Dear Sue

I’m not going to rant about how I feel about DUI in order to add to your shame. You’ve been punished and you’ve had 2 years to reflect on your wrong doing.
Suffice to say that a close friend has been affected by the actions of a drunk driver and she has lost so much more than the things you list.
Maybe I am not the most sympathetic person to respond to you but you are here for advice not sympathy right?

Firstly you have listed things you have lost. Well the only one of those that you can’t get back is your licence (not for 8 years at least) So the decision you need to make is does the success of the next 8 years of your life depend on having a license? Are you going to put your life on hold until then?
If the answer is No then you have to start planning on getting your life back on track.
Freedom – I don’t know where you live but if there’s a public transport system use it, get yourself a bike, be creative advertise for car share buddies (except you won’t be driving)
Job & Financial stability – You’ll need to look outside the box, find employment that doesn’t require a license. You might need to re-train or start a home business there are possibilities. After all if you remain unemployed for the next 8 years you’like struggle to find employment when you do get your license back. Besides a license can’t be all you have to offer an employer. What are your other skills & qualities? Write them down. Ask others to continue. This will also help your self esteem.
As for the shame you feel, why not put that to good use? You have clearly demonstrated here that your license is not the only thing you lose if you DUI. The consequences of that moment of madness are severe. You could use your experience to volunteer to talk to groups who may be at risk of DUI, college students or something. Find a local organisation who might be able to facilitate you doing that. If not that then any voluntary work whilst you don’t have a job. You will be putting something back into your community and making some amends for your offence.
The only way to regain your self respect is to start doing things that deserve your respect.
If you start tackling some of the above your life will begin to piece back together and your self esteem will grow.

With best wishes
Sue

Sue,

Don’t forget that your actions, fortunately, did not take anyone’s life (I’m assuming) or cause much destruction beyond your own circumstances. In this sense, you may try to feel the good fortune that events have given you a great opportunity to grow. You can use this to help others and help yourself heal.