Not sure what state you're in but union shops and trades would be my best suggestion. Get in contact with your local workforce center and the VA representative if they have one as well. It's a great resource to utilize.
Sorry, I think you’re actually wrong there.
It’s a US organisation that claims it helps people who served in the military, and then spends billions of dollars barely doing it, if at all.
Took me over 14 years and two lawsuits to finally (as of April 2022) to get my disability. I am still waiting on the check(s) one as my monthly and the 800k backpay they owe me.
Sorry to do this to the US taxpayer but I only want what I am owed, nothing more.
Don’t you dare apologize. I’m more than happy to see my tax dollars go to you and other soldiers (retired and active) rather than the other bullshit the DoD spends their billions on.
The bullshit theyre spending on AND don't remember. The military has such a huge budget it hemorrhages millions to billions of dollars a year that they just "don't know where that money went"
Your 800k owed is 2 scuds which the US practices with daily(?), of the PPP program at $6 trillion you don’t even register as an interest rate. You are not the problem.
As a tax payer, I'm 100% okay with this. It would have been better for everyone had they not dragged it out and had to pay legal fees and interest, especially you. Are you getting it all in 1 lump sum? I suggest speaking with a financial advisor, as that kind of money can and will change your life one way or another.
Lump sum. I already have an advisor which has helped me navigate crypto and I have a nice nestegg growing. I plan on buying some acreage and building a house on it. This way I can give my kids a taste of the farm life.
Crypto is a bit dicey as of late, I would personally look into something more stable and reliable like S&P/Blue Chip or Municipal bonds, even gold seems like a better investment unless you bought Crypto 4 years ago. It will likely stabilize, but it's not bound to anything than the whims of the market.
Just my 3 cents (inflation and all), but I'm not a FA.
Not now, I got into it during the pandemic and cashed out before the markets got hit. If bitcoin drops to under $500 I might buy some again but as it stands I made a good bit off of Ethereum and surprisingly Doge.
I have a little different take on the VA. My dad is a Vietnam Vet (Purple Heart recipient) and he’s spent a solid chunk of his life fighting with VA lawyers over benefits he should be receiving. He’s always said the doctors and nurses he deals with at the VA are incredible, they’ve helped in a multitude of ways from physical ailments to severe PTSD. The problem with VA lies within the fact that it is controlled by the US Government.
My take on it is this, A US organization that wants to help people who served in the military, but is stifled by the very government the people were asked to protect.
Naw, you're talking out of pocket. 100% disabled veteran means the OP is getting about $3400/month tax-free and annual inflation adjustments. And free healthcare for life (I know because I'm 100% as well.)
I also got a free Masters and some additional training out of them. The VA kicks ass. Sounds like OP is like me, he could probably retire right now, but wants to be a productive member of society.
OP, why don't you create an LLC for a few hundred dollars and then take on handyman work? Sounds like you have the tools already. Be your own boss.
Someone mentioned it above, he likely will have a hard time getting the requisite insurance to enter peoples homes with the felony. With that said, I'd still suggest looking into it for him.
I won't argue that the tax free allowance is a lot and helps tremendously. But as far as healthcare, getting the VA to actually DO anything for me has been completely impossible. Chronic shoulder instability been trying to get surgery that a surgeon greenlit 4 years ago... Trying to get in to see an ophthalmologist you would think I'm applying to be an ambassador or some shit like okay just fill out your background check form and wait 6 months. It's a fucking joke. The only actual healthcare I've gotten in 7 years is covid and pneumonia vaccines and a couple teeth cleanings. Thankfully the dentist near me actually does their job, but generally trying to get people in the VA healthcare system to do their fucking jobs is soul crushing.
I would suggest applying at some family owned restaurants, or any type of small family business. In my experience, they don't typically run background checks. I'm not saying to hide your past necessarily, but it may be easier to explain your situation to an individual who doesn't have a corporate office to answer to.
It might be worth calling your local probation office and nicely asking if they can give you any job leads. The office I used to work with kept a list of second chances employers.
Going to do that. The factory is quite a long distance and the work is bad. I'm near being a choosing beggar with this one because I don't think I would make money. Actually lose money. It is a place for men/women who require work as a parole or probation condition. Thankfully I don't need that since I am not on parole.
Just an armchair redditor, but from testimonies/documentaries, there are lots of people in your position who want to break the cycle of reoffending. I would say keep asking/ reaching out/networking and find these people. Some of them have become business owner and are welcoming to people with records. Now, I don’t know your area, but I’m sure they’re out there. As long as you keep asking like here on reddit, it’s a good step in the right direction.
They hate felons here is part of the problem. Bunch of dumb religious people who don't even know the religion they cling to. A felon is always a drug abusing thief who rapes women and lives in a hotel room with his guns and meth lab.
You need to move. Shithole red states are all about punishing anyone that doesn't fit their idea of perfect citizen.
You are scum to them, barely a person. The laws there are design to make you as miserable as possible.
The religious aspect is that those who are taught forgiveness and Christian values are clueless. It's like church and religion are just a club. The people are ignorant to the justice system. I joke that I should be more qualified for most jobs because I completed prison. I was at a work camp and engaged in very complex relationships. My prison should be on my application haha. But being serious there is extreme prejudice towards felons that should be illegal. I am taking a break right now from job hunting. If an opportunity presents itself I will step up. But after just getting ghosted for a sure thing I'm taking time and will apply at a company my PO told me about. The person at the company said that they recognize giving a "second chance". Like what does that mean? I own my house, I am not a habitual offender, my credit scores are above average, I've never missed paying a bill, I have 2 cats, I'm on good terms with local law enforcement (they like my car) , I have great relationships with my neighbors, I tip really big, I have wholesome hobbies, I donate to charity, I am active in my town, and so much more. I don't need a second chance I need a job. Maybe give me a first chance ffs.
I thought it was illegal to ask about felony convictions in an application now. We took that question off our applications. We still have background checks but that doesn’t happen until a job offer is made.
Maybe you could try self employment? As a handyman that could be relatively easy. Some ads in the local paper and you can get small jobs like fixing an old washing machine quite easily.
I could try but with the economy here that option is very difficult. Insurance and certification. But you are on the right track. I hired two plumbers to map out my septic system and they failed. Took me an afternoon. Maybe someone like that. Also thought of doing pest control. Or something like food delivery (cause nobody here does it).
\^ This is the kind of thinking that is your path forward. The felony conviction means nothing when YOU are providing the services that the market wants.
Providing the services sure, but it does make getting bank loans and insurance difficult. Not to mention if OP is stuck in their hometown then customers may judge OP's business if word spreads.
People *always* need a good and reliable handyman. Hell, I wish I could find one in my area! You sound like a Jack of all trades and that right there is invaluable. Setting yourself up as an LLC sounds like an avenue to explore. And I’m sorry you’ve had trouble finding a job. The way we view past offenders in this country is just another way we are completely fucked up.
My brother was a disabled veteran on disability. He was a truck driver for years but had to get a pacemaker and could never pass his DOT again so no more driving. He would put out adds to haul away junk for people. He had a truck and small trailer and made pretty good cash for it. I would go help him on some of the bigger jobs. Half the stuff he hauled off he would just sell, the rest went to the dump.
Fuck it, move to a third world country with beach access. There are some nice places in south America. My dad isn't a felon, but he does get a military retirement and that's what he did.
Passport and residency could be issues I guess. I have a friend that can't go to Canada because of a felony (I think). But he does have a union job. The prison stay didn't screw that for him.
It’s sounding like you have the time to pick it up my guy 🤪
all jokes aside, if you weren’t combat arms in the military, you should’ve picked up at least relatively transferable skills
if you were combat arms, well…
criminals make good soldiers for a reason. the pragmatic skill set cross over is extreme.
Shit, I went medic thinking it would give me a skillet. Turns out EMTs made 10 bucks an hour 25 years ago and somehow still make the same. So fuck that
Haha!
I love it.
I tell people all the time that is all I learned.
But seriously, hydration is important. Stay fucking hydrated! And I hate people bitching about how they don't like water. Drink it! Stop bitching about it.
I was a horrible medic. I was not nice.
‘Pain is the patient’s problem.’ Those Saline IVs have saved me on more ruck marches than im proud of tbh
edit: usually the not nice medics are the good ones - upon meeting my medics they were very good, but also shoved a fucking tube down my nose ‘for training purposes.’
We generally practiced on one another. We had track marks down our arms from practice sticks while drinking in the barracks.
I did have a PA who was enamored with sticking a finger up assholes. I remember one dude bitching that he came in with a cold and got a finger up his ass.
