Depression/Alcoholism while employed

**Posts:** 4 · by **detroitdiesel85** » Tue Feb 09, 2016 7:19 pm

Hi, I'm Ed and I'm new to this forum. I'm 30 yrs old and I'm a certified auto/diesel mechanic by trade with many years experience; and an entrepreneur at heart. I've held numerous jobs throughout my working years and have never held one longer than a year. My last job led me to drinking heavily every night for 3 months and a serious urge to pull my .40 out and aim it at my head. After I quit the job, drinking stopped and depression subsided. Depression and heavy drinking aren't anything new to me; it's happened in almost every job I've held; just depends on how long I stay at the job.

So as of right now I'm 'unemployed'; but I didn't say I wasn't making a small living. Right now I have an online ebay business which in comparison is about equal to a $9 - $10/hr job full time. My checks at my last job were anywhere between $1500-$1700 every two weeks. So yes I took a massive pay cut. But...I'm happier where I'm at now. I don't drink to get drunk and my gun sits away nicely on my bookcase. I have plans to expand my current online business, open my own shop along with many other dreams/ideas I'd like to pursue.

I wasn't born yesterday, dreams take money to make them reality. My friend has offered me a job at his work (as an auto technician) which pays $2000 a week. Most people would not debate whether or not take the job. So here's the run down:

-My current income pulls in $1000-$1100 monthly
-I'm happy and have stopped drinking
-I already have balls rolling and contacts in terms of expanding my business

-My income could be $8000 monthly give or take
-I risk falling back into heavily drinking and depression
-I risk losing what head way I've already made in my business since I won't be able to work on it full time.

I've been offered pay raises and management positions at every job and have always turned them down. It just wasn't what I wanted. I've always wanted to be a business owner; knowing it would be rough the first couple of years. I love working hard, long hours to achieve my goals. I've spent more money on technical education than anyone ever should. I've come to the conclusion that I'm better at self-employment and telling myself what to do rather than have someone tell or just hand me work to do.

So therefore, my questions are does this mindset make me weak? Is the way I think a sickness? I currently take anti-depressants; should I ask for a stronger dose and go back to work? Honestly, I don't want to accept my friends job offer. But I'm afraid to tell him no. Any thoughts or comments would be appreciated. Have a great day!

Ed

**Posts:** 12131 · by **Richard@DecisionSkills** » Tue Feb 09, 2016 9:52 pm

detroitdiesel85 wrote:I've come to the conclusion that I'm better at self-employment and telling myself what to do rather than have someone tell or just hand me work to do.

So therefore, my questions are does this mindset make me weak? Is the way I think a sickness?

When a person is sick they take medicine. When a person has a weak mindset they often cope by using drugs or drinking.

Taking or not taking the job is not a weakness or a sickness. If you are happy running an eBay business and you are enjoying what you do then continue doing so, continuing building your business full time.

My one caution is that it does not address the underlying issue, rather it avoids the issue. There will come other times in life, other problems you will face that are similar to working for someone else. If you allow these situations to dictate your choices, then eventually the business and your other relationships may suffer.

**Posts:** 4 · by **detroitdiesel85** » Wed Feb 10, 2016 5:37 pm

thanks. I will keep these comments in mind.

**Posts:** 4 · by **jamese66** » Tue Feb 16, 2016 4:04 am

Hey there, if you not happy you need to make changes without a doubt, that being said maybe a little creativity and a little negotiating can go a long way for you.MAY your buddy or at least somebody would be cool with you working 2 days a week,maybe you could find another guy that would be willing to job share with you.You work two he works three or whatever works out. This would give you time to do other happier things. i think Richard@DecisionSkills does have a point you need to get to the root of the issue and sort it out.

**Posts:** 4 · by **detroitdiesel85** » Tue Feb 16, 2016 5:10 pm

Thanks for the comments jamese66. Working a job 2-3 days a week is a good option; I will look into it. I've been trying to get it worked before I go head first into another full time job; unfortunately I can't just put my toolbox in my pocket and carry it home if I don't a job lol!

**Posts:** 4 · by **detroitdiesel85** » Wed May 11, 2016 11:49 am

I just wanted to update where I'm at right now; The job my friend tried to get me I didn't get; I found another job after that but was fired after 5 weeks. Currently I'm back to selling on ebay and actually doing pretty good this month...I found out how to source my items cheaper and have a bigger inventory

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