When I started this blog one of the ideas that interested me was the ability to assist felons with legit and high paying jobs. The reality is felons have a hard grind in the job market unless they have an inside hookup or a massive amount o f family support. And since I would confidently wager that the overwhelming amount of felons do not have an inside hookup for a legit job, nor a massive amount of family support, it’s safe to reason that there is an online need for proper and sincere guidance.
I’ve been absent from this blog for a little while because I’ve had a lot of personal distractions to contend with. I’m in the process of relocating and I’ve had unexpected visitors to my living space. That being said, I must say that when my original thoughts for this blog space developed, I had the notion to focuse on things that were important to ex offenders hence the entire jobs for felons mindset. Somehow down the road I noticed distractions within my own though process which pretty much derailed my original focus.
It did occur to me that ex offenders might just need a place to vent or share some views, concepts, ideas, and some of their own personal insight on life in general as an ex offender. There were a lot of things going on in the country when I began this blog, there was and still is the war in Iraq, there was all of the hype and buzz about the historic presidential elections, then all of this news flooded the media regarding the credit crunch and the world economic downturn. Then there was all of ths stuff about Bernie Madoff and the multibillion dollar hedge fund scams, then I became majorly preoccupied with the Federal Reserve Banking system and potential zionist influence within the world money markets etc.
Being a bit of a news junkie and not being a writer, I admi I became increasingly distracted by most of the headline news that was happening in our world and I think this has had a major impact on my wavering thoughts and blog contributions. The good thing about my own blog is that I’m not really accountable to a supervisor in the traditional sense of the word, yet it was browser comments that sort of inspired me to take a more dedicated focus on where this blog should go. Ok ok, it was 1 browswer comment but the comment was clearly an earnest request from a convicted felon who was seeking a job.
This indicates to me that I need to focus on content specific for Jobs for felons as much as I can. In order to help out where I can I’ll do some research, perhaps make some phone calls and compile some useful content specific to the availablity of jobs for felons during the recession.
I won’t rule out discussing other things but I think it’s important for me to honor the title of the blog since I know first hand how frustrating it can be to enter in search term and find results which are not meeting the expectations of the keywords entered into the search engine.
By the way has anyone heard the statements that Hulk Hogan made recently about “understanding OJ Simpson”? Hulk is currently involved in a messy divorce and if he’s not careful with his emotions he may end up in the slammer. Naturally none of us want to see that.
Until next time,
Because every ex offender should have a little Phoenix in them.
Phoenix
I have been out of jail for 6 mos. now and I still haven’t found a job yet. I had a bar fight that ked to 4 3mos in prison. As of right now, I’m in school, at Fox Business Inst., I have a 3.85 grade average, but still haven’t found a job. It get’s really frustrating knowing that I have over 10 yrs. clerical/administrative experience, and how it was once so easy for me to get a job, now it’s a long process because of my felony conviction, the only thing that I can do is just keep moving ahead. How are we supposed to be productive members of society when we are not allowed the opportunity to do so.? I never thought I would end up doing time, I wasn’t hanging with a bad crowd, actually, I was out with co-worker when the incident happened. And my mother is a police officer, to her embarrassment. But we all make mistakes, but how long will I be paying for mine?
I have been out of jail for 6 mos. now and I still haven’t found a job yet. I had a bar fight that led to 4 3mos in prison. As of right now, I’m in school, at Fox Business Inst., I have a 3.85 grade average, but still haven’t found a job. It get’s really frustrating knowing that I have over 10 yrs. clerical/administrative experience, and how it was once so easy for me to get a job, now it’s a long process because of my felony conviction, the only thing that I can do is just keep moving ahead. How are we supposed to be productive members of society when we are not allowed the opportunity to do so.? I never thought I would end up doing time, I wasn’t hanging with a bad crowd, actually, I was out with co-worker when the incident happened. And my mother is a police officer, to her embarrassment. But we all make mistakes, but how long will I be paying for mine?
Sirena,
Hopefully you can channel your 10 years+ clerical / administrative experience into something positive and rewarding, thats really what it’s all about at the end of the day.
I’m not saying it will be easy but it’s obtainable. Often times unfortunately a felony conviction, no matter how short, translates into a defacto life sentence in the real world. It’s up to us to turn it around and succeed on our own because we cannot rely on others to give us a fair shake. At least thats been my experience.