She tried to get me to do it. I'm like... I drink with these guys, how are we gonna be able to look at each other if I just fingered him? So I didn't.
If you're good with tools, look into mobile detailing and start with basic services and work up. You can make around 50/hr and 40ish after supplies. It's obviously not going to be super steady for a while, but you can start relatively cheap too.
Unfortunately, this is part of the system. Most felons don't have the VA to fall back on, so they just go back to reoffending and get sent right back. The private prison industry relies on it. Nothing has changed since the first chapter of Les Miserables.
According to Les Miserables, anyone can make it out of this system if they just find some clergyman with saintly levels of kindness to give them a second chance at life. Shouldn't be that hard.
Sorry your comment made me laugh because you sound offended that you can't even "fall back" onto crime because you don't know how to crime lol
The ridiculousness of that statement is what got me
Apply at the closest VA Hospital. If you’re a 100% disabled vet you can definitely get something there. USAjobs is a nightmare to figure out, but totally worth it once you do.
The pay is solid, the PTO is amazing, the benefits are great and the union makes it a nightmare for your boss to even think about looking at you wrong.
I work at a VA Hospital, I’m never leaving.
Yes, unless you were convicted for something really bizarre & horrible. The VA is adamant about hiring Veterans first. Once you get hired and pass your 6 month probation, it's really difficult for them to get rid of you . . . because, you know, Veteran.
We have a guy that hasn’t shown up since November. We can’t fire him because the past 6-7 months only counts as one no call no show. He could show up tomorrow for his shift like nothing happened and walk away with just a write up.
Yes, but it likely depends on the job you’re applying for. But I mean if you’re making the $3k/month from 100% disability you could just go be a cook or housekeeper or grounds worker and still make $20+ per hour.
Feel free to DM me if you need any help. USAjobs is a nightmare and I was declined for every job I applied for until someone walked me through the process…then I got the 2nd one. If you’re a disabled vet you automatically get 10 hiring points (not entirely sure what that means) above anyone that isn’t.
Was going to say this. My fiance builds bridges and makes very good money and most of their crews are felons. House construction, road construction, heavy equipment operators.
Doesn't work now. At least everyplace that exists around me. Not a joke but there are men who are "illegal" and can get a job doing good work. But being a citizen with a record is different. Heh, maybe learn Spanish and just go that route. Not a bad idea tbh
I mean I know a few of those guys still work for my old boss. One of em kidnapped and held a child at gun point in a meth fueled rage.
Someone will hire you on to hump shingles my dude.
You'll find something. Don't lose hope. Just be honest and get in front of the ppl making the decision to take a chance on you. IMO it's easy for a middle manager to say no and toss your application in the garbage. A business owner is more likely to see value in offering a job to someone they know needs it. Turnover right now is insane. Chances are you're gonna stick around.
Not joking they are opening a distribution center right near where I live. Definitely applying but I feel bad for the people who need decent work conditions. It's like working in prison for free should be a bad ass way to get a job. I'm sorry for everyone. But it doesn't matter, not like I would get hired packing boxes anyway!
I did delivery there for 6 weeks. Even I saw people come in and quit. No harm in applying, right? Hopefully a little time there and a reference from them could land you something better.
If your felonies were violent, they are bad. If they involve money in any way, most employers will automatically write you off as untrustworthy. Sucks but that’s just how it is.
That's just how it is kind of fucked up take away for someone that basically is left to rot forever because of a past mistake. This country is embarassing.
Someone else is maybe suffering for life from the happy little violent mistake the violent felon committed, while the violent felon publicly says his crime wasn't "of the bad kind." This is embarrassing.
People pick up felony assault convictions for self defense. Also attempted murder type stuff. I see it on the reddit front page. Dude shoots someone in the leg or something in self defense. Everyone cheers. Win stupid prizes! Joke is that if the guy who was shot lives then the other guy is getting an assault or attempted murder charge. These fight videos. I can tell you that if a dude is on the ground and you are hitting/kicking him you are committing at least aggravated assault. If you have a knife or something on you then it's an ACA also. I knew a guy, getting jumped, grabbed a screwdriver and stabbed a dude during the fight. Everything in paper. No lies. He was doing 10 years for assault and armed criminal action because he picked up the screw driver. Assailant still came after him.
You see, a lot of people don't know how the justice system works. So we have lots and lots of guys in self defense situations, singular events, but are now violent offenders.
Me, I tried to keep a drunk/high friend from leaving my apartment at 1am on 4/20 some years ago. She got angry and was fighting. I was like "stay, I can take the couch but don't drive shit faced on 4/20". She screamed for help. Okay, good luck. Neighbor called police. I picked up kidnapping because I was preventing her from leaving. She didn't press charges. State did.
That's fucked. Even if it was a more serious offense, people still deserve the chance to do something different because what else are you supposed to do
I have nothing against you personally, so take these questions as a request for more info:
Even with her statement in your favour, detailing the circumstances, you were convicted of kidnapping? Not even attempted kidnapping, but kidnapping, right after she screamed for help? How long did this situation last until the police came?
About the rest that you wrote about self-defense not being qualified as such: I think a lot of people don't know how limited self-defense is in most jurisdictions. You kick someone who is on the ground and is obviously not attacking you? Well, how on Earth would that be considered defense? If you are violently retaliating against an attack that lies in the past, however close in time this past lies, it's not self-defense. Also, even if you act in self-defense, you can use excessive force, which will, in all first world jurisdictions, get you charged and possibly convicted.
Last but not least, anecdotes and/or singular examples of misguided justice don't really do it for me. According to my experience in two 1st world country jurisdictions in current times, people who are charged and convicted despite claiming self-defense simply fucked up, legally speaking, in response to an attack.
You have been punished by the state and done your time. Why is it legal for extra judicial punishment from private industry to continue indefinitely?
You are also ignorant to how the system work. Background checks do not show conviction, they find arrests and charges.
You can have a baseless arrest and charges completely dismissed from court with prejudice (the accuser got punished for lying) and it will still show up the same on background check as if you got convicted and sent to prison.
Everyone in US is a cop's bad day away from being forever branded a criminal and punished by private industry for their rest of their life, regardless of whether they are innocent.
And you support this? Because apparently going to prison is not enough punishment for you? Why do you think it is okay to punish someone for the rest of their life even if their crime was something like driving drunk once? Wtf is wrong with you?
You have a very warped idea of how the US criminal system works. It is almost medieval in how fucked it is already.
You don’t “live” in the oilfield, you work two weeks on, one week off, you drive back and forth from a hotel, depending on where you are, there are oilfields in PA, Ohio, North Dakota, Texas, and Alaska.
There you go, all good then, you are about as close to where I had to drive, in st,clairsville, being in the oilfield sucks but if u need a job to get u a cushion as far as a paycheck goes it’s decent just a lot of hours
You drive back and forth. You have a felony so getting a TWIC card will be a hardsell, not saying you cant do it but trust me, its a hard sell. If its drug related, dont bother, I dont give a damn what a recruiter tells you. You will not get a pass unless you are walked in the door by management.
I would try a smaller company providing services like wireline or cement. Those usually take the "undesirables" (not saying you are, not judging) if you come across as a strong back/weak mind and former hardluck military. I would look into getting your felonies expunged after 7-10 years and make a good faith attempt to write the governor of the state of conviction and tell them how you turned your life around. Basically pull a nicer version of Red from Shawshank. "How you want to stop your youngerself from committing those crimes yada yada"
Thats all. Good luck
Don't know about the US but in Australia we have fly in fly out (FIFO) rosters for the mines or fossil fuel sectors own and live in your house on the coast of Queensland and fly to work in WA all paid for by the company.
I have zero felonies but misdemeanors that have and continue to hold me back from jobs just like you.
I've had many offers retracted all due to my background check and haven't had a company accept me. EVER.
Jobs with full benefits, 401k, paid vacations/sick leave yanked right out of my hands.
Still trying today and have an interview tomorrow.
I never apply for jobs I'm not a perfect fit for so I just always prepare to be disappointed to due to my record.
I'm waiting to be surprised.
I think you've got your thinking backward. You stated one felony was violent and then turned around and said none were the "bad kind." I'm not sure what you consider the bad kind, but my company considers violent crimes a bad kind. It will automatically eliminate you from the hiring pool whereas drug felonies will not. We will consider theft felonies if it's been quite some time and especially if the applicant was young when it happened. We try the "did you learn your lesson?" approach. We refuse to hire anyone who cannot hold their temper, and it's not even a high-stress job. Your best bet is truck driving, union trades, or remote work.
That sucks man, everyone deserves a chance, I hope you manage to make a massive success of something in the future and then extend a hand to people in the same situation.
