“I can’t claim only to have been a horrible drunk – I wasn’t pleasant sober either. As the years went by, my defects progressed as much as my alcoholism.“

My name is James, and I am an alcoholic.

This month’s theme being employment, I will share my experience of alcoholism and work.

My first job was as a glazer – one year after leaving school. By this age, I was already time-served in problem drinking. Sitting in the closes of my local area at 15 with three bottles of cider was my usual Friday and Saturday. My mates were to be home by 10:30 pm but not me, no-one was home to demand my return. I regularly went home after 2 am.

As a result of the chaotic life I led, I lied my way out of my first job, feigning injury as the reason for my resignation. I then spent time in the scheme drinking at my leisure.

I would acquire new jobs, go in every day until payday, have a drink to celebrate and never make it back. On more than one occasion, I would interview for a role on a Friday and be offered a start on the Monday. I would go for a pint to celebrate and never make the start date three days later.

I estimate I’ve had more than 100 jobs or roles offered in my 38 years. I would stick to jobs that served my ego or paid well. When I was 30, I found a job that did both. I was a tyrant in a management position, consumed by power. My drinking by this point was at least for
four-day periods. I had a mask for my professional life and another couple for my personal life. I became terrified at the thought of those lives crossing over. Who would I be in that scenario? Going missing on Mondays, whilst judging others for doing the same. Lying my way out of absences, intimidating people into covering for me.

I can’t claim only to have been a horrible drunk – I wasn’t pleasant sober either. As the years went by, my defects progressed as much as my alcoholism.

I’m now over four years sober thanks to the grace of God and the message contained in the book of Alcoholics Anonymous.

I continue to be offered a life that was never on the cards for a guy like me. A 30-something scheme thug, masquerading as a professional leader.

I’ve had amazing employment opportunities to explore in sobriety, only through living a life guided by a Higher Power. Today, I work for a large company, with responsibilities for the safety of others. I was incapable of caring for anyone other than myself prior to being guided to AA.

Life is wildly different to the journey that brought me into AA. All down to the simple Programme outlined in our book.

Stay awake to the opportunities God brings into life, my experience is they will be beyond your wildest dreams.

Thank you for reading my employment story.

With Gratitude,

James
Wednesday night Govanhill 12 Step Meeting