A Time of Healing and Self-Discovery: Gig Ideas for People in Recovery

For recovering addicts, getting back to work is an important part of the rehabilitative process, a way of establishing a structured and healthy lifestyle that helps them remain clean and sober. Unfortunately, finding a job that can sustain you, one with true growth potential, takes time and a lot of persistence and work. In the meantime, you need some way to earn an income and make ends meet as you job hunt. Fortunately, the gig economy offers an opportunity to make money doing work that draws on your creativity, abilities and personal interests.

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A Transformative Opportunity
The gig economy covers an enormous expanse of money-making opportunity. Think of it as a chance to try something you’ve always been interested in but never had the time to pursue. For many people, it’s a pathway to self-sufficiency and the freedom to work independently. For someone seeking a full-time job, it’s a lifeline during a time of financial uncertainty. At present, 57 million Americans (about 36 percent of the entire workforce) are making money in the gig economy. If you’re not sure how it might suit you, consider these ideas.
Pet Sitting
If you love animals, considering starting a pet-sitting service. It’s an in-demand gig these days given the number of professional people who need someone responsible and caring to watch over their dog, cat, or whatever the case may be. You’ll get paid to provide companionship, go for walks, play, and feed pets while their owners are stuck at the office or out of town on business. You’re free to set your own schedule, prices, and pet preferences, making it an ideal gig for anyone looking for steady income during the job-hunting process.
Dog Walker
So you wanted to be a pet sitter but lack the room to accommodate several animals at once. Don’t be discouraged -- you can channel your love for animals into a dog-walking gig. Dog-walking services typically list online so dog owners nearby can find them easily with a simple Web search. Dog owners may have very specific instructions, or let you choose your own route. If you live near a park that permits dogs, you have a built-in selling point or, if you have the facilities, consider offering boarding services to your dog-owner clientele.
Music Instruction
Did you play drums or guitar in a band during college? Take piano or violin lessons in your younger days? If so, you might give music lessons. Busy parents are always on the lookout for someone affordable to give their school-age children music lessons. If you can work around your clients’ schedules, you can earn a respectable income doing something you truly enjoy.
Freelance Writing
If working your own hours is an important consideration, freelance writing might be your ideal gig. There are a number of ways to create an income stream (or multiple streams) writing online marketing content, newsletters, press releases, academic papers, blogs, and much more. If you have a way with words, there’s also money to be made working as a copy editor or proofreader. Set your own price structure, work when you want to -- what could be better?
Your Own Handiwork
Have you ever been told you should market the handmade objects you give friends and family for Christmas and birthday presents? Well, now there’s an online marketplace for people like you. Consider selling your creative handiwork through Etsy, an e-commerce site that emphasizes everything from toys and knick-knacks to handmade jewelry and clothing items.
Job hunting doesn’t have to be a time of stress and anxiety while you’re getting used to life after rehab. Use it as a time of personal exploration, during which you stretch out and make a fresh start with an exciting new venture. You can pay the bills by working for yourself -- you might even end up with a successful at-home business.

Author: Rufus Stanley RecoveringWorks.com
Image courtesy of Pixabay.com