From Surviving to Working: A Step-by-Step Employment Roadmap

Work can be a stabilizer: structure, income, purpose. It can also feel overwhelming after a tough season. Here’s how we make the path back to employment realistic and supportive.

Stage 1: Readiness (build confidence first)

  • Energy & schedule: try a volunteer shift or short training to test stamina.
  • Paperwork: ID, Social Security card, bank account—one document at a time.
  • Story practice: how to explain a gap with honesty and dignity.

Stage 2: Tools that open doors

  • Skills inventory: what you’re good at + what you enjoy.
  • Resume refresh: simple, readable, strengths-forward.
  • References: choose people who’ve seen you show up recently (coach, volunteer lead, counselor).

Stage 3: Interviews without the panic

  • Mock interviews with feedback on answers, tone, and body language.
  • Scripts for tough questions: “Tell me about a challenge” or “I see a gap here.”
  • Transportation plan and time buffer so you arrive calm, not rushed.

Stage 4: The first 30 days on the job

  • A written success plan: who to ask for help, how to ask, and what to do on a hard day.
  • Check-ins (text or quick calls) to troubleshoot early bumps.
  • Budget basics so the new income helps you move forward.

Stage 5: Retention & growth

  • Boundary setting to protect recovery time (sleep, meetings, appointments).
  • Pathways to training or promotions if you want them.
  • A gentle plan if a job ends—how to regroup and restart quickly.

Common questions

What if I relapse or need time off for treatment? We help you communicate early and connect to resources; your health comes first.

Do you place people directly? We partner with employers and community orgs; fit and timing vary. The goal is the right job, not just the fastest one.


CTA: Ready to build your employment plan? Book a Job Readiness Session — we’ll leave you with next steps you can do this week.

This post is informational only and not legal or medical advice.