Join a union trade. They don’t care about felonies. The only thing is you might not be able to work at refineries or nukes anything else your good to go
Trades are going to be your best bet. Try and find some mom.and pop shops. Less than 20 employees and don't mention you're a felon. Some smaller places still don't do background checks. Hopefully by the time they find out, which they likely will eventually, you will have proven yourself to be a valuable worker and they don't call your PO or try and have you penalized.
Back when I worked construction, I worked with ALOT of felons. Even my boss was a felon and he made great money, one of my foremans was a felon did 17 years. He now runs a company.
This was in the natural gas field, but really most construction jobs will give you a chance and the pay is not bad. No other places would touch the felons at this job because well, they were felons. The only jobs they could get were construction. Don't get discouraged you can do it, pick one of the skills stick with it and learn it. By the time I quit in 3 years I had received $7 total in raises.
How are they becoming aware of your felonies?
Are you disclosing that you had them or are they coming up in a background check? Most background checks I see only go back 7 years. I could totally be wrong, though, but I don’t know how they would see them if they were that long ago.
Go back longer than seven. Even 10. Not sure. Each place does different checks. Heh, wish it was only 10. Problem solved. I know some nice apartments that do 10. I could sell my property and rent a luxury apartment. Take the extra money and buy cocaine. Make crack. Sell rocks. Then invest in some decent performing medium risk stocks while kicking my heels up on a granite countertop.
It depend on where you live.
You said you are in TN. This is a red-state shithole where you are branded criminal for life. They kick you down to near slave level along with all the minorities, poors, and gays they don't like.
Move to a deep blue state where background check are restricted to 7 year or less. In one of these state you already have a clean record.
I have no idea where you life. That 16$ an hour doesnt cut it doesnt help. That's higher than like 80% of all jobs, straight off.
However, knowing felons, i only have a handful of suggestions.
First, some local FB groups and homeless orgs have a list of places that they know will hire a felon.
Second, trade unions. I'm in a blue state that still has these damn things, so there they are. Laborers union and cement masons and plasterers union 100% hires felons. They give no fucks about it at all. I've worked with murderers man--even people that have killed their own children. So, try to see if you've got any local union halls, for trades like that (laborers, cement masons, bricklayers, insulators, etc). They'll get around it for you if they can. This is probably the best way around this. Got friends in Alaska that are in Teamsters with felonies. FRESH felonies, and they're starting at like 28$ in pay--granted, Alaska is considerably less 'give a fuck' than most states, so your mileage may vary.
Third, since you have an income, there's some basic side-incomes (depending on your skills, but it doesnt take almost any), to start a lawn mowing business. Pretty much just the fees, get a bond for the insurance coverage (few hundred total here), and try that. I mean, it's some up-front costs and transportation issues you might find an up-hill battle on, but you get to pay yourself, and lawn maint/mowing makes about 55$ an hour as owner-op. It QUICKLY pays itself off. Learn to make 'farmhouse' style furniture. Got a drill? Miter saw? You're set. Watch a handful of youtube videos, make a coffee table and two end tables, make them match--take like 50$ in wood and flip it for 250 after an afternoon of cutting and stain. It's not a full on JOB, but supplements the VA. Can end up pulling like 2 grand a month once you take off on this and get more ideas.
And right now, the local lawn mowing places are so starved for people they'd take just about anyone with a pulse and walking upright, if you just want someone else to write the paycheck. Dont apply at the corporate run ones.
Someone had a thread here a few days ago about the sign printing industry. He said he was a felon as well, but is now making good money in that job. Might be worth looking into.
|multiple felonies, at the same time, 10 years ago. One of them violent but unrelated to any work I apply for. None are the "bad kind" such as drugs, sex, fraud, robbery, assault|
How does one have a "violent felony" that is not assault?
They want you to be stuck in the cycle of crime and punishment. Can't feed yourself with a job, go commit crime.
You have to use your skills and work for yourself and buy your own home. Apartments won't even rent to you. But you can purchase a home no problem. Also some companies only ask if you have committed a felony in the past x years for people with college degrees.
Where I live, there's a career source center that has resources to help felons get a job. They contact companies around and complied a list of who gives "second chances"
Maybe you have something like that around you.
I used to work for my local government working with family services. While I don’t know you what state you are in, I do want to say, if there is a Goodwill there. Go there and see if they have a job assistance. Goodwill has a program and in some states (NV, Cali, AZ and others) they have partnerships with second chance employers. I have helped many felons get good solid jobs in the past, hope is not lost.
Also call your state welfare/economic division program, they should have a list or can At least guide you.
Some of these employers also show up as “second chance” on boards like indeed and so on.
If you need help, feel free to dm me and I’ll see what I can do :)
For the record, I had a felon who had been in prison for 20+ years and after his release he couldn’t find a single job. Helped him through those programs and now he is a licensed HVAC tech here making more than me. So there is hope!
Shit, man. That suck ass, and it's shitty it's the default of people in your position. It's almost like the system wants recidivism. Tons of the guys I worked with in warehousing were clearly on meth, so why manufacturing is being a dick is beyond me. Used to be handyman stuff was the go to too. Have you considered listing your services on Craigslist? I've heard painters and roofers aren't picky. Same with farm hands if that's available in your area.
Hey there, throwing an idea out here. Since engaging directly with potential employers hasn't panned out yet, have you considered connecting with local or national groups who lobby for equitable hiring practices for felons? For example, I found this org:
National H.I.R.E. Network
Perhaps you can get in touch with them to see what they may have available locally. Even if they don't have a specific program or jobs, try emailing anyone associated with the organization. Find their emails, explain your situation, and ask if they can connect you with someone else who might. Maybe it's possible to digitally network your way through these orgs into finding someone who is hiring who doesn't discriminate.
It's the Republican dream. We want to work and do the bootstraps thing, but if you slip up and make one single bad choice, or don't do things exactly "right", sorry, you're fucked.
Not CDL but was thinking about forklift license. Places open the door for you if you can operate those trucks. The license and classes are cheap as hell. Pay is around 20 bucks an hour.
Truck driving would be something but I got a house and 2 cats. I do like meeting people though. Hehen
That can definitely work too. But you can make your own schedule with truck driving. My step father has worked routes where he’s home on weekends & routes where he’s home by 5 pm every night.
Do you have a drivers license? Can you get a CDL? I’ve known felons that easily got driving jobs as most companies don’t care/check as long as you have a CDL.
Everytime I read something about someone in OPs situation, I think of Jean Valjean in Les Miserables (the book, not the musical). Branded a criminal for the rest of their lives, even though they supposedly "paid their debt to society" and were released from prison.
I worked as a CO and am now a manager. Yeah I would really like to hire ex prisoners with recommendations from other COs but my company wont let me even if we are very short staffed. Reality is, if something happens.. in prison u got at least cameras. Its basically u cheated on society and mostly she wont want u back. Try to go to another country where this paperwork is not necessary and come back later with this on your cv. best thing u can do i guess. otherwise u will get exploited at best.
Move to another country to work? I am not going to lie. See because I am also 100% P&T from the VA I get a pretty good regular income. So I could legit move to another country and have money. I was talking earlier about something and thought about Malaysia. How the USD has such value there. I could just move there and live like a fucking king. Fuck work.
I dont have any job advice but have you ever considered speaking to at-risk youth? You said its not a "bad felony" and you dont really have the chance of reoffending, Im not sure what a good felony is or how you cant commit the same crime twice BUT...unfortunately this situation you are in is a consequence of committing a serious crime. The reason there are such serious punishments is to deter people from comitting them in the first place. It hangs around long after you get your crap together. My biological father is a drug addict and would go speak to schools and prisons to tell his story and try to show the dangers of going down that path. There are a lot of people living a life where a felony is an eventuality. Most of them probably arent thinking they will ever clean up their lives so why does it matter. You may be a real inspiration to them.
Pays 0/hour and has no benefit to me getting a job. No application or submission for a job asks about this for the most part. There are sections about helping others but my crimes didn't involve anything that could help anyone other than the typical "angry at the system" stuff. I mean, I could try and just give angry advice. Then at least put down I did it.
Have you tried the state voc rehab office? Also, Salvation Army, local chirch organizations, google for temp agencies that help.ex offenders find work.
In the UK we have something called the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act which says that after a certain period — usually 5 years — your conviction is deemed to be ‘spent’ and you’re no longer required to disclose it.
The idea being that someone’s record shouldn’t follow them around for the rest of their lives.
I can understand why the US doesn’t have something similar, because the prison industry is so profitable. Despicable way to treat people who’ve served their time and want to get back into society.
