A DUI can cause you to lose your license, pay astronomical fees, and cause your insurance premium to skyrocket. That’s aside from the effects it will have on your immigration status or public standing, which could impact your ability to get a job. That’s not all that could hurt your chances, though. Here are five ways a DUI can harm your career.
1. Required Driving
Companies that require driving as part of the job view those with a DUI as an insurance liability risk. If they can’t trust you to make the right decisions in your own vehicle, how can they trust you to do so in theirs or when you represent their company? This will keep you from getting a new job in a similar field, as well.
2. Background Checks
Nearly every company conducts a background check on potential employees as part of the interview process. In most cases, that’s going to include any criminal history along with your driving record. While companies might view DUIs differently, most will change their perception of you once it shows up on your record.
3. Irresponsible Candidate
When it comes to perception, the top way employers see a candidate with a DUI is irresponsible. While that might not be fair or true, they assume that you cannot hold your daily life and routine together. They might think you fail to take life seriously, they may think you’re an alcoholic, or that they simply cannot trust you.
If you manage to retain your current position, a DUI will cause you to lose trust among your coworkers and bosses. They may also see you as irresponsible, which could cause you to miss out on opportunities and promotions.
4. Financial Strains
Jobs that require driving often offer excellent pay. Without a license, this could cap your earnings at a certain amount and reduce your income. Even when a job doesn’t require driving, they do require you to have a way to get to work. You’ll find yourself paying for rides when you can as you become unreliable to get to work on time.
5. Emotional Toll
A DUI can impact your self-esteem, create surmounting stress from its consequences, and put you in a negative state of mind for some time. All of these emotional tolls can impact your work performance as well as relations in the workplace. If the impact is severe enough, it could cost you your job.
For many, it also leads to depression and drinking. Both of these can also impact your work performance and lead to your firing. It’s essential that those with a DUI seek counseling if the emotional toll begins to impact their daily life.
Moving Forward
If a DUI does cost you your job, all is not lost. You can continue to seek employment with positions that do not require travel. After enough time has passed, it’s also possible to have the DUI expunged from your record, giving you the opportunity to start fresh and land an even better job than the one you had before.
