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Yeah I just told my coworkers I didn’t drink. I did but never wanted to drink around them.
I’m going to state this truthfully in order to show you what I went through. I was at the exact same spot as you.
I was sober and decided it was not possible in the work/ sales environment I was in. I started drinking again and it nearly ended my life because the thought about starting over again delivered me to that jumping off place. It was easier thinking about putting a gun in my mouth than going back to AA. This may come across dramatic but it is the 100% absolute truth. In fact, I had a few ideas/ places on how I was going to end it. Driving by those places is still tough but a constant reminder of where I was and how far I’ve come. I’m here and living a good life. My life had gotten really dark and really hard over the span of a decade.
So, is it possible? Not for me. I wish I didn’t but I did and maybe I was supposed to see your post and share my experience. Anyways, what I found was that my life is worth more than trying to be someone I am not and worrying about what others think nearly cost me everything. F climbing the ranks if you have to give up on you and your happiness. Today I am happy and proud to be sober and in AA. People at my work know it and if they don’t like it that’s their problem, not mine. If I don’t get promoted because of it and I am not seen for what I am good at then screw it. If it’s only because I can drink beer and whiskey, then I am not in the right place and I move on. Just think through it before you make a decision. Maybe you can see yourself 5 years from now, or 10. Where will you be? Will you be satisfied or something else? It’s your choice but am here if you want to discuss it more. Drinker or non-drinker- DM me anytime.
PS: I’ve found that people with alcohol issues pressure others around them because they don’t want to drink alone.
RSM- Thank you for letting me know I’m not alone either. Together we’re sober, alone we drink. Text me anytime. You are never alone.
Been sober 13 years, 9 of those in consulting. I don't have any problem telling ppl I don't drink, and my closer colleagues know the reason why (alcoholism). I won't pretend there haven't been a few PPMDs I couldn't vibe with if I didn't want to indulge in the bar scene, but do you really want to work with those guys/gals anyway?? By and large has been a non-issue tbh. Good luck to you!
Tell them you're allergic to alcohol. It's the best catch-all to get people to stop belaboring the point but still invite you to team outings!
I've always been pretty open about my past.. probably over sharing more often than not. But a simple "I don't drink" should suffice. If you're pressured just double down. Really all you can do is make sure you're taking your recovery in a direction that gives you the social skills to be able to accomplish all of that sober.
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Possible? Yes. But are you working a program? How long have you been sober? Can you say that the drink problem has been lifted by working the steps?
Stress + Availability - Spirituality = Drink
The minute you place something in front of sobriety, you lose the sobriety and the thing. If you can do consulting and keep sobriety as the number one thing, then it’s possible.
I didn’t quit drinking until 3 years into a 5 year consulting career. Those first few years were hell. In the end, I’ve learned no amount of money or prestige is worth my sobriety. I also hated consulting for basically the whole time. If you honestly love consulting, then it’s worth figuring out how to make it work, though don’t be afraid to pull the ripcord if your serenity starts crumbling.
It wasn't easy being a first year trying to fit in and not drinking but people respected me saying I don't drink and I think people ended up wanting to use me on their jobs because they knew there wasn't going to be any down time because of being hung over. Clients thought it was strange but they also liked my work.
30 years later I would still say it wasn't easy but can be done. Watch out for workaholism but I feel that may be easier today as "balance" is a bit more top of mind today.