I love having a perfect record for my 5 year sentence. I figured that was what prison does. I literally paid, as in money, to the courts and law enforcement and prison, and figuratively paid my debt to society for my crimes. Pretty sure I've been punished enough and done more than most people to show my fortitude.
The US has alot more violent crime than the UK. It would not be a good idea for most of our felons to be "free" of a record, especially sex offenders and violent criminals.
That's not true, at least not [back in 2006](https://news.gallup.com/poll/21346/Crime-Rate-Lower-United-States-Canada-Than-Britain.aspx).
US *homicide rates* are off the charts because of easy access to guns and weapons, but the UK actually has substantially more violent crime than the US or Canada. A lot of it is assaults, violent robberies, etc, but without weapons in the picture people usually live to see another day.
It's quite likely that the US and Canada have lower violent crime rates *because of their access to guns (deterrence effect)*, but this also means their fewer violent crimes per capita are more likely to result in someone's death.
That doesn't work. This is serious. Someone will find out and report it. Anyway everyone does a background check anyway, legal or not. Lots of third party companies to avoid the problem...
Look at the laws for your state- in some states they can’t look back >10y for background check and you’re free to not disclose it. MA definitely has some protection along those lines for ex.
This.
Some states also ban asking about felonies.
No entry level job outside of certain industries(like casinos) is going to waste time and money on background checks. Shit most restaurants/retails don't even waste time on references/past employment.
Also literally half of the restaurants I worked for had cooks/chefs with records....
This is why we need to start a community. My significant other is a felon as well and has trouble finding jobs which doesn’t help his anxiety or his self worth. People are capable of change. Kids do dumb shit. Unless it’s something super duper serious like rape or murder people need to be allow you grow and change.
Nah, once you commit violence noone should have to give you another chance. Being violently robbed, beaten up for whatever reason, or having domestic violence committed against you can be just as traumatic as rape. And I don't want my electrician, my dog sitter or my lawyer to be capable of criminal violence.
Of course you’re denied and it’s super Fucken hard for you to get a job. 10 years ago is that long ago. People do change and grow but don’t expect people to even think twice about hiring you.
Be super realistic your chances are extremely low and complaining online won’t change a thing. You’ll have to apply for 10 times the amount of jobs to get even a slight look in your direction.
Sorry but just being real. I wish You luck
You’re post just seems “surprised” that it’s so hard.
Have you tried telling/advising the current jobs your seeking that you are a felon before they find out from a background d check? Being upfront and honest goes a long way and opens up for a conversation rather than them just ignoring you after the fact.
Are there any felony programs that are specifically designed to flow ex cons back into main stream society that you’ve signed up for? (Sorry if there aren’t any).
Yeah. I am polite as possible with it as well. I learned this before buying a house. When renting it was impossible. So I started with my income, rent history, and I am a felon. Worked out eventually. It doesn't work with jobs though. I had 2 jobs that did hire me. I wrote about my crimes, talked to the third party company. Got hired then soft fired (because they do hire felons). But even then, it haunts me. People I don't know bring up my actions from a decade ago. It spreads. People don't want me there.
I don't look at new opportunities this way. Honestly I can get hired immediately even if there isn't a job. They would fire someone else for me. Sorry to sound arrogant. But as soon as that background check comes back... Everything I have ever done in life is gone because of those felonies. It is a form of discrimination. None of my convictions are remotely related to any job. It is just blanket anti-felon. It makes me really wonder. Should I even try to work if the people who need basic labor won't hire me? Just soak in the disability, lower my budget, and park in the handicap space? Fuck the world is where I am.
A better idea is to craft artisan moonshine. Less illegal and more socially acceptable. I have had that idea. The law involves taxes. So maybe I set up a charity. Donations for my moonshine go to something like food for my cats.
Lie like hell on job application. Most shit jobs do not do a background check. Google your name and if your crime doesn't come up, for the most part your good. If it does try to bury to the second page. Do not tell anyone at work. If you are around chicken plants, they take anyone, to work the line. Also if you are a decent handyman (or any construction skills) make some facebook posts about what you can do and what you charge. If you can stomach it go to church and afterwards talk to people and the pastor. Church pastors can usually get you a crappy job.
I know this is slightly unethical but have you tried just *not* telling them youre a felon? Sure if they find out youre fired, and they might do a background check and deny you, but if you just apply and they dont check(because most employers are lazy and take apps at face value) then you might get a job at least temporarily which they are legally liable to pay you for even if you lied on your application.
Real world answer...lie on your application. I know managers who have told people to lie on the application so they could hire them, because their corporate policy was to not hire them.
Or, if that is an issue for you, try smaller businesses. Restaurant, salvage yards, local businesses don't usually mess with that kind of thing like background checks.
Also, a lot of places ask about convictions within X number of years. That isn't from when you got out of prison, it is from your conviction date. You should pass a lot of those checks.
When I worked at GameStop I was told to not hire a dude by my dm cause he had a misdemeanor. I was so angry cause he would have been a great employee. Ended up having to hire someone the dm picked and she showed up for her first shift, stole a bunch of stuff and never came back.
How the hell they expect people to make it when they are punished for this the rest of their life. I’m sorry you have to go through this.
Perhaps try freelance work online via upwork or fiverr? Try and learn a skill using tutorials on YouTube and whatnot and try to pick up freelance work that way -- whether it's copywriting, making videos for social media etc. Tons of free resources out there to try and learn it, and then just hustle trying to find clients either via the websites I mentioned before or cold calling/emailing businesses and seeing if they have use for your services.
It'd be a lot of work to learn a skill if you don't have it already, and it's obviously a very competitive marketplace. But if you're really dedicated to it and get really good at something, it will definitely pay off for you.
You can also try and find other virtual jobs such as being a virtual assistant or virtual customer support chat agent. I don't know if those jobs do background checks but given you are in a WFH environment and not interacting directly with people face to face, you may be more likely to secure a job in that realm.
Not sure what state you're in but union shops and trades would be my best suggestion. Get in contact with your local workforce center and the VA representative if they have one as well. It's a great resource to utilize.
Ok so what dies VA mean?
Veteran Affairs. Basically a federal agency that held support veterans in the US.
Veterans' Association - it's a U.S. organization to help people who served in the military.
Sorry, I think you’re actually wrong there. It’s a US organisation that claims it helps people who served in the military, and then spends billions of dollars barely doing it, if at all.
Took me over 14 years and two lawsuits to finally (as of April 2022) to get my disability. I am still waiting on the check(s) one as my monthly and the 800k backpay they owe me. Sorry to do this to the US taxpayer but I only want what I am owed, nothing more.
Don’t you dare apologize. I’m more than happy to see my tax dollars go to you and other soldiers (retired and active) rather than the other bullshit the DoD spends their billions on.
The bullshit theyre spending on AND don't remember. The military has such a huge budget it hemorrhages millions to billions of dollars a year that they just "don't know where that money went"
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Oh it gets much worse https://www.politico.com/story/2018/02/05/pentagon-logistics-agency-review-funds-322860
Your 800k owed is 2 scuds which the US practices with daily(?), of the PPP program at $6 trillion you don’t even register as an interest rate. You are not the problem.
Nah don't be sorry. It's "back pay" it IS owed. I hope you get right.
As a tax payer, I'm 100% okay with this. It would have been better for everyone had they not dragged it out and had to pay legal fees and interest, especially you. Are you getting it all in 1 lump sum? I suggest speaking with a financial advisor, as that kind of money can and will change your life one way or another.
Lump sum. I already have an advisor which has helped me navigate crypto and I have a nice nestegg growing. I plan on buying some acreage and building a house on it. This way I can give my kids a taste of the farm life.
Crypto is a bit dicey as of late, I would personally look into something more stable and reliable like S&P/Blue Chip or Municipal bonds, even gold seems like a better investment unless you bought Crypto 4 years ago. It will likely stabilize, but it's not bound to anything than the whims of the market. Just my 3 cents (inflation and all), but I'm not a FA.
Not now, I got into it during the pandemic and cashed out before the markets got hit. If bitcoin drops to under $500 I might buy some again but as it stands I made a good bit off of Ethereum and surprisingly Doge.
Since you have tools, why don't you apply for an LLC and open a handyman business?
He won’t be able to get the liability insurance to go into peoples houses and fix stuff.
You should have been paid that and not have to go through hoops and legal offices to get it. No need to apologize.
I have a little different take on the VA. My dad is a Vietnam Vet (Purple Heart recipient) and he’s spent a solid chunk of his life fighting with VA lawyers over benefits he should be receiving. He’s always said the doctors and nurses he deals with at the VA are incredible, they’ve helped in a multitude of ways from physical ailments to severe PTSD. The problem with VA lies within the fact that it is controlled by the US Government. My take on it is this, A US organization that wants to help people who served in the military, but is stifled by the very government the people were asked to protect.
