Major help needed, previously sacked for alcohol problems. Reformed but bad reference

jdwnorton

Hi I hope someone can help me. I will try to keep it simple.

I was employed by a bank from 2002-2009 but was dismissed for gross misconduct after I descended into Alcoholism during the last year (2009).
I was of previous good character but encountered personal problems which led to me abusing alcohol.
Anyway after being fired and ending up in hospital for withdrawal seizures I entered a program of rehabilitation which was successful. I now want to get back working and off benefits but my previous employer have put on their reference for me that I was fired . No other company will give me the chance to prove that I am no longer a problem . They just dont want to know.
I have tried voluntary work but prospective new employers want a work reference. I simply cannot get a job because I cannot account favourably for the 7 years I worked for the bank . How on earth can I move forward , Im not a murderer or anything

SueC_2

It's tough out there for everyone at the moment, so don't beat yourself up about your lack of success.

With regard to your alcoholism - I'd tackle it head on. Admit that you had your employment terminated because personal problems led to you developing an alcohol dependency which caused difficulties for you at work. But go on to explain your recovery, and your desire to return to a 'normal' life. I think the most important element of all will be convincing a potential employer that your personal problems are now behind you, and that you won't be back on the booze the moment you have a bad day. And you can only do that by being frank, and persevering.

Lots of employers will be put off - either they don't understand alcoholism, or they do, but in either case will have concerns about it. They will also see that you haven't worked for 3 years, and will have plenty of candidates without your 'complications' to consider.

But don't get disheartened, keep on keeping on, and one day you will walk through the door of someone who is willing to give you a chance. In the meantime, continue with the voluntary work, and anything else you can do to evidence your reliability etc.

Good luck.

AP007

http://cleanslateltd.co.uk/

Have a look here.

These people were on the One Show on BBC1 this week

Contact them - they may be able to help

Edit - sorry it was Inside Out, not the One Show
See here at 11mins 44

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b01pwsmk/Inside_Out_London_14_01_2013/

TrickyWicky

Try something thats easy to get into - taxi work for instance. Ok, you technically need a badge but there are a few operators who will risk it claiming an exception under the o licence. Failing that, see if you can get a job taking calls at a taxi company. Staff turnover in some cab companies is fast and high so they're a bit more careless about who they'll take on.

Adverts to watch for are those that want multiple staff. Usually that means they're so desperate to get off the ground or expand they'll take anyone who has a flashy looking CV.

dandelionclock30

Im in a similar situation to you but I didnt have alcohol problems.
I've got some part time work through a friend, have you any sympathetic friends with their own buisness who could offer you a few hours? then this would be your last reference combined with the volutary work.
If not what about saying that you worked for somewhere that has shut due to the recession and you cant get a reference or that you have been self employed for the last 7 years working freelance etc? but now want a paid post?
Or like the poster above says get a job that doesnt require a reference from a last employer.
I think if you keep giving a reference that says dismissed you will never get another job.People say about being open and honest but its Bull because the real world doesnt work like that. You will have to do what it takes thats the reality.

Savvy_Sue

the voluntary work may lead to a job where you wouldn't be so dependent on a work reference, so I'd persevere with that.

Tiddlywinks

TrickyWicky wrote: »

Try something thats easy to get into - taxi work for instance. Ok, you technically need a badge but there are a few operators who will risk it claiming an exception under the o licence. Failing that, see if you can get a job taking calls at a taxi company. Staff turnover in some cab companies is fast and high so they're a bit more careless about who they'll take on.

No offence but... any cab company prepared to take on a ex-alcoholic as a driver without any character reference is not a company I would want to travel with or work for.

OP - are there any charities in your area recruiting at the moment? Or any charities that work with ex-alcoholics to assist work placements?

Also, references are mostly taken after interview so if you apply to a smaller business and mention the issue at the end of the interview then they might be more understanding of this issue and give you a chance if you could offer a character reference and maybe proof from your GP that your drinking is entirely a thing of the past.

Good luck.

jdwnorton

Thanks for the replies . The Taxi thing is a no no because the alcohol problems led to a drink drive conviction which I am utterley ashamed of . So driving jobs are off limits. I think there isnt much I can do apart from voluntary work .
Being honest about being sacked is getting me nowhere.
Proper screwed my life up eh . Trying to get a job following a dismissal is one of the hardest things to overcome I think . But Im not blaming anyone but myself .

whitewing

In some respects, maybe the drinkdrive conviction will help because you can argue that you have been punished by the conviction and losing your job, and that you have learnt your lesson.

I can't remember the name but there are charities that support people into getting work and who could tell you what worked for the people they know, and people do get work - it may just mean you have to wait it bit so it isn't your recent past.

SueC_2

Is there anyone at your old company who would be willing to provide a reference that provided positive information about what happened before the alcohol problems developed? I'm not saying that they should completely overlook what happened once the alcohol kicked in, but possibly separate your performance from that of the alcohol.

dandelionclock30

jdwnorton wrote: »

Thanks for the replies . The Taxi thing is a no no because the alcohol problems led to a drink drive conviction which I am utterley ashamed of . So driving jobs are off limits. I think there isnt much I can do apart from voluntary work .
Being honest about being sacked is getting me nowhere.
Proper screwed my life up eh . Trying to get a job following a dismissal is one of the hardest things to overcome I think . But Im not blaming anyone but myself .

.

Its the economic climate as well you know, as there are over 100 going after some jobs.There are plenty of people with good references who are experiencing the same problem so its not just you. Steer clear of strictish jobs that will want a full employment history and 5 year references e.g like working with vulnerable groups or jobs in banks etc.
Courses also look good to an employer, what about looking to see whats on offer?