Your current business studies will provide a benefit for your employment goals as well, keep up the good GPA and stay focused, keep your chin up and endure. Be marothon minded and you will succeed.
Sierna, thanks for your contribution to this blog
In Hawaii, it is illegal to ask an applicant if they have ever been convicted of a felony.
In order to be a truly equal opportunity employer, shouldn’t that mean for felons also? I live in Arizona now and I have been looking for a job for over a year now. I am an experienced cabinet-maker with great references from my past employers and I have had many interviews. I’ve had many employers look at my resume and some even called my references and they wanted to hire me on the spot. Then they notice my felony conviction (because I won’t lie) and that is when they become a unequal opportunity employer. I even thought about changing careers and going through schooling. What good would it do if they can’t see past my past.
I know it is a barrier and we must push past our barriers in order to reach our goals, but it is very frustrating to see “Equal Opportunity Employer” and not be treated equally.
Aloha H.G. Kiefer,
I had no idea that it was “illegal” to ask an applicant if they have ever been convicted of a felony! Just goes to show, if u r lucky, u learn something new everyday! Well your job search experience has clearly demonstrated that this is not the case outside of the paradise called Hawaii. Very sad to hear about your situation however it is very common and will continue to be the case “because you won’t lie”. Which of course in theory seems like the proper and legal thing to do, but in reality, it seems TOTALLY impractical. How can you readjust into society and work force if you are not even given the equal opportunity consideration which is mandated? This is the problem and the catch 22 of having a conviction record. Truth is, it’s a really shitty predicament, and equates to a “life sentence”. I’ve had the exact same experiences (and worse) that you’ve had with employment screening H.G. and it makes life a serious grind unless you cut some corners. I don’t know what your situation is, but based on what I do know about what you have shared, without question I WOULD return to HAWAII! Aloha and thanks for your contribution to this blog. Good luck to you by the way. Keep the faith bro!
i am in school now for human services. this subject has been on my mind for a long time. i have noticed that most people do not care about this subject. i have no felonies, one mis when i was younger and i was a y.o. to the man that talked about hawaii and how he builds cabinets. you have a great skill. start your own business. that is what not only felons but minorities period need to do. although we are in a recession, people are still in need of many items, of many things. men and women, get your talent together and network. find more people that want to be apart of the movement. it can work, it will work, just start networking. i am definately a supporter.
Feliocity,
Thanks for your feedack and I agree with you 100% as it relates to the idea of ex offenders moving into the direction of self employment. In the face of the level of adversity which confronts ex offenders I’m firmly convinced that this is the only sensible direction to gravity towards, like it or not. The challenge is everyone is not self employment material. And since valid studies clearly indicate the over 90% of ALL small businesses fail within the first year, this presents another aspect of what I’ll refer to as “layered adversity” to the mix. Now you throw in the reality that most ex offenders are “minority”, then you’ve just added another layer of adversity.
When you also recognize that if it’s nearly impossible to get a job because of a conviction record, it has 2 B double difficult to get the proper funding for your upstart from anyone …. more adversity to overcome. Feliocity, I do agree with you believe me but the reality is that it can’t be argued that a person with a conviction record has not mastered the required art of “risk management” a key trait required to succeed in any business. I feel you on this, I just think perhaps it’s an over simplification to just declare a need for self employment.
Though I agree with you on principle, the reality is quite daunting. No matter how you slice it, attaining and succeeding with a respectable quality of life for an ex offender requires new thinking in order to level the playing field, trust me I know from experience.
And as far as the recession is concerned, I’m not sure if it’s true but I’ve read that what the recession really means is that people are spending on average only 5% less than they would spend normally. When you think about it, 5% individually is not a really big cut back in spending, but COLLECTIVELY it is a HUGE amount. This is the problem. Feliocity, I really appreciate your input to this blog, please return and contribute when you have the time. You bring a “solution oriented” perspective which is valuable and which should be focused on 
Nice article about job hunting for felons. I’ve been on the market since the 1st of May. Obviously I haven’t been looking for that long. I have a Masters Degree in Computer Science and 16+ years of IT experience and the Felony conviction hangs me up every time. I actually averaged an interview in-person every week since being let go on the 1st, which I think is pretty damned good considering the current job market.