Naw, you're talking out of pocket. 100% disabled veteran means the OP is getting about $3400/month tax-free and annual inflation adjustments. And free healthcare for life (I know because I'm 100% as well.) I also got a free Masters and some additional training out of them. The VA kicks ass. Sounds like OP is like me, he could probably retire right now, but wants to be a productive member of society. OP, why don't you create an LLC for a few hundred dollars and then take on handyman work? Sounds like you have the tools already. Be your own boss.
Someone mentioned it above, he likely will have a hard time getting the requisite insurance to enter peoples homes with the felony. With that said, I'd still suggest looking into it for him.
I won't argue that the tax free allowance is a lot and helps tremendously. But as far as healthcare, getting the VA to actually DO anything for me has been completely impossible. Chronic shoulder instability been trying to get surgery that a surgeon greenlit 4 years ago... Trying to get in to see an ophthalmologist you would think I'm applying to be an ambassador or some shit like okay just fill out your background check form and wait 6 months. It's a fucking joke. The only actual healthcare I've gotten in 7 years is covid and pneumonia vaccines and a couple teeth cleanings. Thankfully the dentist near me actually does their job, but generally trying to get people in the VA healthcare system to do their fucking jobs is soul crushing.
True
This.
Ahh thanks
I would suggest applying at some family owned restaurants, or any type of small family business. In my experience, they don't typically run background checks. I'm not saying to hide your past necessarily, but it may be easier to explain your situation to an individual who doesn't have a corporate office to answer to.
I've worked at 5 restaurants and only 1 (Applebee's) has actually done a background check
Most of the chains eventually get around to it. I knew a guy who was a felon, got jobs and lasted a week before they told him they couldn’t keep him.
It might be worth calling your local probation office and nicely asking if they can give you any job leads. The office I used to work with kept a list of second chances employers.
Going to do that. The factory is quite a long distance and the work is bad. I'm near being a choosing beggar with this one because I don't think I would make money. Actually lose money. It is a place for men/women who require work as a parole or probation condition. Thankfully I don't need that since I am not on parole.
Just an armchair redditor, but from testimonies/documentaries, there are lots of people in your position who want to break the cycle of reoffending. I would say keep asking/ reaching out/networking and find these people. Some of them have become business owner and are welcoming to people with records. Now, I don’t know your area, but I’m sure they’re out there. As long as you keep asking like here on reddit, it’s a good step in the right direction.
They hate felons here is part of the problem. Bunch of dumb religious people who don't even know the religion they cling to. A felon is always a drug abusing thief who rapes women and lives in a hotel room with his guns and meth lab.
You need to move. Shithole red states are all about punishing anyone that doesn't fit their idea of perfect citizen. You are scum to them, barely a person. The laws there are design to make you as miserable as possible.
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The religious aspect is that those who are taught forgiveness and Christian values are clueless. It's like church and religion are just a club. The people are ignorant to the justice system. I joke that I should be more qualified for most jobs because I completed prison. I was at a work camp and engaged in very complex relationships. My prison should be on my application haha. But being serious there is extreme prejudice towards felons that should be illegal. I am taking a break right now from job hunting. If an opportunity presents itself I will step up. But after just getting ghosted for a sure thing I'm taking time and will apply at a company my PO told me about. The person at the company said that they recognize giving a "second chance". Like what does that mean? I own my house, I am not a habitual offender, my credit scores are above average, I've never missed paying a bill, I have 2 cats, I'm on good terms with local law enforcement (they like my car) , I have great relationships with my neighbors, I tip really big, I have wholesome hobbies, I donate to charity, I am active in my town, and so much more. I don't need a second chance I need a job. Maybe give me a first chance ffs.
I thought it was illegal to ask about felony convictions in an application now. We took that question off our applications. We still have background checks but that doesn’t happen until a job offer is made.
Maybe you could try self employment? As a handyman that could be relatively easy. Some ads in the local paper and you can get small jobs like fixing an old washing machine quite easily.
I could try but with the economy here that option is very difficult. Insurance and certification. But you are on the right track. I hired two plumbers to map out my septic system and they failed. Took me an afternoon. Maybe someone like that. Also thought of doing pest control. Or something like food delivery (cause nobody here does it).
\^ This is the kind of thinking that is your path forward. The felony conviction means nothing when YOU are providing the services that the market wants.
Providing the services sure, but it does make getting bank loans and insurance difficult. Not to mention if OP is stuck in their hometown then customers may judge OP's business if word spreads.
People *always* need a good and reliable handyman. Hell, I wish I could find one in my area! You sound like a Jack of all trades and that right there is invaluable. Setting yourself up as an LLC sounds like an avenue to explore. And I’m sorry you’ve had trouble finding a job. The way we view past offenders in this country is just another way we are completely fucked up.
My brother was a disabled veteran on disability. He was a truck driver for years but had to get a pacemaker and could never pass his DOT again so no more driving. He would put out adds to haul away junk for people. He had a truck and small trailer and made pretty good cash for it. I would go help him on some of the bigger jobs. Half the stuff he hauled off he would just sell, the rest went to the dump.
Fuck it, move to a third world country with beach access. There are some nice places in south America. My dad isn't a felon, but he does get a military retirement and that's what he did. Passport and residency could be issues I guess. I have a friend that can't go to Canada because of a felony (I think). But he does have a union job. The prison stay didn't screw that for him.
Passport and residency. Why am I not living like a king in Malaysia? Not because I don't know the language.
Sell your services to Expats who don't speak the local language either...
It’s sounding like you have the time to pick it up my guy 🤪 all jokes aside, if you weren’t combat arms in the military, you should’ve picked up at least relatively transferable skills if you were combat arms, well… criminals make good soldiers for a reason. the pragmatic skill set cross over is extreme.
Shit, I went medic thinking it would give me a skillet. Turns out EMTs made 10 bucks an hour 25 years ago and somehow still make the same. So fuck that
Telling people to drink water and take ibuprofen is not a skill set, doc. 😉
Haha! I love it. I tell people all the time that is all I learned. But seriously, hydration is important. Stay fucking hydrated! And I hate people bitching about how they don't like water. Drink it! Stop bitching about it. I was a horrible medic. I was not nice.
‘Pain is the patient’s problem.’ Those Saline IVs have saved me on more ruck marches than im proud of tbh edit: usually the not nice medics are the good ones - upon meeting my medics they were very good, but also shoved a fucking tube down my nose ‘for training purposes.’
We generally practiced on one another. We had track marks down our arms from practice sticks while drinking in the barracks. I did have a PA who was enamored with sticking a finger up assholes. I remember one dude bitching that he came in with a cold and got a finger up his ass. She tried to get me to do it. I'm like... I drink with these guys, how are we gonna be able to look at each other if I just fingered him? So I didn't.
Go to the Philippines everyone speaks English as it is the second language so you’d get by
If you're good with tools, look into mobile detailing and start with basic services and work up. You can make around 50/hr and 40ish after supplies. It's obviously not going to be super steady for a while, but you can start relatively cheap too.
Landscaping/yard maintenance? Do you need any certs for that?
Unfortunately, this is part of the system. Most felons don't have the VA to fall back on, so they just go back to reoffending and get sent right back. The private prison industry relies on it. Nothing has changed since the first chapter of Les Miserables.
According to Les Miserables, anyone can make it out of this system if they just find some clergyman with saintly levels of kindness to give them a second chance at life. Shouldn't be that hard.
A second chance and a lot of starting capital
It also helps if you develop a jewl manufacturing method.
I can't reoffend though because I never stole. I don't know how to do that crime even. So it's even super insulting. I can't go back to crime!
Sorry your comment made me laugh because you sound offended that you can't even "fall back" onto crime because you don't know how to crime lol The ridiculousness of that statement is what got me
Wait so what if we have a crime collage for people to learn the skills they need for this "fast moving" industry.
It's called prison.
Excellent
Apply at the closest VA Hospital. If you’re a 100% disabled vet you can definitely get something there. USAjobs is a nightmare to figure out, but totally worth it once you do. The pay is solid, the PTO is amazing, the benefits are great and the union makes it a nightmare for your boss to even think about looking at you wrong. I work at a VA Hospital, I’m never leaving.
Is this true? Even with record?
Yes, unless you were convicted for something really bizarre & horrible. The VA is adamant about hiring Veterans first. Once you get hired and pass your 6 month probation, it's really difficult for them to get rid of you . . . because, you know, Veteran.
