 15 months and then I went back out and it ended with me almost drinking myself to death, and with a big huge stomach pump machine and a mean nurse yelling at me about what "a shame" I was. Then I was off to the mental hospital/detox for five days. That was just last week, and now here I am trying to find out when I can start back at work. It just doesn't seem real. I know I don't want to drink again, and I know I need to work to pay off some of the debt I got into while I was "out" (10 thousand on my credit cards in 2 months, and no drugs! just booze, shoes, clothes - I have a shopping problem too) I can tell I'm just venting and straying all over the place. I got alot out of reading the comments on the page, and I just wanted to share that I am struggling, but you have given me hope today. I want to take to heart what alot of you have said about surrendering and taking it slow. There are worse things I could be besides in debt, I could be drunk, I could die from this disease. I have to remind myself of that when I try to take on everything right off the bat.

Thank you everyone for sharing, Robin


Member: Sanders W. DOS.9-6-75
Location: Graceville, in lovely Fl.
Date: 8/7/00
Time: 10:34:02 PM

Comments

Hi All Ya'all I am very definately a real alcoholic and my name is Sanders. I was fired from a "position"y brother in law some 27 or so years ago because of drinking. I then went to work for a County Govt in Cen FL in the utility dept. I just happened to have been the first employee. When I retired in 96 because of one lung and emphysema, we had about 500 employess, most of whom I had hired. The first year I worked there, I very seldom ever got a full pay check, but when I retired, I was given $2800 in vac. and unused sick leave. That is one thing sobrety will do for you. In addition to that each year we could sell back up to 48 hours of sick leave if we had not used any that particular year and for the last 12 years, this is what I used for money for Christmas. Now to show you how God works in my life I will tell you this. I was a very heavy smoker (5 packs per day) and stopped smoking and 14 months later got lung cancer and losr my RT lung. I was diagnosed on Friday and they removed my lung on Monday and I went home on the following Monday and back to work two weeks later full time. I could not do what I was supposed to do and was called into the office and was demoted and it cost me $11000 per year and lots of EGO to deal with because nearly all the people there, I had hired. As a matter of fact, the man who was my immediate superviser was a man I had hired and nearly fired for drinking. I was unemployable in that I had only one lung and a very high risk so no one wanted me, so they sort of "put me out to pasture" I took my lumps and after a while I realized, I was sleeping at night and not having to carry a beeper for the first time in many years and not worried each time the phone rang with another sort of problem. God had done for me, what I didn't have the guts to do and go tell my boss I could not do what was expected of me. After I was demoted, they hired two men to do my old job. I got to enjoying the new job because it put me out in the wild with nature and I loved it but then they told me I had emphysema and if I wanted to live, I had better get out and take care of what I had left of my one lung. I left and never looked back. I am now very involved in AA and use the on line very much because I also have a very serious hearing problem and I can hear everything that is said on my puter. I will make each of you the same promise made me nearly 25 years ago and that is " If you don't take a drink, YOU will get better in spite of yourself".====God loves you and so do I and there is nothing you can do about it. Sanders & Little Fella sanders@wfeca.net ICQ# 14412521


Member: Laurie L.
Location: California
Date: 8/8/00
Time: 2:01:32 AM

Comments

Hi, I'm Laurie and I'm an alcoholic. First off - Robin, after awhile your hospitalization will be old news and a new scandal will always come also I've found that most people are concerned with their own problems and seldom devote much time to other people. Thirdly, you have no idea of who that one person you might have given the courage to seek help. That's GIVING BACK! Employment - I'm contemplating (to be honest, I'm pretty sure, I'm going to hand in my resignation tommorrow) Miraculously, I was offered a $5 and hour raise last week and given a fantastic review. My husband sais it's 'cause I haven't been around that much, lately, and I get along better when I'm not there. :) I've worked in healthcare for 21 yrs. and I've been sober 10 days short of 6 months. I'm in constant fear, I can't concentrate, I pray constantly to be there for the patients but it's taking a toll on my health, my sobriety and I feel that I can't do my job well. When it comes to work - I'm terrified. I feel like I need something simple. Something different. I drank and used while working, just to get through the day. I feel like a failure and like I'm moving backward instead of forward. I plan to work - even if it takes 2 jobs to make the money. My meetings must come first, my sobriety must come first. Friday, I clocked in a 0600 and clocked out at 0700. I just freaked. It's funny, cause I actually feel that God will take care of the next indicated step. I still find myself full of fear and doubt. Thanks for being here as I'm feeling lost and so depressed. To stay sober I get up at 0500 and pray, say the 3rd step prayer, the 7th step prayer, read pgs. 50-63, 83-88, 68 and 449. I also say the serenity prayer over and over. Lately, if I can talk, I share in every meeting. Right now, I feel so disconnected and like just giving up. I know this will pass but my alcoholic self wants it to go away now! Thanks, again. Laurie


Member: Jack B
Location: Palo Alto Pa.
Date: 8/8/00
Time: 2:47:31 AM

Comments

Hi I am Jack a real alcoholic.Employment to me comes under two principles of recovery. We learn to live our way into sober thinking,not think our way into sober living. Step twelve talks about practicing these principles in all our affairs. Old saying want a car, get a job, want a better car, get a better job. Sober today only thru the Grace of God and this wonderful fellowship.Employable today only thru the Grace of God and the twelve steps of AA. God Bless All.


