I feel hopeless- there's so much mistakes i've made in my life that now that i want to do good it's hard- what

Question

what should i do? i got arrested for shoplifting in 2003 and have on my record a felony charge for burlary and was give probation for about 3 years. The probation is up and since then have tried to find a good job that can pay ok since i have some college background on me but- have had no luck. I'm depressed becauase i need to find a better job. Most jobs i've had have paid little but the ones i;ve had that have paid well are those in shich i can't move up. I work for private construction company (the owner, his wife and 2 kids) but things are hectic with these people. THey relly on me for everything and i'm sick of it. I'm finally off probation and want to get a better job. What kinds of jobs can i get that won't require people to check my background? if they do? which one's do you think won't care since it's been a while back since my arrest? i have a 3 year old who's father doesn't pay me child support and and am really depressed. What should i do?

another thing- where i work now- they didn't check my background for anything but i was honest enough to tell them i had something in it and they still accepted me but- I feel like they want to lay me off since i do the payables & receivables and find myself not doing anything at all at times- i have a feeling that they want to let me go since they don't need me too much anyway. What should i do? i have a couple of choices but i don't just wannt go back to school and take a course and later find out that the professeion i choose won;t hire a felone. Actually- i'm wrong- it wasn't even a felony- it was a misdemeanor but still- it's bad enough to have ANYTHING on your record. My bf of 4 years wants to help but it's a huge burden for him to have to take care of me & my son if i can't find work. any suggestions??

Answer 1

That sounds like a difficult situation to be in, try not feeling too down about it because the truth is you have some options.
You can try applying to Youth Shelters or Group Homes and become a Counselor. These type of positions can be in both you and your employers mutual interest. Legally, employers are not allowed to discriminate against you if you have a background in the system. So my advice is to turn this challenge into a strength. When filling out the application, respond honestly to a questions that inquires about your history with breaking laws... this way when you are on your interview you can point out how you have been in "troubled" situations before and how much you can offer to the children that may be in the same situation you were once in.
For jobs within that type of field try Idealist.org
Good luck!