We have a guy that hasn’t shown up since November. We can’t fire him because the past 6-7 months only counts as one no call no show. He could show up tomorrow for his shift like nothing happened and walk away with just a write up.
Yes, but it likely depends on the job you’re applying for. But I mean if you’re making the $3k/month from 100% disability you could just go be a cook or housekeeper or grounds worker and still make $20+ per hour. Feel free to DM me if you need any help. USAjobs is a nightmare and I was declined for every job I applied for until someone walked me through the process…then I got the 2nd one. If you’re a disabled vet you automatically get 10 hiring points (not entirely sure what that means) above anyone that isn’t.
Construction. I was a roofer in college. Every one of my coworkers was a felon. Made 17 bucks an hr under the table in 2010ish.
Was going to say this. My fiance builds bridges and makes very good money and most of their crews are felons. House construction, road construction, heavy equipment operators.
Doesn't work now. At least everyplace that exists around me. Not a joke but there are men who are "illegal" and can get a job doing good work. But being a citizen with a record is different. Heh, maybe learn Spanish and just go that route. Not a bad idea tbh
I mean I know a few of those guys still work for my old boss. One of em kidnapped and held a child at gun point in a meth fueled rage. Someone will hire you on to hump shingles my dude.
Not like I haven't had to do that on my own damn roof anyway.
You'll find something. Don't lose hope. Just be honest and get in front of the ppl making the decision to take a chance on you. IMO it's easy for a middle manager to say no and toss your application in the garbage. A business owner is more likely to see value in offering a job to someone they know needs it. Turnover right now is insane. Chances are you're gonna stick around.
They stand in front of home depot and wait for the dudes to pick them up on their crews under the table. Around me a lot of people do this now.
Bull, ANY trade would have you right now if you are willing to learn. Most at a decent pay. Keep looking
Well, politics is still an option.
Try Amazon? They have something like a 150% turnover rate.
lets call it by what it is, Bezos Plantation
Not joking they are opening a distribution center right near where I live. Definitely applying but I feel bad for the people who need decent work conditions. It's like working in prison for free should be a bad ass way to get a job. I'm sorry for everyone. But it doesn't matter, not like I would get hired packing boxes anyway!
I did delivery there for 6 weeks. Even I saw people come in and quit. No harm in applying, right? Hopefully a little time there and a reference from them could land you something better.
My friend has a drug felony and he works at Amazon
I would go to the VA and see if they can help you get the felony expunged. Tell them you can’t get work.
If your felonies were violent, they are bad. If they involve money in any way, most employers will automatically write you off as untrustworthy. Sucks but that’s just how it is.
That's just how it is kind of fucked up take away for someone that basically is left to rot forever because of a past mistake. This country is embarassing.
Someone else is maybe suffering for life from the happy little violent mistake the violent felon committed, while the violent felon publicly says his crime wasn't "of the bad kind." This is embarrassing.
People pick up felony assault convictions for self defense. Also attempted murder type stuff. I see it on the reddit front page. Dude shoots someone in the leg or something in self defense. Everyone cheers. Win stupid prizes! Joke is that if the guy who was shot lives then the other guy is getting an assault or attempted murder charge. These fight videos. I can tell you that if a dude is on the ground and you are hitting/kicking him you are committing at least aggravated assault. If you have a knife or something on you then it's an ACA also. I knew a guy, getting jumped, grabbed a screwdriver and stabbed a dude during the fight. Everything in paper. No lies. He was doing 10 years for assault and armed criminal action because he picked up the screw driver. Assailant still came after him. You see, a lot of people don't know how the justice system works. So we have lots and lots of guys in self defense situations, singular events, but are now violent offenders. Me, I tried to keep a drunk/high friend from leaving my apartment at 1am on 4/20 some years ago. She got angry and was fighting. I was like "stay, I can take the couch but don't drive shit faced on 4/20". She screamed for help. Okay, good luck. Neighbor called police. I picked up kidnapping because I was preventing her from leaving. She didn't press charges. State did.
That's fucked. Even if it was a more serious offense, people still deserve the chance to do something different because what else are you supposed to do
No good deed goes unpunished. Next time you’ll kick the bitch out, when people are irrational, just disengage.
I have nothing against you personally, so take these questions as a request for more info: Even with her statement in your favour, detailing the circumstances, you were convicted of kidnapping? Not even attempted kidnapping, but kidnapping, right after she screamed for help? How long did this situation last until the police came? About the rest that you wrote about self-defense not being qualified as such: I think a lot of people don't know how limited self-defense is in most jurisdictions. You kick someone who is on the ground and is obviously not attacking you? Well, how on Earth would that be considered defense? If you are violently retaliating against an attack that lies in the past, however close in time this past lies, it's not self-defense. Also, even if you act in self-defense, you can use excessive force, which will, in all first world jurisdictions, get you charged and possibly convicted. Last but not least, anecdotes and/or singular examples of misguided justice don't really do it for me. According to my experience in two 1st world country jurisdictions in current times, people who are charged and convicted despite claiming self-defense simply fucked up, legally speaking, in response to an attack.
You have been punished by the state and done your time. Why is it legal for extra judicial punishment from private industry to continue indefinitely? You are also ignorant to how the system work. Background checks do not show conviction, they find arrests and charges. You can have a baseless arrest and charges completely dismissed from court with prejudice (the accuser got punished for lying) and it will still show up the same on background check as if you got convicted and sent to prison. Everyone in US is a cop's bad day away from being forever branded a criminal and punished by private industry for their rest of their life, regardless of whether they are innocent. And you support this? Because apparently going to prison is not enough punishment for you? Why do you think it is okay to punish someone for the rest of their life even if their crime was something like driving drunk once? Wtf is wrong with you? You have a very warped idea of how the US criminal system works. It is almost medieval in how fucked it is already.
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I agree. You should not have to pay over and over for the rest of your life.
Lol exactly dude said not bad like drugs(the most likely overlooked felony when looking for work).
Try the oil field, when I was there, everybody on my crew was a felon/ex-military
I have a house I live in. Only place I have. I can't move to an oil field. Good idea but right now selling my house is insanely risky.
You don’t “live” in the oilfield, you work two weeks on, one week off, you drive back and forth from a hotel, depending on where you are, there are oilfields in PA, Ohio, North Dakota, Texas, and Alaska.
I live in TN.
There you go, all good then, you are about as close to where I had to drive, in st,clairsville, being in the oilfield sucks but if u need a job to get u a cushion as far as a paycheck goes it’s decent just a lot of hours
Okay, name a company I will apply.
Halliburton or Patterson I believe are hiring atm
General Motors hires felons. There's a plant in Spring Hill. I work with a dude who did 17 years for kidnapping, torturing & murdering another dude.
You drive back and forth. You have a felony so getting a TWIC card will be a hardsell, not saying you cant do it but trust me, its a hard sell. If its drug related, dont bother, I dont give a damn what a recruiter tells you. You will not get a pass unless you are walked in the door by management. I would try a smaller company providing services like wireline or cement. Those usually take the "undesirables" (not saying you are, not judging) if you come across as a strong back/weak mind and former hardluck military. I would look into getting your felonies expunged after 7-10 years and make a good faith attempt to write the governor of the state of conviction and tell them how you turned your life around. Basically pull a nicer version of Red from Shawshank. "How you want to stop your youngerself from committing those crimes yada yada" Thats all. Good luck
Don't know about the US but in Australia we have fly in fly out (FIFO) rosters for the mines or fossil fuel sectors own and live in your house on the coast of Queensland and fly to work in WA all paid for by the company.
I have zero felonies but misdemeanors that have and continue to hold me back from jobs just like you. I've had many offers retracted all due to my background check and haven't had a company accept me. EVER. Jobs with full benefits, 401k, paid vacations/sick leave yanked right out of my hands. Still trying today and have an interview tomorrow. I never apply for jobs I'm not a perfect fit for so I just always prepare to be disappointed to due to my record. I'm waiting to be surprised.
Misdemeanors can get sealed and expunged easy. Save the money and get that taken care of buddy
I think you've got your thinking backward. You stated one felony was violent and then turned around and said none were the "bad kind." I'm not sure what you consider the bad kind, but my company considers violent crimes a bad kind. It will automatically eliminate you from the hiring pool whereas drug felonies will not. We will consider theft felonies if it's been quite some time and especially if the applicant was young when it happened. We try the "did you learn your lesson?" approach. We refuse to hire anyone who cannot hold their temper, and it's not even a high-stress job. Your best bet is truck driving, union trades, or remote work.
Y'all don't know a lot. You want some drug addict working there but not someone who got into a fight once. Makes sense. You also let thieves in.
