Finding work after recovering from addiction?
Hi, former junior sell side equities analyst at a top shop and i left my occupation as my addiction became untenable. I was able to hold together the illusion for the last few years of college (non target) as an addict, but once I started working I couldn’t hold it together anymore and it was the worst year of my life that pushed me to sober up. Almost a year sober thanks to AA and I started a small business as a recovery project to be accountable to myself. I kind of want to go back to work now but it’s proving difficult to find a job. Any advice on searching as a former junior sell side equities analyst? Anyone else have gone through something similar? Curious what your thoughts are on being honest about the addiction when applying (I hear it’s hit or miss)? I fucked up at my job but I know I could have been very good at it, what to say when people ask “how was your prior job?”… any advice would be helpful I know I’m not the only one
Based on the most helpful WSO content, here’s a structured approach to your situation:
Networking is Key: Start by reaching out to former colleagues, mentors, or anyone in your professional network who might be willing to vouch for your skills. Focus on building relationships rather than directly asking for a job. Use LinkedIn, alumni networks, and industry events to reconnect.
Frame Your Story Strategically: When discussing your prior job, focus on the positives—your skills, achievements, and what you learned. If asked about why you left, you don’t need to go into full detail about your addiction. Instead, you can say something like, “I faced personal challenges that I’ve since overcome, and I’m now in a much stronger place, ready to contribute fully.”
Leverage Your Small Business Experience: Highlight the skills you’ve gained from running your recovery project—accountability, leadership, problem-solving, and resilience. These are highly transferable and can demonstrate your growth and maturity.
Be Selective About Disclosure: Honesty about addiction can be hit or miss, as you mentioned. It’s often better to focus on your recovery and the steps you’ve taken to rebuild your life. If you feel the interviewer is open-minded, you can share more, but always frame it as a story of overcoming adversity and personal growth.
Consider Specialized Recruiters: There are recruiters and firms that specialize in placing candidates with non-traditional backgrounds or those re-entering the workforce. They might be more understanding of your situation.
Prepare for Tough Questions: Practice responses to questions about your prior job. Keep it concise and professional. For example: “I left my previous role due to personal challenges that I’ve since addressed. I’m proud of the progress I’ve made and am eager to bring my skills and experience back to the industry.”
Focus on Industries Open to Career Transitions: While sell-side equities is your background, consider roles in adjacent fields like corporate finance, investor relations, or even buy-side roles where your analytical skills can shine.
Stay Persistent and Patient: Re-entering the workforce after a gap can take time. Keep applying, networking, and refining your approach. Remember, your year of sobriety and the discipline it took to achieve it is a testament to your resilience.
If you’re looking for inspiration, check out similar stories on WSO forums where others have shared their journeys of overcoming setbacks and finding success. You’re not alone in this, and many have turned their challenges into powerful comeback stories.
Sources: Seeking Advice - How to recover from being kicked out, Disclosing disability, Seeking advice - Decade of experience in niche sector and laid off, Depressed and missed recruiting...terrible grades...how to turn it all around?, My not-so-secrets to success
Congratulations on getting sober brother. Keep going. Life keeps getting brighter.
Not sure how the ER hiring market works so will refrain from commenting there.
In terms of resume framing, I would put the break as a temporary health/medical leave and obfuscate the issue. There is no real upside to letting the beans spill. If you get asked, say something along the lines of:
"I don't want to talk about it"
"I took time off to fully fix the problem with an intensive treatment"
"It's fully resolved now, and will be forever"
and "I'm ready to work hard again".
Thanks appreciate the advice. That’s what I have heard from others that it doesn’t make sense to be honest—just it pains me to have to lie
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