What The F*&! Do I DO?
Dilemma
For the small group of people that actually read my post's here in WA, I have a dilemma I'd like to share and hopefully gain some guidance. I know this is a decision I'd have to make on my own, hence the damn uncertainty I'm currently facing.
For those that do not know me, I'm an addict/alcoholic been clean and sober for 5+ years and work as a drug and alcohol counselor for the last 3-1/2, not by choice.
I say not by choice because I never thought in a million years with my colorful language and unappealing downright scary attitude I'd be asked to become one.
My blog is my passion and helping other's see what addiction can do to people, family's, and friends. I write like a drunken sailor talks showing and appealing to the majority of my hopeful readers.
This weekend I talked to some people in the same field as myself, some that still work for non-profits and others that have moved on to their own private clients.
Most of the blogs I see in my niche is one of two things;
1. Patient brokering (hate that)
2. Private clientele
The minority is books and self-help programs run by a third-party.
I work well with my team and love the work I do where I am at. I've also been approached in the past by therapist and psychiatrist to work with them for patients with addictions. This is a lot more money and a lot more free time.
I don't do it because I'm scared and I'm in a comfort zone I do not want to leave. I'm a f*&^^ng hypocrite as one of my co-workers called me tonight while discussing the options. I preach this to the clientele I work with on a daily basis, to get out of their comfort zones for them to grow and learn and experience new things in life now that they are clean/sober.
I have other reasons besides the chicken shit part and I've started a pros n cons list of me stepping out of the comfort.
Maybe some words of wisdom may help this process along is what I'm hoping for. I'm also doing this at midnight my time with no chances of a response from the majority of you, then again we have people from all over the world in here so who knows.
Thanks for letting me vent out my anxiety for the 2nd time this week.
Jason
Recent Comments
27
Been there kinda done that..well the sober part at least. Not a counselor but a self made self improvement expert of sorts,because I have done it personally .I have had many people and a few therapists wanting me to be a life coach and counselor in the past. Why? because for the simple fact that my life experiences have made me well qualified or so they say. Point is I am good at it .Just as you are good at it because of your personal experiences You said yourself in quotes "I've also been approached in the past by therapist and psychiatrist to work with them for patients with addictions. "There is a very valid reason they approach you ..you might not have the educational degrees that they have but they are smart enough to know how worthy you are. You have something that they can never give their clients and that something is experience that right there makes you an expert in your field. So throw self doubt out the door.
Now personally myself no I am neither a life coach nor a counselor which means ...nope I aint making no money ...BY CHOICE ..I still help a ton of folks though and that is enough for me right now.That is my comfort zone.Ok anyways maybe that helped you maybe it didnt....Point is what ever you decide to do you do it knowing you are worthy and you are valuable regardless.Like stated by Louise what is the worst that can happen right :)
Hi Jason, bit of a conundrum there .
I think we all get into that situation where we are comfortable, it can be a plateau sometimes we stay there and some times we push on through to New things.
You have been given a gift and you are sharing that gift, from what you are saying there is an opportunity to reach and benefit many more.
If you have more free time then you will be able to work on developing your blog as well as helping folks on the way through.
You will mellow as you go it is a natural evolution, you probably don't think so but you will.
Your gift is that you are clean, that is the energy to share.
I would say bite the bullet and go for it.
My sense is that you know what you should be doing.
Best wishes as you move onto the next chapter in your life.
If there are other aspects to this then just work them through.
Alex
Hi Jason. You answered your own question. Get out of your comfort zone and go for it. I recently lost my little great niece to a tragic accident, she'll never get the chances you or I get in life. So my friend, what's really stopping you? Jim
Jim, I'm so sorry about your family's loss. Your right I can do things no one else has the opportunity and experiences life has to offer l, this helped. Thank you.
I don't think I can offer better advice than that given by Louise.
But perhaps I can add this thought.
You could be doing your potential clients a huge favor by having them interact with someone who's actually been there and done that.
The therapists and psychiatrists are undoubtedly well qualified and bring good theory, as well as experience with other clients to the table.
But you bring something more - a personal story. That's invaluable and working together with others could be of great benefit to everyone.
Hey Jason,
While I can't offer any earth-shattering advice or wisdom, and while I haven't been in your exact position, I can lend some support in saying that I know what it's like to live with often crippling anxiety. It can be hella tough and make everything seem a billion times worse than it is and that sucks!
I guess it's just important to bear in mind that none of this is a race or a competition and that we'll get through it as and when we're ready. Don't beat yourself up about not being at that point where you can step out of your comfort zone yet. And don't let your coworkers or anyone else get under your skin. It'll happen.
Congrats on 5+ years clean and sober by the way! Awesome achievement :D
Feel free to pop me a direct message if you fancy a chat or whatever.
All Best,
Jess
Hi Jason
Maybe the place to start is to ask yourself this question: "what is the worst that can happen?"
If you are confident that you can cope with the worst that could happen - then you can take the leap with confidence!
Hope that helps.
Blessings
Louise
See more comments
Hi Jason,
So you've woken up this morning and have a pile of replies. I'll keep mine short and sweet. No answers just observations.
We all need money to survive, how much we need is subjective to our own situation. Money/life/happiness, balance is key.
I was fortunate to be guided by a phenomenal counsellor who to this day I class as a friend.
All my help came free as per our NHS (National Health Service)
He has probably helped hundreds of people, just like me, over the years.
In helping just me, he allowed me to continue onwards in my life and gave me back to my wife and children.
Wherever you decide to go, know that you will help to change someone elses life for the better.
Being happy where you are will enable you, to better help others.
Be well.