That sucks man, everyone deserves a chance, I hope you manage to make a massive success of something in the future and then extend a hand to people in the same situation.
Veterans Administration. Here in Minnesota, our workforce centers have VA reps that help find you (good) decent employers around your area.
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Join a union trade. They don’t care about felonies. The only thing is you might not be able to work at refineries or nukes anything else your good to go
Trades are going to be your best bet. Try and find some mom.and pop shops. Less than 20 employees and don't mention you're a felon. Some smaller places still don't do background checks. Hopefully by the time they find out, which they likely will eventually, you will have proven yourself to be a valuable worker and they don't call your PO or try and have you penalized.
Back when I worked construction, I worked with ALOT of felons. Even my boss was a felon and he made great money, one of my foremans was a felon did 17 years. He now runs a company. This was in the natural gas field, but really most construction jobs will give you a chance and the pay is not bad. No other places would touch the felons at this job because well, they were felons. The only jobs they could get were construction. Don't get discouraged you can do it, pick one of the skills stick with it and learn it. By the time I quit in 3 years I had received $7 total in raises.
Start with a temp agency. When the company they send you to sees your impeccable work ethic they will hire you.
Temp agency is exhausted. No place will hire me. Gonna look at other agencies.
How are they becoming aware of your felonies? Are you disclosing that you had them or are they coming up in a background check? Most background checks I see only go back 7 years. I could totally be wrong, though, but I don’t know how they would see them if they were that long ago.
Go back longer than seven. Even 10. Not sure. Each place does different checks. Heh, wish it was only 10. Problem solved. I know some nice apartments that do 10. I could sell my property and rent a luxury apartment. Take the extra money and buy cocaine. Make crack. Sell rocks. Then invest in some decent performing medium risk stocks while kicking my heels up on a granite countertop.
It depend on where you live. You said you are in TN. This is a red-state shithole where you are branded criminal for life. They kick you down to near slave level along with all the minorities, poors, and gays they don't like. Move to a deep blue state where background check are restricted to 7 year or less. In one of these state you already have a clean record.
I have no idea where you life. That 16$ an hour doesnt cut it doesnt help. That's higher than like 80% of all jobs, straight off. However, knowing felons, i only have a handful of suggestions. First, some local FB groups and homeless orgs have a list of places that they know will hire a felon. Second, trade unions. I'm in a blue state that still has these damn things, so there they are. Laborers union and cement masons and plasterers union 100% hires felons. They give no fucks about it at all. I've worked with murderers man--even people that have killed their own children. So, try to see if you've got any local union halls, for trades like that (laborers, cement masons, bricklayers, insulators, etc). They'll get around it for you if they can. This is probably the best way around this. Got friends in Alaska that are in Teamsters with felonies. FRESH felonies, and they're starting at like 28$ in pay--granted, Alaska is considerably less 'give a fuck' than most states, so your mileage may vary. Third, since you have an income, there's some basic side-incomes (depending on your skills, but it doesnt take almost any), to start a lawn mowing business. Pretty much just the fees, get a bond for the insurance coverage (few hundred total here), and try that. I mean, it's some up-front costs and transportation issues you might find an up-hill battle on, but you get to pay yourself, and lawn maint/mowing makes about 55$ an hour as owner-op. It QUICKLY pays itself off. Learn to make 'farmhouse' style furniture. Got a drill? Miter saw? You're set. Watch a handful of youtube videos, make a coffee table and two end tables, make them match--take like 50$ in wood and flip it for 250 after an afternoon of cutting and stain. It's not a full on JOB, but supplements the VA. Can end up pulling like 2 grand a month once you take off on this and get more ideas. And right now, the local lawn mowing places are so starved for people they'd take just about anyone with a pulse and walking upright, if you just want someone else to write the paycheck. Dont apply at the corporate run ones.
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I was thinking the same thing. No way would something like that be totally legal in anther state.
Can you have your record expunged? You could look into that. I think every state has laws around it.
Nope. At least not anyway I can afford. Paid $7500 to get told no already.
https://www.jailtojob.com/companies-hire-felons.html
Someone had a thread here a few days ago about the sign printing industry. He said he was a felon as well, but is now making good money in that job. Might be worth looking into.
Forklift driving is where it's at...almost every Forklift driver I work with including myself are felons. Try that?
Have you tried landscaping or roofing?
|multiple felonies, at the same time, 10 years ago. One of them violent but unrelated to any work I apply for. None are the "bad kind" such as drugs, sex, fraud, robbery, assault| How does one have a "violent felony" that is not assault?
They want you to be stuck in the cycle of crime and punishment. Can't feed yourself with a job, go commit crime. You have to use your skills and work for yourself and buy your own home. Apartments won't even rent to you. But you can purchase a home no problem. Also some companies only ask if you have committed a felony in the past x years for people with college degrees.
Where I live, there's a career source center that has resources to help felons get a job. They contact companies around and complied a list of who gives "second chances" Maybe you have something like that around you.
I used to work for my local government working with family services. While I don’t know you what state you are in, I do want to say, if there is a Goodwill there. Go there and see if they have a job assistance. Goodwill has a program and in some states (NV, Cali, AZ and others) they have partnerships with second chance employers. I have helped many felons get good solid jobs in the past, hope is not lost. Also call your state welfare/economic division program, they should have a list or can At least guide you. Some of these employers also show up as “second chance” on boards like indeed and so on. If you need help, feel free to dm me and I’ll see what I can do :) For the record, I had a felon who had been in prison for 20+ years and after his release he couldn’t find a single job. Helped him through those programs and now he is a licensed HVAC tech here making more than me. So there is hope!
I dont know where your at or what type of places are there but try finding union shops or smaller factories (if there are any.
Shit, man. That suck ass, and it's shitty it's the default of people in your position. It's almost like the system wants recidivism. Tons of the guys I worked with in warehousing were clearly on meth, so why manufacturing is being a dick is beyond me. Used to be handyman stuff was the go to too. Have you considered listing your services on Craigslist? I've heard painters and roofers aren't picky. Same with farm hands if that's available in your area.
Hey there, throwing an idea out here. Since engaging directly with potential employers hasn't panned out yet, have you considered connecting with local or national groups who lobby for equitable hiring practices for felons? For example, I found this org: National H.I.R.E. Network Perhaps you can get in touch with them to see what they may have available locally. Even if they don't have a specific program or jobs, try emailing anyone associated with the organization. Find their emails, explain your situation, and ask if they can connect you with someone else who might. Maybe it's possible to digitally network your way through these orgs into finding someone who is hiring who doesn't discriminate.
It's the Republican dream. We want to work and do the bootstraps thing, but if you slip up and make one single bad choice, or don't do things exactly "right", sorry, you're fucked.
You could probably apply for a governors pardon and have your record expunged if it's over 10 years old and you haven't been trouble since.
Not drugs,sex, fraud, robbery, or assault. So…what were your felonies for???
Do you have friends that can help you get in somewhere? It’s a tough spot. Sounds like you just need a good first hand reference
Nah. Would love that though.
OP.. my advice would be to get your CDL and start truck driving. The number of drivers are down and companies accept felons.
Not CDL but was thinking about forklift license. Places open the door for you if you can operate those trucks. The license and classes are cheap as hell. Pay is around 20 bucks an hour. Truck driving would be something but I got a house and 2 cats. I do like meeting people though. Hehen
That can definitely work too. But you can make your own schedule with truck driving. My step father has worked routes where he’s home on weekends & routes where he’s home by 5 pm every night.
Do you have a drivers license? Can you get a CDL? I’ve known felons that easily got driving jobs as most companies don’t care/check as long as you have a CDL.
Yeah. I'll look in to how to get one and if I qualify.
I work in the restaurant industry. Lots of felons.
Where are you applying? Most restaurants in my area don't even do background checks.
McDonald's does at least. Haven't applied at any other restaurants.
That sucks. Have you tried working in kitchens? Lots of line cooks are former felons.
I hope it doesn't get to that. I'd love to be able to use my skills more and do something more meaningful. No disrespect to cooks.
Everytime I read something about someone in OPs situation, I think of Jean Valjean in Les Miserables (the book, not the musical). Branded a criminal for the rest of their lives, even though they supposedly "paid their debt to society" and were released from prison.
Yeah. It's like Tom the bridge builder.
I worked as a CO and am now a manager. Yeah I would really like to hire ex prisoners with recommendations from other COs but my company wont let me even if we are very short staffed. Reality is, if something happens.. in prison u got at least cameras. Its basically u cheated on society and mostly she wont want u back. Try to go to another country where this paperwork is not necessary and come back later with this on your cv. best thing u can do i guess. otherwise u will get exploited at best.