Member: Kim S.
Location: Michigan
Date: 8/8/00
Time: 9:33:38 AM

Comments

Hi all! Alcoholic named Kim, here. I chose to stay home after my first child was born & my alcoholism progressed rapidly. After 10 yrs. home & thr first two years of sobriety, circum-stances put me back into the work force. Thank God, I had those first two years to devote to my sobriety before going back into the 'real' world. I don't think I could have handled other people's attitudes very well without learning what I did in the beginning. I, also, don't think I could work my butt off at a low rate of pay & feel good about the job I did. An honest days' work for an honest days' pay...

AA teaches me to 'practise these principles in all our affairs'. I had to learn how to live them before I could carry them into home, work, & society.

I am a cashier at a convience store & part of my job (at least in my heart) is to put a smile on people's faces, pick up their spirits when they seem down, & try to give them a self boost along the way. Whether at work or in life, I strive to help others boost their self-esteem. If they are downing themselves, I try to remind them of the good things they do or have done. I listen when they need to vent. I try my best to give to others what they lack...confidence, esteem, an ear, a shoulder; I take/make time to care for others. AA taught me to trust God, clean house, & help others. I don't think that means just in the meetings or on the phone. I think it means in all aspects of my life. That's how I stay sober, one day at a time.

Thanx for letting me share & for being here for me to read & learn from. God bless all who venture here.


Member: tony g
Location: ma
Date: 8/8/00
Time: 10:26:26 AM

Comments

just for today i will try to live through this day only,and not tackle my whole life problem at once.i CAN do something for twelve hours that would appall me if i felt that i had to keep it up for a lifetime.....thats the first paragraph of the "JUST FOR TODAY' poem,it's a great little piece i read it often and it helps alot....hang in there....i'm tony,an alcoholic


Member: Lynn LBE
Location: Rosebud, SD
Date: 8/8/00
Time: 5:09:23 PM

Comments

Hey I'm Lynn and I'm an alcoholic. Many jobs I went through, partying every night and sometimes sleeping off a hangover on the floor of the women's restroom the next morning! I struggled for years trying to find happiness through my work. Then through circumstances, I lost my last job and suddenly realized how free I felt without the pressure of what I was "suppose" to be doing work wise. I decided to take it easy on myself and use that real trust in God ,which I had just learned how to apply in my life. 10 years later, I am happier than ever and now help care for children whose parents have lost them due to alcohol. I am poorer than I ever have been but having learned to trust God and follow the path of service, I cannot imagine a bigger happiness. When things seemed bleak for me, I had to finally learn to use that trust. So thank God for my sobriety and the work of service I do today.


Member: Michael B.
Location: AZ
Date: 8/8/00
Time: 9:02:06 PM

Comments

Hi! My name is Michael, and I am a recovering alcoholic and addict, sober today only by the Grace of God and the Fellowship. Welcome to the newcomers! Thanks everyone for sharing--I read a lot of good stuff!

Even though work for wages is vital for almost everyone, I find spiritual work to be the most fulfilling and more in keeping with God's will for me. I can't tell you enough how trying to practice these principles in all my affairs has given life a meaning which work for wages never could.

Unlike some of you, in my drinking days I couldn't hold a job very well. Not only did the booze interfere with my performance, it devalued the importance of all forms of work.

Although today I find carrying the message and other spiritual activities more fulfilling, I also believe that both spiritual work and work for remuneration are meant to complement each other, as the Big Book and other AA literature tries to point out--e.g., As Bill Sees It, p.84; Big Book bottom of p.125 to 126.


Member: Bobo
Location: Hanalei, Hawaii
Date: 8/8/00
Time: 9:31:34 PM

Comments

Hi my name is Bobo and I'm an alcoholic. From the age of sixteen to thirty-six I was drunk and unemployable. Then I had the terrifying experience of sobering up and finding myself with no education, no vocation, no job experience and no clue of how to get or do any of that. The folks in my home group taught me how to fill out a job application and we had a few pretend job interviews. I got all practised up and they lent me some courage but Jeez was I scared and nervous. The first place I applied and went to the interview hired me. I was only able to pull off part time at first. God, I loved that job. My life was a mess, complete caos but that job was my island of sanity. I was a sales clerk and I just loved that they had everything in nice neat tidy rows and it was all new. I just loved that out of the caos of my life there was some place that it was important for me to be. Previous to that job the only place I had felt safe was at A.A. meetings. I had that job for six years. I've been sober a long time now and had lots of different jobs and liked most of them. I couldn't have a job if I weren't sober so I still go to lots of meetings. Sobriety is more important to me than jobs or family or anything cause I know I won't have anything unless I saty sober. Mahalo (Hawaiian for thanks) and Aloha, Bobo


Member: joe k.
Location: kansas
Date: 8/8/00
Time: 11:07:08 PM

Comments

wow! im sure glad i brought up this topic! i can relate to alot of peoples comments here.i can really relate to bobo,im not quite to the aplication part yet(work history?),heck...refer-ances,who to call in case of emergencies,previous employers,and on and on!im sober now just over 6mos.for myself i find it very difficult to get started in search of em- ployment of any kind of job i can do.i have no real training or skills of any kind.ill just have to keep and open mind,look,and keep listening,something will come up.love to all,and another 24 to everyone. joe


Member: Shirley
Location: Alaska
Date: 8/9/00
Time: 2:07:29 AM

Comments

My name is Shirley and I am a grateful Alcoholic. Employment is a good topic, one that I probably would not have thought of myself as a topic. First of all, Sierra, From the Great White North, I hope and pray with you that your 48 hours will be 96 hours and then weeks, months and years for you one day at a time! Back to employment. I have managed my employmen quite well, or so I thought. Now that I am sober, I find that my mind is more alert in the morning, I am not wasting valuable thought time dwelling on remorse for drinking again, or planning my after work routine of feet up, catalog (for easy reading) in hand, and the first of what would be too many glasses of wine. I was a 'functional alcoholic'. However, I never thought myself an alcoholic because I went to work each day. Work is now and joy because I go witn the intent of helping others and am grateful knowing that my alertness is a gift of the program and my sobriety. I have a greater appreciation for my job today. Thank you for listening. These internet meetings are wonderful.


