Short answer: Yes. Most residents can work or study while living in a halfway house, and returning to work is one of the main goals of sober living. Usually residents first settle in for a short period, build a routine and attend meetings, then start or return to work with the house team’s agreement. At New Horizon Halfway House Sundowner (2 Garnet Street) and Ferndale (272 York Avenue) in Randburg, residents are close to office parks, shops and transport, which makes commuting practical.
Why work is part of recovery
Work gives recovery a structure that is hard to build any other way. It offers:
- Routine — fixed start and finish times anchor the day.
- Purpose and self-worth — earning and contributing rebuild confidence that addiction often destroys.
- Financial independence — paying your own way, including contributing to fees.
- Practice under real pressure — learning to handle stress, deadlines and colleagues while sober, with support at home.
A halfway house is the ideal place to practise this, because if work becomes stressful, there is support waiting at home rather than an empty flat or an environment where people are drinking.
When should you start working?
There is no fixed rule, but most people do best when they:
- Have completed rehab and settled into the house routine.
- Are attending meetings consistently and have started step work.
- Have discussed the job and hours with the house team.
- Have a plan for handling stress, money and after-work time.
Some residents already have a job to go back to and return quickly. Others take a few weeks to settle before job-hunting.
Balancing work and recovery
| Challenge | What helps |
|---|---|
| Long hours crowding out meetings | Choose meetings that fit your shifts, including early-morning or evening groups |
| Work drinks and social events | Plan in advance: drive yourself, have an exit time, bring a sober friend |
| Having money again | Budget with the house team, limit cash on hand, pay fees and savings first |
| Work stress | Talk it through at house meetings, with a sponsor or in counselling |
| Overworking to avoid feelings | Keep regular rest, meals and recovery time in the schedule |
Commuting from Sundowner and Ferndale
Sundowner in north-west Randburg is practical for jobs around Northgate, Northriding, Randpark Ridge, Honeydew and Fourways. Ferndale in central Randburg suits jobs in the Randburg CBD, Sandton, Rosebank and the northern suburbs. Both houses have safe parking and WiFi, which also helps residents who work remotely or study online.
Do you have to tell your employer?
That is your choice. Some residents tell their employer or HR, especially if they need time for appointments. Others prefer privacy. The house team can help you think through what to share and how.
What if you cannot find work yet?
Job-seeking is part of recovery work. Residents can use the time to update a CV, apply for jobs, do short courses or volunteer. A halfway house also offers stability while you look, so the pressure of unemployment does not push you towards relapse.
Frequently asked questions
Can I study while living in a halfway house?
Yes. Studying, including online courses, works in the same way as employment.
Do I have to follow a curfew if I work night shifts?
Work schedules are discussed with the house team so curfews and routines can be agreed.
Can I work from home at the halfway house?
Remote work is possible, and all New Horizon homes have WiFi. Structure still matters, so daily routine and meetings stay in place.
Will working affect how long I stay?
Working often helps residents move towards independence, but the length of stay depends on overall progress. See how long to stay in a halfway house.
Find out more
Read our guides to New Horizon Sundowner and New Horizon Ferndale, or call 084 450 9562 (24 hours).