"job" in the Big Book

I found a job; then lost it as the result of a brawl with a taxi driver.

Here are some of the methods we have tried: Drinking beer only, limiting the number of drinks, never drinking alone, never drinking in the morning, drinking only at home, never having it in the house, never drinking during business hours, drinking only at parties, switching from scotch to brandy, drinking only natural wines, agreeing to resign if ever drunk on the job, taking a trip, not taking a trip, swearing off forever (with and without a solemn oath), taking more physical exercise, reading inspirational books, going to health farms and sanitariums, accepting voluntary commitment to asylums—we could increase the list ad infinitum.

This process snuffed out the last flicker of conviction that I could do the job myself.

Self-esteem (fear) Brown may get my Security. job at the office.

We have already admitted this in con­ fidence to another person, but we are sure we would be imprisoned or lose our job if it were known.

If he thinks he can do the job in some other way, or prefers some other spiritual approach, encourage him to follow his own conscience.

If he is, you might try to help him about getting a job, or give him a little financial assistance.

Some of us have taken very hard knocks to learn this truth: Job or no job—wife or no wife—we simply do not stop drinking so long as we place dependence upon other people ahead of dependence on God.

Your job now is to be at the place where you may be of maximum helpfulness to others, so never hesitate to go anywhere if you can be helpful.

“Oh no,” said my friend, “this chap is either through with liquor, or he is minus a job.

An alcoholic who has recovered, but holds a relatively unimportant job, can talk to a man with a better position.

If he is, and is still trying to recover, he will tell you about it even if it means the loss of his job.

If a man drinks so much that his job suffers, we fire him.