Member: Ray P.
Location: Denver CO
Date: 8/9/00
Time: 12:04:32 PM

Comments

HI everybody..I!m a real alcoholic and my problem is Ray... Very early on I was told that the answers I was looking for would be found somewhere in the Big Book and this topic took me to Pg 62-63....We would find a new employer...our job is to work 12 steps, go to meetings, get a sponsor, share with others,.. I!m teachable thanks to all of you that showed the way......God Bless and keep on keeping on.....Ray


Member: Ray T
Location:
Date: 8/9/00
Time: 7:28:17 PM

Comments

Hello family second time in this room tkink its cool,I remember my 1st sponser telling me Ihad to find a job Ihad been a thief most of my life and trying to get sober and have idle hands was not going to work with me.He said if Iworked 8 hours and slept 8hours spent 3hours eating read big book 1hour spent1 and a haft hour at meeting and prayed30 minutes a day I might just be able to get sober I guess he taught even I could handle 2hours a day if I USED THE PHONE.Guess he knew what he was talking about been at same job 8 years.Could never have happened without God,AA,AND AN OLD TIMER.I wish you all a day of no fear


Member: ginger
Location: new jersey
Date: 8/9/00
Time: 8:42:09 PM

Comments

I am doing a presentation on AA. Could anyone give me some input, your thoughts?Thanks,Ginger


Member: Gerry Mc
Location: Daytona,Fl.
Date: 8/9/00
Time: 10:10:20 PM

Comments

Hi everybody, I'm an alcholic and my name is Gerry.what a topic. when I was drinking I was unemployable,when I was not drinking but looking for my next drink I was damn near unemployable. The fellowship of AA has taught me that not only do I need to stay sober,but that I was to become a useful member of socity again.To me this means I need to have a job to be able to pay my own way. I'v been working at the same job for almost 12 years; a record for me. Most jobs came and went; because of my boozing. Some of my supervisors were enablers they were drunks just like me. Today I try to do my best to live the program,some days it works and some days it doesn't ; but I win because I don't drink. I always have tomorrow to try again. Thanks for letting me share..


Member: Don
Location: NH
Date: 8/9/00
Time: 11:49:40 PM

Comments

Hi Joe, Also from Kansas, via TX, NJ, MA, NJ again,KS again, GA, PA, and NH, 17 addresses, 2 wives, 22 girlfreinds, 34 cars, 7 motorcycles, 5 job changes, and boy am am I tired. Lotta geographical cures, some self-inflicted and some that I was pissed at my employer for making me do. And I resented that I didn't get ahead for going through this. Don't they know what I've gone through? Don't they realize how I've been screwed and how much they owe me? Don't they know how brilliant I really am, underneath my faults? I had choices, but I had ambition and grandiosity, along with my resentments. Egomaniac with an inferiority complex. Inept perfectionist. Part of my alcoholism, which unlike so many AA's story, was there before I took my first drink. I was trapped in a family that didn't drink, and boy was I ready to try it. My first drink was two slugs from a bottle of VO stolen from my big brothers suitcase. It wasn't a social drink. Neither was the last one, 32 years later. Good topic Joe. Whatever job we're doing, with the right attitude and intentions, is God's Work.


Member: Chris W.
Location: NorthEast
Date: 8/10/00
Time: 7:30:53 AM

Comments

Chris-Alcoholic, and thankful to be one. This has opened the door to a new outlook on life and a path of Spititual growth that was seriously lacking. Employment? A necessary requirement to pay the inevitable price of admission. If you are fortunate enough to find work you love, that's great. If not, like me, then stop beating yourself up for it and just do it. Too often the stress of work gives us another excuse to pick up the drink.


Member: Melissa B.
Location: Canada
Date: 8/10/00
Time: 11:26:51 AM

Comments

Egomaniac with an inferiority complex? Inept perfectionist???!!! Thank you, Don from NH for describing me....I am just laughing so hard - oh, well, you can't change what you can't see, right?

I thought this was an odd topic, but I've changed my mind. I've been thinking about myself and employment within my 14 months of sobriety. I was working at what seemed to be the perfect job for a stay-at- home mother when I got sober. One week into sobriety, I called my employer, told her that I was alcoholic and had made a scant beginning into recovery and said I wouldn't be able to work anymore. I also apologized for so drastically misrepresenting myself. She was tremendously supportive and gracious and continues to be so, though I no longer work for her. I was frightened beyond belief about how our family would manage without my income. My sponsor told me (gently) to try to trust that I, and we, would be taken care of, and that proved to be true. No one at our house has ever gone hungry. At seven months sober, I 'asked' my higher power, or God, if something constructive could come my way during the school hours and if it involved a bit of money, that would be most welcome. Two days later, the phone rang and a friend of our family asked if I would work two or three mornings a week reconciling the cash and doing daily books at his business. I was taken aback completely and frightened (again) because his 'business' is a small pub. An alcoholic working for a pub??? I trusted that God would not send me out to fall on my face, prayed for help and thus far it's proven to be the right choice. I never go in there without asking for help, but the work is pleasant and the cash so, so welcome.

