help for convicted felons????

Question

i am a convicted felon. i spent 3 years in prison. i've been out for 6 years. but i can't get a good job. mcdonalds and other fast food places are about as good as it gets for me. my charges are uttering forged inst. and dealing in stolen property. i am 27 now and i want something outta life. any suggestions? thankxxx

Answer 1

You're not alone. It's hard enough to get a job without being in prision, but honestly, as a convicted felon, your chances are much much harder.

Now that doesn't mean you won't be hired, but just realize and learn to live with the fact that it will definitely be harder and take longer.

And of course, it all depends on what you were convicted of. For example, if you went to prison for robbery, many employers might not really want you near their cash registers. Why? For fear that you might be tempted to steal. Can they automatically dismiss you from the hiring process? Not if you're qualified to do the job.

Being convicted of forgery and dealing in stolen property are not minor offenses in the business world. They indicate character, and the message it sends is that you'll steal and/or deceive me.

And given the choice between 2 equally qualified individuals, one who went to prison for whatever reason and one who didn't, which one would most people decide to hire? The one without prison.

Being charged and convicted are night and day. Charges can be dropped, but convictions stay on your record and say to a potential "You did it!"

My suggestion is to get used to being turned down from lots of jobs, yet realize that somebody will eventually take a chance on you. Although it will definitely take longer than had you not gone to prison.

And FYI, do NOT hide your conviction on a job app because it WILL show up on a simple reference check and it's grounds for immediate dismissal. You LIED on an application.

You'll probably have to take an unpleasant job like dishwasher or janitor until you can prove yourself trustworthy and responsible. Those are just the breaks from being in prison and it's a good lesson to others--crime doesn't pay!

I know the temptation is there to go back to crime because getting a legit job and staying on the straight and narrow aren't easy by a longshot. And that's what many do. They become lifelong criminals and live a life of despair.

Try to avoid this and take comfort in knowing that you'll find a legit job eventually. And if you keep your nose clean, you'll begin to regain that trust and respect from others who will see you as having successfully turned your life around.

Answer 2

There are some great arguments here. Great question Curious. As a retired Cop it may surprise some that tend to go the way of Mountain Man on this issue. There is a problem with a person paying their debt to society, but living the rest of their lives as a second class citizen, because we forget that they can't vote either. I can see where they would have a lack of loyalty to the community and this could lead to a new violation. I also see some credence with keeping firearms out of the hands of those of convicted violent crimes, which by the way we already do with those convicted of Domestic Violence. However, considering how easy it is for a person to get set up on a Domestic Violence rap, I have some doubts about this law. I could maybe see a 1 year waiting period, or something similar. What I fear the most is that the government is figuring out a way to disarm the public one segment at a time. Just look at their successful campaign to ostracize tobacco users. When they destroy the rights of one segment, when will they be after yours. A person charged with killing someone while drunk driving can eventually get their license back and buy a new car. Isn't there something hypocritical about this. I don't see any big changes in the near future, but this makes for healthy debate. I think our legal system, like any good church, needs a good reformation on occasion. I would strongly advise everyone to stop joining the government in stripping the rights from other groups, regardless if you like them or not. Otherwise you are just a tool of the propaganda.

Answer 3

What I'm about to say has nothing to do with you being a convicted felon but for all those who would give anything just to be able to find a job even at McDonald's would be heaven to them.
You have to be patient now and no matter how hard you try to find a better job there may not be anything else available right now for you or for anybody else with the economy as it is. Remember that jobs are not growing on trees and to just have a job is something short of a miracle these days.
Hang in there and don't give up on yourself or others because something is bound to turn up but may not happen for awhile yet. We all need to be strong during this time of turmoil because it affects everyone and not just you.
Best of luck for your future.

Answer 4

Your first job, is not to give up looking. Expand your education.

Some companies can not hire you. As example, the company I am employed with, some contracts we have, have us working on "certain" government property. Those contracts do not allow a felon to work on that job, therefore, the applicant is not qualified, not for what he has done, but for the type of work we do. There is a time limit on these contracts of 10 years. In this case, 10 years and 1 day, from conviction, you would be eligible for hire.
Keep your chin up, focus, good luck to you

Answer 5

start a business.

I think its about your only way to avoid mediocrity. lots of businesses don't need that much up front cash if any. and be completely open with your customers about your past. some newspapers would jump at the chance to do a human interest story on the reformed ex-felon whose now trying to live the American Dream.
Don't let your past be a secret or worse, a rumor. own it.

here's a couple of little or no money up front businesses:
yard work, pick-up junk or anything company, snow removal, recycling, handyman service, repair service, Internet middleman on companies like eBay, tutoring service or second language instruction.

just remember to check if a license is applicable and if your felony will get in the way.

good luck

Answer 6

Brandi,

I have two felons that work for me right now... They are two of the best employees that I have! My thoughts on hiring them was..... First of all people need a second chance! These guys had also been out of jail for several years. They had clean records from the time they had gotten out! I thought that if I give this guy a chance, he will try harder and have a better work ethic than the guy who is using this job as a stepping stone. Both men that I am speaking of have been with our company for several years now! They realized right off that this was the chance! They both make around 50-60k a year. (started around 30k/y) I have loyalty and commitment from them and their families... They have to hide nothing from me! Its a win/win situation for all involved! I wish you the best of luck! I'm sure its hard and their aren't many people out their with the same point of view that I have... I hope you find one!

Answer 7

Talk to a career counsler. I know there are some places that have work experiece for those wanting to change their lives after prison. It may not be a position where they place a lot of trust or responsiblity on you, just because of the situation but you can work hard and gain their trust and hopefully have a career. Good Luck

Answer 8

I have an ex brother in law that went to prison for 8 years and whne he got out he answered an ad in the paper for a painter that was 4 years ago and now he owns his own painting business and doing good for his self. I dont know why you went to prison and it does matter,he cant be around schools or daycares and it is hard when they call him he just tells them he cant fit them in or he sends someone else to bid and do the job for him.

Answer 9

I don't know if your past crimes fall into this category, but it is possible to get criminal record expunged. That means your record is closed and doesn't come up if someone does a background search. You can find out more about it by looking up info on the Internet. Also, start asking friends for connections. Someone who owns their own business might be willing to hire you. They aren't held to the same rules as big, public companies.

Answer 10

I just got done doing 7 yrs. myself haven't had a problem. I already had a job in the first month and make $16 an hour. quit applying at places like Mc's and find a field that you can see yourself work at and in for awhile. it's not easy and you going to face a lot of adversity. try and find a trade...good luck