Doing some searching around here on the Internet there are really no good job sites for felons. So there may be an opportunity there for me.
It is especially frustrating because my conviction 10 years ago was for a sexual assault – and NO ONE wants to deal with that….
Brian,
Dude…. whats your problem? What on earth is someone with you qualifications doing looking for a j-o-b (just over broke) for? I operate quite suitably online and if I were you I’d check out any of the following sites and get busy!
ScriptLance.com
GetaCoder.com
eLance.com
Project4Hire.com
Odesk.com
Planet-Source-Code.com
Shit take your pic man and get paid! Didn’t you get the memo..
“Consultants get paid to tell clients what they already know.”
Good luck and thanks for contributing to the blog. Drop by again anytime for more in your face inspiration!
PS. Long before I was socially unemployable, I was mentally unemployable, thats how I got myself in trouble in the first place.
there is a lot of good information for ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs as well as a large list of companies that hire ex-offenders at my blog jailtojob.com/wordpress
Thanks Eric,
I’m familiar with your site and I commend your diligence in this area of expertease. Thanks for stopping by to promote your blog, I’m certain there is plenty of useful information.
My favorite post on your blog is about the “Certificate of Rehabilitation” I’d be more interested in knowing exactly how many ex offenders actually have received this certificate, and how much $$ was involved if one was ever granted, Do you have any insight on that?
Stop by anytime,
Phoenix
Hello I guess my situation is a little different. Back in 2004 I received a check in the mail, tried to cash it and ended up getting arrested. Now I successfully completed probation and paid all fees, but since then I have received 4 more checks in the mail and 2 money orders(fake). I went through this company called expungement assistance services and submitted my paperwork to the courts and they reinstated my rights but won’t vacate my charges because they said the nature of the crime and it’s too early. I’ve maintained my innocence the whole time if anything its ignorance on my part for even allowing myself to believe I would get a check out of the blue, but its a slap in the face that I got convicted of this shit and still getting checks.
Strange circumstances Nikisha,
and I’m certain your summary is just that “a summary”. Setting that aside, exactly what types of jobs are you looking for? What barriers are you facing when pursuing the job market?
Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment,
Come back Anytime and I’ll help if I can!
Thanks for responding. At this point I have went as far as fast food. Even telemarketing. I’m being told that its not the fact that I have a felony, its the type of felony that I have. I was charged with forgery. Tomorrow I am going back to the courthouse to request yet another hearing, along with all the checks and money orders I have received and see if they will finally at least reduce it to a misdemeanor. I just want my life back!!! It was wrongfully taken!!
Nikisha,
Are you good at telemarketing? Or do you like fast food? I’m trying to get a genuine sense of where you would feel most comfortable in a work / occupational atmosphere. Any kind of “position of trust” will likely yield the reply that you’ve gotten already. “it’s the type of felony you have” blah blah blah
In my experience, thats just someone being polite and finding a way OUT without looking like they are applying discrimmination, when in fact they actually are. Imagine, if you were a drug dealer, regulatory offender whatever; a similar excuse could and likely would be used. Sorry this is just the harsh reality of an ex offender, I’ve been there I’ve done that! For your sake I hope your experience is different. But I know PLENTY of ex offenders with all sorts of convictions and we’ve all had the same experience as you are having now.
“it’s the type of felony that you have” blah blah, Now ask yourself Nikisha, what does a “forgery” have to do with flipping burgers or operating a cash register, or even sweeping the floor, or cleaning tables or whatever?
Think about it, what is the raw relevance?
It’s likely just Game! Any “Position of Trust” is your barrier, and thats damn near anything!
Let me know how you make out ok, I do wish you the best in attempt to have your offense classed as a misdemeanor.
Keep smiling!
LOL no I am not good at telemarketing lol I’ve tried several times and I got those jobs by lying about my conviction, I just figured I had do what I had to do. I’ve never worked for a fast food place. I’ve had 3 “real” jobs in my life, I’ve worked at 2 gas stations and at motel 6. So I guess my target would be customer service.
Wow,
Thanks for sharing your experience. Illuminating how your tm jobs were available by “lying” about your conviction, …very common. Life’s sticky catch-22 that most ex offenders experience.
