On the Problem of Getting a Job

IT is slightly difficult to impress a new member of AA, even a sober one, who does not know where his next meal is coming from or where he is to find a night's lodging, that our slogans of "Easy Does It" and "First Things First" have much significance for him. If he is really sincere about wanting to do something about his drinking problem, the question often uppermost in his mind, next to food and sleep, is "How do I get a job?" It is our understanding that of the first 10 members of AA, only one was actually still working on his arrival in the group. The situation has, of course, changed in 15 years and many now come into AA before they have lost practically everything, including the job, but there are still vast numbers who have no economic security left, who are broke and jobless. What is the responsibility of the group, if any, to these men and women? It is easy enough to say glibly that AA is not an Employment Agency but, if we really want to help a guy or a gal find any contented sobriety, it is not quite as simple as that.