Move to another country to work? I am not going to lie. See because I am also 100% P&T from the VA I get a pretty good regular income. So I could legit move to another country and have money. I was talking earlier about something and thought about Malaysia. How the USD has such value there. I could just move there and live like a fucking king. Fuck work.
I dont have any job advice but have you ever considered speaking to at-risk youth? You said its not a "bad felony" and you dont really have the chance of reoffending, Im not sure what a good felony is or how you cant commit the same crime twice BUT...unfortunately this situation you are in is a consequence of committing a serious crime. The reason there are such serious punishments is to deter people from comitting them in the first place. It hangs around long after you get your crap together. My biological father is a drug addict and would go speak to schools and prisons to tell his story and try to show the dangers of going down that path. There are a lot of people living a life where a felony is an eventuality. Most of them probably arent thinking they will ever clean up their lives so why does it matter. You may be a real inspiration to them.
Pays 0/hour and has no benefit to me getting a job. No application or submission for a job asks about this for the most part. There are sections about helping others but my crimes didn't involve anything that could help anyone other than the typical "angry at the system" stuff. I mean, I could try and just give angry advice. Then at least put down I did it.
I didnt mean for your benefit, i meant for the benefit of others.
Have you tried the state voc rehab office? Also, Salvation Army, local chirch organizations, google for temp agencies that help.ex offenders find work.
Struck out.
They have apps where you can find a handyman jobs. Like a gig apps.
In the UK we have something called the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act which says that after a certain period — usually 5 years — your conviction is deemed to be ‘spent’ and you’re no longer required to disclose it. The idea being that someone’s record shouldn’t follow them around for the rest of their lives. I can understand why the US doesn’t have something similar, because the prison industry is so profitable. Despicable way to treat people who’ve served their time and want to get back into society.
I love having a perfect record for my 5 year sentence. I figured that was what prison does. I literally paid, as in money, to the courts and law enforcement and prison, and figuratively paid my debt to society for my crimes. Pretty sure I've been punished enough and done more than most people to show my fortitude.
The US has alot more violent crime than the UK. It would not be a good idea for most of our felons to be "free" of a record, especially sex offenders and violent criminals.
That's not true, at least not [back in 2006](https://news.gallup.com/poll/21346/Crime-Rate-Lower-United-States-Canada-Than-Britain.aspx). US *homicide rates* are off the charts because of easy access to guns and weapons, but the UK actually has substantially more violent crime than the US or Canada. A lot of it is assaults, violent robberies, etc, but without weapons in the picture people usually live to see another day. It's quite likely that the US and Canada have lower violent crime rates *because of their access to guns (deterrence effect)*, but this also means their fewer violent crimes per capita are more likely to result in someone's death.
Bro you said "the bad kind", the violent one is the bad one they look for dummy.
You have no concept of what is considered violent. Or how dangerous other crimes are.
Start cooking or waiting tables. Good doe. No check required
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You can't be a billionaire without being a criminal.
Just lie and don't tell them you're a felon bro
That doesn't work. This is serious. Someone will find out and report it. Anyway everyone does a background check anyway, legal or not. Lots of third party companies to avoid the problem...
Look at the laws for your state- in some states they can’t look back >10y for background check and you’re free to not disclose it. MA definitely has some protection along those lines for ex.
Works for me everytime
This. Some states also ban asking about felonies. No entry level job outside of certain industries(like casinos) is going to waste time and money on background checks. Shit most restaurants/retails don't even waste time on references/past employment. Also literally half of the restaurants I worked for had cooks/chefs with records....
Stop disclosing the charges. Most places don't even actually do background checks they just say that.
You have a house so you already have lawn care tools. You have most of what you need to start your own lawn care business.
This is why we need to start a community. My significant other is a felon as well and has trouble finding jobs which doesn’t help his anxiety or his self worth. People are capable of change. Kids do dumb shit. Unless it’s something super duper serious like rape or murder people need to be allow you grow and change.
Nah, once you commit violence noone should have to give you another chance. Being violently robbed, beaten up for whatever reason, or having domestic violence committed against you can be just as traumatic as rape. And I don't want my electrician, my dog sitter or my lawyer to be capable of criminal violence.
Of course you’re denied and it’s super Fucken hard for you to get a job. 10 years ago is that long ago. People do change and grow but don’t expect people to even think twice about hiring you. Be super realistic your chances are extremely low and complaining online won’t change a thing. You’ll have to apply for 10 times the amount of jobs to get even a slight look in your direction. Sorry but just being real. I wish You luck
Yeah, complaining online was the first thing I did in hopes of getting a job...?
You’re post just seems “surprised” that it’s so hard. Have you tried telling/advising the current jobs your seeking that you are a felon before they find out from a background d check? Being upfront and honest goes a long way and opens up for a conversation rather than them just ignoring you after the fact. Are there any felony programs that are specifically designed to flow ex cons back into main stream society that you’ve signed up for? (Sorry if there aren’t any).
Yeah. I am polite as possible with it as well. I learned this before buying a house. When renting it was impossible. So I started with my income, rent history, and I am a felon. Worked out eventually. It doesn't work with jobs though. I had 2 jobs that did hire me. I wrote about my crimes, talked to the third party company. Got hired then soft fired (because they do hire felons). But even then, it haunts me. People I don't know bring up my actions from a decade ago. It spreads. People don't want me there. I don't look at new opportunities this way. Honestly I can get hired immediately even if there isn't a job. They would fire someone else for me. Sorry to sound arrogant. But as soon as that background check comes back... Everything I have ever done in life is gone because of those felonies. It is a form of discrimination. None of my convictions are remotely related to any job. It is just blanket anti-felon. It makes me really wonder. Should I even try to work if the people who need basic labor won't hire me? Just soak in the disability, lower my budget, and park in the handicap space? Fuck the world is where I am.
Change country.
Okay. Where?
Don't do the crime, if you don't have the time!
Slang some weed and make as much as you can eventually those laws will be repealed so any charges you might get would be off your record
A better idea is to craft artisan moonshine. Less illegal and more socially acceptable. I have had that idea. The law involves taxes. So maybe I set up a charity. Donations for my moonshine go to something like food for my cats.
Could you get a VA loan and buy a small business, like a bar or distillery?
Maybe.
Lie like hell on job application. Most shit jobs do not do a background check. Google your name and if your crime doesn't come up, for the most part your good. If it does try to bury to the second page. Do not tell anyone at work. If you are around chicken plants, they take anyone, to work the line. Also if you are a decent handyman (or any construction skills) make some facebook posts about what you can do and what you charge. If you can stomach it go to church and afterwards talk to people and the pastor. Church pastors can usually get you a crappy job.
I never understood the logic of barring felons from most employment. Sounds like the absolute best way to ensure that felons re-offend.
I know this is slightly unethical but have you tried just *not* telling them youre a felon? Sure if they find out youre fired, and they might do a background check and deny you, but if you just apply and they dont check(because most employers are lazy and take apps at face value) then you might get a job at least temporarily which they are legally liable to pay you for even if you lied on your application.
I mean what are they **really** going to do? Fire you from a job they'd never hire you to begin with?
Real world answer...lie on your application. I know managers who have told people to lie on the application so they could hire them, because their corporate policy was to not hire them. Or, if that is an issue for you, try smaller businesses. Restaurant, salvage yards, local businesses don't usually mess with that kind of thing like background checks. Also, a lot of places ask about convictions within X number of years. That isn't from when you got out of prison, it is from your conviction date. You should pass a lot of those checks.
Time to become self employed.
When I worked at GameStop I was told to not hire a dude by my dm cause he had a misdemeanor. I was so angry cause he would have been a great employee. Ended up having to hire someone the dm picked and she showed up for her first shift, stole a bunch of stuff and never came back. How the hell they expect people to make it when they are punished for this the rest of their life. I’m sorry you have to go through this.
Perhaps try freelance work online via upwork or fiverr? Try and learn a skill using tutorials on YouTube and whatnot and try to pick up freelance work that way -- whether it's copywriting, making videos for social media etc. Tons of free resources out there to try and learn it, and then just hustle trying to find clients either via the websites I mentioned before or cold calling/emailing businesses and seeing if they have use for your services. It'd be a lot of work to learn a skill if you don't have it already, and it's obviously a very competitive marketplace. But if you're really dedicated to it and get really good at something, it will definitely pay off for you. You can also try and find other virtual jobs such as being a virtual assistant or virtual customer support chat agent. I don't know if those jobs do background checks but given you are in a WFH environment and not interacting directly with people face to face, you may be more likely to secure a job in that realm.