Then when u do come clean about your conviction, and if you are lucky to get hired, you’ll likely experience employers taking advantage of you with regard to compensation or other dodgy manuevorings, very sad yet very true.
Nikisha what type of customer service are you interested in?
Phoenix,
My suggestion for anyone who is interested in Certificates of rehabilitation is to contact their local legal aid office. They have attorneys that are experienced in this field and charge little or nothing for their services.
Hey Eric,
I’m clear with your suggestion about the “Certificate of Rehabilitation” I’d be more interested in knowing exactly how many ex offenders are you personally aware of who have actually applied for and RECEIVED this certificate anywhere?
I’m really curious about this bruh.
Thanks
At this point I just want to work. I have a family that I need to help provide for just like everyone else. I went back to the courts yesterday and applied for reconsideration to vacate my judgment so I know that is a waiting game so now I wait lol.
Good luck Nikisha,
The reason why I was trying to probe and get a better sense of what you are attracted work wise is because I am aware of several credible online legit $$ making methods that you may be interested in pursuing.
The thing is most require a lot of writing and a real self motivating personality type, people who need to be micro managed are not cut out for it, that I can tell you. Also everyone is not cut out to be self employed either but it’s something you should give some thought to if you are struggling in the offline world.
Just my 2 cents
Hey Phoenix,
I would be interested in the online work. If you know they are legit. I’ve tried an online job once but it was just a big scam but if its legit I would like to give it a try.
At this point, I am willing to go to any length to help with the bills and to get back in the working class.
Hey Kiefer,
What type of work stuff are you naturally attracted to or actually good at? I’m not a big fan of trying to force square pegs into round holes when it comes to work referrals if you know what I mean.
Are you a sales guy? A phone guy? An administrative type? A laborer? Give me a sense of your work history or aspirations. I’m not trying to be crypic, I’m just trying to point you in the right direction if I can. Also what state are you in? Let me know.
Later.
Hello Phoenix,
like I said I am willing to give anything a try. I need to get some money in my pockets and help provide for my family. As far as me I am self motivated and book smart. Don’t have a lot of street smarts (enough to get by) but I’m that person that you want as a phone-a-friend!!! lol
What state are you in Nikisha?
Thanks
I’m finding that the state of New York has granted several Certificates to people that I have worked with.
Hey Eric,
Thats very good to hear. Are these “State Felonies”?
Anything available for Federal Felonies? Most of my click are actually Federal ex offenders.
Also what kind of cost is associated with these results, and whats average time frame to
attain results?
Sounds good, hell sounds GREAT!
Oh, do your clients find that this actually diminishes job hire prejudice? Is there a system in place
to help these people find jobs, or is there a list of employers that are more receptive to hiring people
who actually secure these certificates? This sounds really interesting and encouraging.
Thanks
I’m in Arizona, I’ve done telemarketing ie: sales, collections, appt setting, fund raisers and data entry. I learned cabinet making in a work furlough program in Hawaii but even with my references (which are outstanding) I can’t get a job in my field due to my felony. I am taking Eric’s advice on the Certificate of Rehabilitation/Pardon request but that is going to take time. So its time for me to step out of my field and into something I can get started now. I am a very fast learner and I am very teachable. I count that as one of my best assets when it comes to new employment. I can do just about anything I set my mind to.
Arizona
So HG and Nikisha you are both in Arizona, ok.
And HG it seems you’ve done a lot but are those
call center job positions you’ve had AFTER your conviction or before?
And ok, lets be real, with Nikisha she’s already expressed her offense so I have an idea on what I’m working with and I do have a contact in Arizona who could possibly lend a hand for call center work.
HG as you are aware, all offenses are not perceived nor treated equally, if you don’t mind sharing, what “sort” of ex offender are you?
All my call center or telemarketing experience was before my felony conviction. And you are right all offenses are not treated equally. My offense is a theft in the second degree. Its a glorified term for shoplifting an item over $300 but below $10,000. Either way it is shown as a theft charge and from what my experience has shown me thus far. It ranks up there with violent crimes. No one wants to hire a thief.
Hello Phoenix. If you can help out, I’m all for it!! Like I said I have a family to help provide for and I just NEED to work. I don’t care what it is. I’m a hard worker just need a job. Thanks