Should I stay or go?

thunderbird

I think it would help if you said what job you had, if you want some advise on what to do next.

scottishlass72

In general terms, I was an office worker in a manufacturing facility. There was a small accident in the plant and we all had to go in for the testing.

ziggy2004

It is hard not to judge but do remember we do not know you.

I think your best bet is to show that you are taking what happened seriously. Could you attend some voluntary drug abuse counselling? This can then be used to show future employers how you worked to put it behind you. Were you a member of a union or professional body and if so have you asked them for advice?

Good luck in whatever you decide to do

thunderbird

As an office worker it doesn't sound like it is a job that you HAVE to have professional certification for?

loztredders

scottishlass72 wrote: »

Is it really so difficult not to judge? I know what I did was wrong but do I really deserve to lose my whole career that I studied for years for? I was at a party, not at work when I did what I did. I didn't cause any safety issues. I smoked a very small part of a joint on a Friday night and it was 48 hours before I was back at work.

I'm asking if it's really seen so negatively because if I ever am going to get my career back I need to know how to explain what I did to potential future employers. Thank you for all the answers so far.

I think it's really easy not to judge, Bloody hell, everyone makes mistakes from time to time and if taking a few puffs on a joint is your worst one then you seem like a pretty damn good person to me!
Unfortunatly, your mistake has cost you so much - perhaps this is why it seems worse to some of the posters here...because honestly, I'm sure lots of you have done far far worse in your lives! :eek:

I'm really sorry your facing this OP, admittedly you shouldn't have done it, but thats easy to say in hindsight. However, look on the bright side of things, at least you have no mortgage and can afford to get by, so perhaps just carry on pulling pints for now until you think about a retraining for a new career. I would agree with the others about moving in with your partner though, if you're having such doubts then clearly thats not going to be the best option for you right now.
Good luck with whatever you decide though, you've learnt a hard and crappy lesson but don't deserve all condemming (sp?) posts

Curlywurli

I would take some time to think. I think that moving to London is a kneejerk reaction and doesn't really seem a good idea. It's hard to tell with your job as I'm not sure what office job involves needing a professional certificate but surely you have some transferable skills, even if you cannot do the job that you have been doing. You say you've been helping your friend with her husband, what about care work. It could be worse, at least it's not a police record. You still have options, but need time to think about what they are.

caeler

I can't see how you won't be able to continue in your career? Especially as an office worker. I appreciate you want anonimity but if you don't give us specifics we won't be able to give you some certainly. There are plenty of people on here who will probably understand your qualification and be able to give you a good idea.

I see you have two options. Be honest with new employers about the reason you were dismissed but explain how you have learnt from this mistake and how it will never be repeated. Or lie, don't mention just say looking for a new challenge and see what happens. My employer will only give dates of employment and job title held and will not disclose reasons for leaving. (I'm not condoning lying btw, just helping you to see there are options).

I also think your right not to move into a boyf and also move to a new area if you are uncertain in the relationship. Well done for being strong despite your precarious position.

Sambucus_Nigra

scottishlass72 wrote: »

Is it really so difficult not to judge? I know what I did was wrong but do I really deserve to lose my whole career that I studied for years for? I was at a party, not at work when I did what I did. I didn't cause any safety issues. I smoked a very small part of a joint on a Friday night and it was 48 hours before I was back at work.

I'm asking if it's really seen so negatively because if I ever am going to get my career back I need to know how to explain what I did to potential future employers. Thank you for all the answers so far.

If it's any consolation, I know loads of people in really good jobs who have taken drugs in the past and they survived to tell the tale. You got really really unlucky there; what are the chances of that happening?

FBaby

Have you lost your professional certification for good? Does it mean that you absolutely cannot do the same job ever again for a similar company (as in it would illegal to do it with a revoked certification) or just that it would be harder to get a job?

If it the first, then clearly you need to retrain and I would focus on this as a priority, apply for courses while continuing with the part-time job. If it is the second, than i would just apply to any job anywhere in the country (that you would be prepared to move to) and see what happens. You can do both at the same time.

Regardless of your relationship, I don't see the point in moving to London if you have no direction in terms of what you want to do career-wise.

eleanor73

I am definitely not judging you and anyone judging you for having a bit of a spliff at a party (it would be different if it was just before work or at work) is a little bit out of touch with the real world. I don't use drugs so this isn't me justifying my own actions but I know copious amounts of highly successful people: teachers, drs, bankers, even social workers & policemen that have the odd smoke on a Friday! I can't believe you were so unlucky and that you got sacked. It seems massively unfair (especially as alcohol is sooooooooooo much more destructive to our society!) I bet every one of your colleagues who got hammered and sick on vodka were ok! Anyway I think you need to do what makes you happy. It sounds like you are happier where you are and if you are covering the bills why not take some time out to think about what you would like to do?
Now I'm off before all the anti cannabis gang start their onslaught about legality etc etc!