For me, it was a needed lesson on trust. That's how I see it. Previously, I trusted no one but myself to take care of myself, and I was doing the world's poorest job. I gave away that 'job' and live in the benefits every day. Sobriety is the best thing that has ever happened to me.

Thanks for the topic and for letting me share. I wish you all a peaceful day. Melissa, a grateful alcoholic


Member: Ray H.
Location: Niagara Falls
Date: 8/10/00
Time: 1:55:09 PM

Comments

Ray & I'm a very gratefull Alcoholic. Greetings to all. How does my work fit in to my recovery? Well, to begin with my boss is the only person who ever tried to intervene when I was still out there. Had I not had her understanding of what this disease is all about I would most likely not have the job that I have. Don't think that I took her intervention though, it took another 5 or 6 months for me to hit my bottom, but the seed was planted and she gave it time to germinate. Work is a very intergel part of recovery if you can handle both of them at the same time. My job allows me to use the program and it's gifts to the fullest capacity that I can. I work in a department of a helath facility that provides drug and alcohol testing as well as other services to industry. Having had the first hand knowledge, I am able to bring a special perspective to the table when testing is in the discussion. In the past I would do a "dog & pony" (canned sales pitch)with all those statistic's about substance abuse in the workplace and figure "ya, look at me, but I still function!" (or so I thought). Now that I truley understand the disease process that we all suffer, I am able to not only justify the need for testing (to get the most potential out of all your employees), but can better explain what benifits there are to helping a person find recovery when they are ready. Faith without Works is dead, and part of my also puts me in casual contact with those employees who may have a problem and are sent for testing. I have the opportunity to share that if they do have a problem, there is a way out. It's been a blessing so far and I hope it will continue to be. Oh, about my Boss (who's sober), her father now dead about 15 years had been in the fellowship for nearly 20 years. Turns out one of his sponsees was the first speaker that I ever heard. Funny how it continues on isn't it?


Member: DeLena R
Location: Sacramento, CA
Date: 8/10/00
Time: 7:22:09 PM

Comments

Hi everyone. My name is DeLena and I'm a truly grateful alcoholic. The topic is employment is great. What I have learned around the rooms of A.A. is that I must take the tools of recovery everywhere. The God of my understanding has a great sense of humor. At 90 days sober & just finished working Step 6 with my sponsor, we receive a phone call from another member of the program. This fellow alcoholic informed my sponsor that there was a part-time position as a file clerk at her job and that she thought it would be perfect for me. I was scared when my sponsor got off the phone and passed this information on to me. I had every excuse in the book for her. I don't have transportation, I don't have an updated resume (hadn't worked in 5 years). Couldn't work, I was unemployable. John Barleycorn had took over my life. Needless to say, my sponsor listened to me, when I finished with all the rationalizations and justification, she simply told me to calm down and pray. I did just that. A few minutes later the fellow member of A.A. called us back & put the supervisor on the phone, who in turn asked me to come to her office to interview with her. As Is. My sponsor gave me her car, told me to go home & get my outdated resume and go to the interview. I went to that interview with cut-off shorts & a T-Shirt on. I prayed the whole way. God opened that door for me, I got the job as a part-time file clerk. This gave me an opportunity to continue going to meetings, working with my sponsor and learn how to be a parent to my children. So you see, by me being a re-tread in the program, having idle time on my hands would have gotten me in a terrible place, drunk. GOD knew what I needed, HE opened the doors thru other members of the program. I had to have faith that my GOD knew what HE was doing. I had to step out on faith, I was afraid, yet I knew in my heart that it would all work out. It was at that time that once again I learned that all things happen in Gods time. I also learned that there is a GOD and I ain't HIM.

For those of you who are new to the Program and are seeking employment or simply not sure if it's time for you to become employed, Give it to YOUR Higher Power. Trust in that Power. I've been employed by the same employer for the last 5 years. I have moved up the latter many, many times. I am no longer the person who first walked in those doors. I grew up in the Program of A.A. and used the tools of the Program in my everyday life, including on the job. Let go & Let God and by all means Take it one day at a time. Most of all Pray.


Member: Bonnie C  -  5/30/80
Location:
Date: 8/10/00
Time: 9:51:51 PM

Comments

Hi extended family, bonnie/alcoholic here (((ROOM-HUG))) To those that are new to AA or this site, a heartfelt *welcome home*. To those that share their hearts here on a reg basis, thank you from the bottom of mine.

Great topic ((joe)) employment. Have been employed, have been unemployed. Have had a car, have been without one for 3 yrs in sobriety at one time and not too long ago went without one for about a yr. Have moved alot in sobriety, love to travel and experience new places. So with that said, I've started many new jobs and some of those were started when I was hitting a bottom in some area of my life. I have found that writing my fears and discussing them with my sponsor or trusted friend, lessens them. Reading spiritual material before I go to work, helps bring peace to my work place. I read them at work (on lunch or break also) especially if my life has scary changes taking place.

