Fired from job for DUI

by Lee
(Illinois)

I was fired from my job because of a DUI and have been unemployed for a year. I cant find a job anywhere. I'm worried that no one will ever hire me now. I feel like such a loser. What can I do to find a job and get through this?

Michael Petras responds:

Sorry to hear of your job loss and your struggle to find a job. Here are a couple of things to think about.

First, your whole life should not be defined by your exit from your recent company. You made a mistake. Learn from it and move on.

Second, are you struggling with a drug or alcohol addiction?

Be honest.

If so, you probably won't be able to solve this problem by yourself. Get into a program to get you the support and help you need.

The best thing about a program is the connection you'll make with other people who are going through or have gone through the same experience. Often times they can open a door for you or put you in touch with someone who can hire you without judging you based on one past incident.

Once you're free from the guilt and stigma of your addiction, you'll be more self-confident and motivated to look for a job.

The best way to find a job is by networking with people who know and trust you.

Are you on FaceBook?

If not, sign up. It's free.

If you're already on FB, make sure you don't have any embarrassing pictures or juvenile comments accessible to the public. Future employers will look you up and prejudge you.

Connect with as many people as possible... past school chums, old neighbors, friends of your parents, relatives, past work associates. Let all of them know you are struggling to find work and ask for their help in the way of leads, ideas, or referrals to others who may be able to open a door for you.

Follow up at least every 30 days with your connections to let them know you are still looking. If some of your connections are not on FB, call them up and talk to them directly.

If you are still young and want to change career directions, can you move back in with your parents, relatives, or friends to save money and focus on your training for your life's work?

Buy the book, "What Color is Your Parachute", by Richard Bolles. This is by far the best book ever written about selecting your life's work and the best ways to go about finding your dream job. It will definitely lift your spirits and give you positive insights into yourself.

Maybe you should go to college or trade school and just work part time until you graduate.

Remember...not everything you are going through right now is your fault. The economy is still weak and jobs are scarce. It's going to take more effort to find work.

Make finding a job a full time job. Get up early and start your job search by connecting with as many people as possible vs just surfing the net. One of the worst ways to find a job is on the internet. The best way to find a job is by networking with people you know or getting referrals from people you know.

80% of all the jobs out there are not advertised. The only way to find these hidden jobs is by networking.

Don't give up, Lee. You are not alone.

See if you can find a networking group and meet with them often. Check with you local government unemployment office for information on networking groups in your local area. They meet often and it will give you a boost.

All the best to you. You'll get through this and will be working again in no time.