What They Don't Tell You About Sobriety In The Workplace (part 1)

The Unobstructed

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What They Don't Tell You About Sobriety In The Workplace (part 1)

59. For when you're sick and tired of being sick and tired.

Derek MacDonald

Apr 23, 2025

Transcript

You might not recognize your rock bottom until later.

Sometimes you know quick. But other times, it’s a quiet realization. One that unfolds slower, like pulling the bandaid instead of ripping it off.

A raw moment of “wow! I feel like total shit today…why do I keep doing this?”

And another of “ok, I am DEFINITELY not drinking today.”

But you do.

Until one day you decide to try something else.

Even if it’s just browsing…to see how it fits.

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction or looking for resources to help get sober, aa.org is a place you can visit to learn more about getting support.

The Unobstructed Podcast: Episode 12

This episode is personal—

Yeah yeah, i know. I say that every week. Touché. But I’m proud of how Rachael and I showed up for this one. And I think you’ll like it. We recorded this to talk about sobriety at work.

Since, ya know…that’s a bit of a faux pas.

No, this isn’t an AA meeting. We’re not sharing inventories or waxing poetic about the ways we’ve done wrong. We’re just two people who both pulled out of relapses and had to figure out a new “normal” while keeping shit together at work.

And we wanted to talk about that. The parts of getting sober that don’t have a manual.

How sobriety impacts your career—good and bad.
What changes at work events and in friendships.
Why relapse is a shitty word that sounds shitty.

Because the truth is, you won’t always get a dramatic wake-up call. You might just decide one day that alcohol isn’t making your life any better.

I’ve lived both versions.

Now, I’m coming up on 4 years since my last drink.

And I’m definitely not telling you to get sober. But I am letting you know that Rachael and I talk about what that’s like in this episode.

Two stories of being sick and tired of being sick and tired.

Give it a listen. Then let us know what you think. You can also get it on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music.

onward.

-dmac

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