My God has a sense of humor in this area, I remember one time, I was at work, sitting outside with one of my co workers (on break) when she said she had been hired for a new job but she had a dream that this job was for me, not her. So she asked me if I believed in God, to that i answered Yes! Then she said she thought it was God's will that I take this job. Well as you probably guessed, i called that day and made arrangements to interview for that job. Got it and was there for 8yrs, flew all over the US, met alot of interesting people in the health/nutritional field, some i see on TV today. Traveled 1st class all the way, staying in Hiltons, Hyatts etc. Was treated very well there (but the people at the office were never relaxed or very open). Never thought this good of a job was possible since I'd given that lifestyle up when I was 2 yrs sober. God let me know that I could face & overcome those fears. Before sobriety I felt like a fraud in that life style, God let me experience it again in sobriety and be ok. today I wear jeans to the office, I work on a flower farm (in marketing and sales) work with really nice people, friendly, open & honest. travel around in a golf cart. (dirt flying everywhere not me ha ha) Really enjoy it. Wouldn't have taken the job if I would have had a choice. But I'd been out of work for so long that some money was better than none. When I got it, it was seasonal, only 9mo a yr, no bennies and the pay was almost minimum. Now, Its yr round, got benefits and a small raise. So my mind would have rationalized me right out of one of the best jobs I've ever had, working with the neatest people. My sponsor told me that when waiting for employment not to sit around and wait for one to come to me, to do the foot work and leave the results up to God. He can see the big picture. Ya know, it took me months and at least 25 resumes, many 2nd interviews to obtain a job that offered a third of what I thought I should be paid for the same work. I took it out of necessity and thanked God even though I was disappointed cause I know He can see the big picture and my being there might not even be for me. Some how I got happy living my life again. Funny how that happens when I get grateful for what I have. Dear God please bless all who venture here, love and hugs, bon -- bonzoc@webtv.net


Member: Frank Q
Location: Mortlake,Australia
Date: 8/10/00
Time: 11:21:45 PM

Comments

When driving to my meetings in the nearest big town(25000)I would notice the number of AA's ,out of work,idle,searching,or just plain walking the streets for excercise .They were mainly men and I felt sorry for them because I knew that trying to get sober without the fulfillment a job can bring is mighty hard .Left to my devices I was in pretty ordinary shape -I knew this by experience and I guess I felt a lot more tolerant to the idle,and otherwise unemployed . Women in AA seem to grow more quickly than men because of the seeming inescapable duties as housekeeping mothers sometimes ,whereas the men have more time to kick stones and worry about their selves .This is awful -I know the feeling of boredom and it aint no good for recovering alcoholics .


Member: Mike M
Location: old cape cod
Date: 8/11/00
Time: 5:29:41 AM

Comments

Good morning to all.

My job is as good a place as any to " practice these principles" I actually like my work and most of the time stay in the moment. I practice anonimity. Just a worker among workers. I've made a promise to show up at 6:30 am and I Feel better when I keep my promises. I'll be working in a bar sat. night playing bass in a band. Nothing but a Higher Power between me and the booze. Thanks for all the sharing. God bless you all.

Mike


Member: Charlie Darling
Location: Maine via Key West
Date: 8/11/00
Time: 6:29:34 AM

Comments

Good morning family Charlie Darling a very grateful Alcholic. Yes employment I used to work everyday when I was drinking, for one thinf I worked in a liqour store and that was a big hekp for my addiction as it kept me in supply of my drug of choice, and 90% of the time I took my booze,and I know I did'nt have to but I had the opportunity to steal it and it was easy for me, and then when I moved from that area I still found away to get my drug, as I felt I needed it, and after I went into recovery I quit my job, and got a job at less pay, and less stress, but that did'nt matter as what was important was my sobriety and today after a few 24 hours I am still sober but by the grace of GOD as I now have a job that is only PT also minium wage but I am not stealing and I may not have money to spend foolishly on booze as I found that what I have now is more important to me than that S--- .It is a good feeling to be able to get up for work and not have that fuzzy head and knots in my stomach as to wonder wether the boss is going to find out I was stealing, as I have a good feeling when I wake up because I am living life on lifes terms and I am honest, and it took AA to help me find the solution to my problem and that was me not employment. I hope that all makes sense. Thank you all for another day of being sober and no hangover. I can go to work today with a clear head and an honest geart. And today I am a cashier and have not even thought of stealing, and I know that alchol had a big aid in my stealing. So I will keep coming back and try to be the person that God wanted me to be just one day at a time. I love you all


Member: Bert.K.
Location: Victoria Australia.
Date: 8/11/00
Time: 9:34:25 AM

Comments

Hi to all My Name is Bert.K. and I live in Victoria Australia, Iam a alcoholic and happy to say that today is my 19th birthday of not picking up a drink a day at a time. And the only way that has been possible is by the program of alcoholics anonymous,the fellowship,a higher power in my life,and lots and lots and lots of wonderful A.A. meetings all over Australia,fantastic friends in the fellowship with lots of patience and tolerance. And for that I shall be eternally greatful, for today I have a very good life. And for any new starters,all I can say is it works if you work it. Thank you all for allowing me to share this with you. May God Bless You All. BERT.K.


Member: Bert.K.
Location: Victoria Australia.
Date: 8/11/00
Time: 9:34:31 AM

Comments

Hi to all My Name is Bert.K. and I live in Victoria Australia, Iam a alcoholic and happy to say that today is my 19th birthday of not picking up a drink a day at a time. And the only way that has been possible is by the program of alcoholics anonymous,the fellowship,a higher power in my life,and lots and lots and lots of wonderful A.A. meetings all over Australia,fantastic friends in the fellowship with lots of patience and tolerance. And for that I shall be eternally greatful, for today I have a very good life. And for any new starters,all I can say is it works if you work it. Thank you all for allowing me to share this with you. May God Bless You All. BERT.K.


Member: mary a
Location: austin mn
Date: 8/11/00
Time: 11:41:48 AM

Comments

Hi I'm an alcoholic and my name is mary. What a good topic. I have been having difficulties at work and was heading toward the "pitty pot" The only access I have to a computer is through the public library and I was given the day off so I am here. I do seasonal work of lawn mowing and snow removal. This time of year is always bad as the lawns have stopped growning so fast and there is no snow yet. I was feeling that the boss was picking on me by giving me time off - it makes the paycheck smaller - and I have a daughter to support where other workers are only supporting themselves. I realize now that my Higher Power is letting me have time to work on myself instead of being concerned about the job. Taking my principles to work is not easy. It is an area that I definately need to be aware of and work on. Instead of doing the least possible I need to do the best possible. Thanks Higher Power for letting me find this site and remembering the address and giving me the day off and having access to a computer. If I don't keep myself SOBER in all aspects life is much more difficult. Thank you everyone for sharing.


Member: Mary Pat
Location: DeKalb, Illinois
Date: 8/11/00
Time: 12:39:00 PM

Comments

Hello! I'm Mary Pat and suffer from alcoholism.

My story of declining into addiction actually manifested itself in my place of employment. Heinous, but true. I've always been a very hard, thorough worker (typical Midwesterner) and I knew I was getting in trouble with drinking when I started to indulge during lunch hour on working days.

At first, I just did it it "spice up" the afternoon on days where I was bored from not having enough work. But, of course, it progressed, and I was drinking way too much and too often.

Ultimately, my boss confronted me. Talk about horror, humiliation and approaching the verge of fainting! It was a HUGE blow to me -- my sense of self worth, my professional identity, my reputation.

Amazingly, he was super supportive. His wife is a recovering alcoholic, who like me, was functioning day-to-day, but was rapidly declining. He not only encouraged me to attend AA meetings, but gave me some numbers of recovery clinics and his wife's phone number. I met with her and it helped a lot to see another attractive working woman who had the same problem.

Unfortunately, that wasn't the end of the story, and I stuggled for a good five or so more months. But I've managed to get sober and have felt much healthier and happier. My relations with everyone has improved, and of course, I'm able to work to my best ability at work.

So, for me, my place of employment was what gave me the most serious wake-up call about being an alcoholic and helped me realize that I was slowly destroying everything I loved and respected -- including my work, own health and marriage.

Anyway, it also taught me that so many people, either directly or indirectly, are affected by this disease. It's not a moral issue. But you need to take action and do the work to recover.

Thanks for reading!

Mary Pat


Member: Bob G.
Location: Rhode Island
Date: 8/11/00
Time: 2:26:52 PM

Comments

Hello everyone. Bob/Alcoholic from Rhode Island here. This is my first viewing of the "Cyber AA Group" and how appropriate that employment should be the subject this week. (And there are no coincidences!!!) I just got a promotion at work this week and I feel that the program and the attitude of gratitude that I have obtained from the program have a lot to do with this. I changed careers 2.5 years ago and have now gone into management for the company that I work for and have gotten a very hefty raise. (Fear of people and economic security shall leave us..... The promises are coming true for me) The program has taught me how to listen and be responsible for my actions. I guess that I am right where I should be. I have been sober for 13 years; was 17 when I started drinking.....So that makes me 30 in AA years.....So I think I am right on shcedule career wise.....even if I am 44 now. I am grateful for the opportunities that are being presented to me and for continuing to grow. Please if you are new.....DON'T DRINK AND GO TO MEETINGS. Your attitude and outlook on life will change


Member: Dave C.
Location:
Date: 8/11/00
Time: 4:31:30 PM

Comments

Hi, Dave addict.Ive been going through here reading all of these comments. I think its great that there are so many people employed with sobriety and are able to share it with the rest of us. I hope you understand the importance of your jobs. thanks

------ Dave


Member: Maggie D.
Location: Ontario
Date: 8/11/00
Time: 10:54:46 PM

Comments

Hello everyone, Maggie here, this is my first time adding any comments, I have been reading them though. This site is helpful seeing I am too afraid to attend an AA meeting in person. I am two weeks sober and I feel in my heart that this time it is it. My work is going so much smoother now without the Friday morning "Blahs" and Monday morning guilty feelings of having ruined your whole weekend by passing out both nights. Even though I haven't attended a meeting yet, I am praying to God to let this be my last time to try and quit drinking and to quit for good. Thanks for listening.


Member: Beverly B.
Location:
Date: 8/12/00
Time: 12:37:53 AM

Comments

Hi. I'm Beverly and I'm an alcoholic. This is my first time at this site. Thanks everybody for your comments.

Maggie: Welcome! New things are scary, but if you're an alcoholic, you've probably already met your demons when you were drinking! Meetings may seem intimidating at first, but it sure beats sitting in a detox or a jail cell!

Joe, thanks for the topic. Employment . . . that's the thing I do so that I can take care of my responsibilities -- feeding, clothing and sheltering my children and paying my bills. That thing I do so that I am able to remain an equal partner with my spouse as opposed to feeling like I'm a hardship to him. The thing I do so I can be self-supporting, which allows me to have self esteem. It's what I do to be an example to my children of how to live in the real world. It's what I do to act as an example of my HP's awesome power -- I came in homeless and hopeless and desperate; today I have a wonderful life that's worth living.

I learn things at work that enable me to serve AA and I learn things in AA that help me to be an asset to my employer. It's like a win-win situation.

In recovery I've had to sometimes choose between the material and the spiritual and I've tried both. Whenever I chose the material I was running on greed and always paid the price. When I work too many hours I'm no longer a participant in the lives of my loved ones or my own life for that matter.

I've never had a job that I'd describe as spritually fulfilling. My jobs are always paychecks, and at best, I'm happy with where I'm at. When I want spiritual fulfillment, I do service in AA. I am active in my homegroup, and in my area as well. I attend meetings, sponsor people and take commitments. This feeds me spiritually.

I've been sober for a while, and sometimes still struggle with balance. They told me it's called life on life's terms and I can accept that.

If you feel confused about how to get back into the workforce, ask somebody who's done it what they did. Many of us were unemployable at one time and are today valued employees at our jobs.

Bevery


Member: David L.
Location: Chicago
Date: 8/12/00
Time: 6:27:21 AM

Comments

Employment, well I found out that having a job may seem to make none feel like he is responsible but if I don't keep staying sober first the job will be gone and I am back at the bottom feeling hopless and hurt. I put more energy on staying sober now because I have had many Jobs now as a result of my addiction. Now I need to work only if I stay sober because one with out the other is painfull


Member: Curtis W
Location: Spfld, MO
Date: 8/12/00
Time: 10:45:31 AM

Comments

Curtis, alcoholic. i guess it's pretty neat that when someone brings up a topic like employment, some of the older members go off on some deep philosophical reasoning about GOD and working the steps. when i hear employment, i think about my job. fear of losing my job is one of the biggest factors in deciding to become sober. i've drank away friends and family members, homes and automobiles etc... but when faced with the possibility of losing my job... well i just won't have it. i think a lot of us are that way. Roy's comment about making it to work for a month or so, or showing up all hungover really takes me back. I don't have a problem with attendance anymore and thank GOD i've been able to resume a position in society as a productive member. have a nice day!!!


Member: Curtis W
Location: Spfld, MO
Date: 8/12/00
Time: 10:45:39 AM

Comments

Curtis, alcoholic. i guess it's pretty neat that when someone brings up a topic like employment, some of the older members go off on some deep philosophical reasoning about GOD and working the steps. when i hear employment, i think about my job. fear of losing my job is one of the biggest factors in deciding to become sober. i've drank away friends and family members, homes and automobiles etc... but when faced with the possibility of losing my job... well i just won't have it. i think a lot of us are that way. Roy's comment about making it to work for a month or so, or showing up all hungover really takes me back. I don't have a problem with attendance anymore and thank GOD i've been able to resume a position in society as a productive member. have a nice day!!!


Member: Chris H.   
Location: Florida
Date: 8/12/00
Time: 2:20:54 PM

Comments

Hi all --Chris Here--alcoholic/addict/bulimic---Welcome all --Thanks for all your sharing....It's really helped!!Maggie--Plow throught those fears about face to face meetings---I had the same fear, but when I finally got involved there was nothing like it. Now I am stuck at home, and really miss the comraderie and feeling that I am NOT the only crazy person in the world. It is worth walking through that fear!! _--I am an at home mom so I don't have a lot to say about employment. See ya next week!


Member: Joe A.
Location: Port;and. OR
Date: 8/12/00
Time: 4:52:15 PM

Comments

Hazeldon produces a book called "24 Hours a Day". The Thought for Today for January 6 is, I believe, the best way of explaining "first things first" that I have ever seen. It says, approximately, that "The most important thing in my life is sobriety. The most important decision I ever made was the decision to stop drinking. Can I ever afford to forget that, even for one minute?"

I have found in my 29+ years without a drink that any time I consider something else more important than my sobriety, I am in real danger of losing that sobriety. If I lose sobriety, the other thing(s) that seemed so important are lost also.

There is a fairly new term that I have heard recently that defines a national "disease" here in America. That word is, we have a bad case of affluenza. Newly sober, we look around at all the affluence that exists and try to make up for lost time and "get rich quick". MISTAKE!

What we do in AA is build new lives for ourselves. Anything that is built on a shaky foundation probably won't last very long. "First things first." Build a good foundation of sobriety so that when on the job, we won't be so apt to get drunk in frustration about conditions on the job.

I am continually amazed at how little money is needed for survival when we don't waste it on the things of "affluenza". First, we must survive, and survival, for me, means staying at least "undrunk" one day at a time.

We cannot "make up for lost time" in the field of money. What is gone is gone forever. The question now is, "What have I left, and how do I use that?"

My recommendation for all newcomers is to stop being so impatient. God is not finished with you yet. Give Him time and room to maneuver in, and when the time is right, money will come to us in the right amounts!

God loves you and wants for you nothing but good. I have stopped disagreeing with God about anything. The only lasting foundation for a "good" life for an alcoholic is sobriety. Everything else is just a fringe benefit.


Member: Joe A.
Location: Port;and. OR
Date: 8/12/00
Time: 4:52:22 PM

Comments

Hazeldon produces a book called "24 Hours a Day". The Thought for Today for January 6 is, I believe, the best way of explaining "first things first" that I have ever seen. It says, approximately, that "The most important thing in my life is sobriety. The most important decision I ever made was the decision to stop drinking. Can I ever afford to forget that, even for one minute?"

I have found in my 29+ years without a drink that any time I consider something else more important than my sobriety, I am in real danger of losing that sobriety. If I lose sobriety, the other thing(s) that seemed so important are lost also.

There is a fairly new term that I have heard recently that defines a national "disease" here in America. That word is, we have a bad case of affluenza. Newly sober, we look around at all the affluence that exists and try to make up for lost time and "get rich quick". MISTAKE!

What we do in AA is build new lives for ourselves. Anything that is built on a shaky foundation probably won't last very long. "First things first." Build a good foundation of sobriety so that when on the job, we won't be so apt to get drunk in frustration about conditions on the job.

I am continually amazed at how little money is needed for survival when we don't waste it on the things of "affluenza". First, we must survive, and survival, for me, means staying at least "undrunk" one day at a time.

We cannot "make up for lost time" in the field of money. What is gone is gone forever. The question now is, "What have I left, and how do I use that?"

My recommendation for all newcomers is to stop being so impatient. God is not finished with you yet. Give Him time and room to maneuver in, and when the time is right, money will come to us in the right amounts!

God loves you and wants for you nothing but good. I have stopped disagreeing with God about anything. The only lasting foundation for a "good" life for an alcoholic is sobriety. Everything else is just a fringe benefit.


Member: joanne h
Location: ny
Date: 8/12/00
Time: 10:08:35 PM

Comments

joanne/alcoholic/addict: what a great site! glad i stumbled upon it, for me sometimes one meeting a day isn't enough, and it's good to hear more of what you need to hear! on employment or anything else - if i put it before my sobriety, i'll lose it! god provides for your needs, and it's confusing sometimes whether it is a need or a want. right now i'm praying for both willingness and direction in alot of areas in my life and i have to remember that when i am ready and the time is right, then providence will provide.


Member: Kathy K.
Location: Northeast
Date: 8/13/00
Time: 2:28:43 AM

Comments

My name is Kathy - I'm an alcoholic. My first time on this site. Employjent is a goodd topic - first time I have ever heard discussed. I remember when I first sobered up and was complaining that my job kept me from attending meetings (was doing "live-in" work) an old timer told me to find another job. I have never forgotten that first lesson. It made me realize sobriety had to come first and the job,second.Shortly thereafter, I did quit and find another job which gave me more time to attend more meetings. It worked out just find. I have just celebrated my 15th anniversary. A grateful heart won't drink!!


Member: o j
Location:
Date: 8/13/00
Time: 2:10:26 PM

Comments

one day at a time sweet jesus thats all im asking of you , just give me the strength to do all the things that i need to do.i kept singing this song all day at the job site,the boss through a hammer at me and told me to shut up.


Member: Adam H.
Location: Nagano, JAPAN
Date: 8/13/00
Time: 6:20:08 PM

Comments

I'm Adam and I'm and alcoholic. Grateful to be here and to be sober.

Employment....never heard that one before, but it"s certianly a worthwhile topic. After four years of sobriety, I am working my first job as an interpreter and a translator in Nagano. It's great....really get to be of service in a way that makes me feel good. And I love this job, I really do....but I hope I don't forget that it's just a damn job. I was told very early in sobriety that anything I put ahead of God or sobriety, I will lose. Like most alcoholics, I am a driven person...selfish and self-centered in the extreme. If I let this job become the center of my world, all other things, including God nd sobriety, will be pushed right out of my life, and it woun"t be long before I am back to being that hostile, venomous person I was in the midst of my drinking. Hell, in that state of mind, a drink may look good....and if I take that drink, I don't think I'll make it back here a second time. I've got too much pride...be it the kind that tells me I'm too good for AA or the kind that tells me what a piece of crap I am and that AA would never take me back because I let them down. So for me, I try to remember that a job is simply a way in which I learn to be self supporting, and the best thing I can do as far as work is concerend is to bring to that job the kind of person Alcoholics Anonymous has taught me to be...someone who is of service, who shows up on time, who tries to be honest inall his dealings with other people, and who tries a day at a time to do his best and not THE best.

Thanks for letting me share.


Member: Bert.K.
Location: Victoria Australia
Date: 8/13/00
Time: 7:08:16 PM

Comments

I hope that I am the first one for the 14th of August. Bert.K. alkie. I would love to hear what other Sober alkies thought of the swearing that is creeping into the meetings, I personally hate it, and puts the whole thing back into the pub,club & dive scene. I thank God for A.A. and I thank A.A.for God. Bert.K.


Member: Ray P.
Location: Washington
Date: 8/13/00
Time: 7:12:26 PM

Comments

Wow, I never thought I'd get to the bottom and be able to share. I thank God for this site. Employment can be hard on alcoholics. There's stress of not getting along. There are lots of excuses to drink. I know that I want to stop drinking. This is my 1st full day. I always think I can control it on my own, but I rarely do.


Member: tinman
Location: oz/emerald city
Date: 8/13/00
Time: 8:16:03 PM

Comments

bert k. hey your not the first one here!!!your still in this week.aug.6-12.in fact your way down here at the bottom.i think they change it when the tech. gremlins sneak back in from different locations across the universe.theyre a gifted bunch of little rascals,you know what i mean vern?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

tinman