convrsionjunction

12 years ago from Atlanta, GA

Thank you for the great post. I guess sometimes we get caught up in our everyday lives and fail to realize that therre are several issues out there that need to be addressed. Good for you doing your part in bringing this to the forefront.

Marc

Research Analyst

12 years ago

Good luck to you and thanks for sharing.

Buddyro18

12 years ago

Research Analyst

12 years ago

Thanks, for sharing. that is good information you found about barnes and nobles.

minnow

12 years ago from Seattle

Hi Research Analyst--I think that Barnes & Noble might be felon amenable. I've looked at their job application (I'm in the market for part time work) recently--they participate in the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) Program. I like how you come up with new ideas!

Research Analyst

12 years ago

Sandi - thanks for sharing your experiences, it is truly a subject that needs to be addressed and made more available, many people need to work and due to their past it puts up road blocks. Which with some effort can be overcome.

Sandi

12 years ago

My son made a mistake by listening a 14/15 yr old girl who said she was 17 and boom......csc 3 (attempted). Polygraph test proofed it wasn't rape, but by then it was too late. Yep you guessed it, felony. He has been trouble free prettymuch for five yrs. and no one will hire him because of the felony. People wonder why these kids go back to a life of crime or commit suicide. My son, thank the Lord, is still trying to get a job and he has been married, divorced and has a 2yr old son he wants to keep supporting. He's worried he will go to jail for back child support if he doesn't get a job. I am gonna look up this info for MI and I sure hope there is something in MI that will be Felony Friendly Employers. Thanks for letting me sound off.

Research Analyst

13 years ago

Thats what it is all about, people helping people.

multimastery

13 years ago

Heck if you don't give the 'deserving ex-felon' a chance (one who is really trying to change their life) - then they will just be forced back into a life of crime. And what could would that do? There has to be a better system to reforming ex-cons into productive citizens. Your idea sounds like a good start! You may have just stumbled upon a niche topic/area to continue further research.

Research Analyst

13 years ago

I agree PK, this issue raised some questions about what is being done to address this situation.

Poetic Knight

13 years ago from Ottawa

This is a very good idea and it is something that should be instituted in every state and province in North America. I know that there are agencies that cater to people who are listed as "Felons". But we must face the facts that most employers do not consider people with records a good a investment for their company. In most cases that is a very common and very wrong assumption. In most cases. People make mistakes and those mistakes should not be considered as all a person is!

That is a weekness in society that we should try to avoid. I had a friend who commited a crime out of anger and on the spur of the moment. He should have thought things out first, but we all know that sometimes our anger (or depression or anxiety or even our over eagerness) does the thinking for us. Should we condem a person for acting prematurly? No! as I said we as human thinking beings make mistakes. We should consider what it would be like for us if we were in the same situation. If I made a criminal mistake, I would hope that After I did my time or probation or what ever I did to make ammends, I would be given the same opportunity that anyone else would have. The exception would be for a continuous repeat offender. Habitual criminals aside, most breakers of the law are usually the same as you and I. Your suggestion that companies be advertised as "felon friendly" may be detrimental to their business. Wrong or right, that is usualy the case. However, payrole and probation officers should make it their mandate to be as knowledgable as possible about "Felon Friendly" employers so they, through word of mouth, have the inside info for their clients. The Government and legal institutes should have lists available on request and companies should have their names added if they do not discriminate against felons. I applaud you for your insight in this reguard and as always I will keep your hubs on my Fav list.

PK

I was a teenage (18)years, pled guilty for a crime on behalf of another person. As a result I spent time in California prison twenty-seven years. I recently paroled couple of months ago. Thank you for this site and the comments. I will keep you and others updated in my new life as a convicted felon.

PHYLLIS

11 years ago

I am 50 yeats old, further more the year is 2010. I got a felony in 1994, I was hired with a company in 2005, I tried to transfer to another city, all my information was supossedly faxed before I relocated 1500 miles, I was told what my salary would be and given the ok to go to the new job. When I get there I gave a new updated application and was told I could not be hired after moving 1500 miles no compensation no anything just flat out of luck, because of a felony even though I worked for the same company from 12/28/2005 to 01-2009! Wow.... from phyllisowens56@yahoo.com

Robert

11 years ago

Worthless. No help for Oregon.

Kendra

11 years ago

I am happy to have ready everyone's entries and agree one mistake should not ruin a person's life forever. I am a convicted felon since three weeks after I turned 18. It is ridiculous because many ex offenders were very young at their time of convictions and now have a very difficult time. It is worse for the economy because many resort back to crime and are unable to find work. Hence, they end back in prison and cause higher taxes when they could be paying taxes and benefitting society. This is very sad indeed.

Research Analyst

11 years ago

Matthew it is good to hear that you were able to overcome your situation the economy has a big effect on those looking for work and like you mentioned people need to get creative and become their own boss.

Matthew

11 years ago

I'm a small business owner after comitting a crime when I was eighteen, I robbed a store with a bee bee gun. This biggest mistake of my life. After doing five years and walking off 3 years of prorole, I'm still trying to provide a better life for myself thru hard work and self education. I have create so much for myself but I must confess it's been very hard but the last four years have been better then the first five. I'm just hoping for a better economny soon! If they don't want to give you a job create one.

danielle

11 years ago

I am a convicted felon and have been looking for work in my area. I haven't been able to find anything that will even give me a second look. I am still looking. In two years the justice system is going to take my felony to a mis. but what am I supposed to do until then. I have three children that I have to provide for and one that I am paying child support for (that I can't afford.) all I can say now is please GOD help me.

wendy

11 years ago

I am a convicted felon and am looking to pursue a nursing degree. If anyone has any ideas about how to go about this let me know. Nursing schools won't accept you once they do a background check because a hospital won't let you in to do clinicals. Contact me at elanddoris@hotmail.com

tdarby

12 years ago

You forgot Labor Ready. I used to manage one of their top 5 offices in the nation. I needed some workers to go to help build a local prison--one of the requirements was that none of the employees could be felons. Out of about 100-110 employees, I had 3 qualify. Nice.

Thoams Marciniak

12 years ago from http://tfmarciniak.synthasite.com/

I have been out of prison now just a little over six years after serving nearly 21 years. I am on parole until the year 2057 unless they change it. Since I have been out I have earned a BS and started on my Masters degree. Until recently I have held some good jobs, all of which knew that I was an ex-felon. I know that the road ahead is rough and at the present moment they look very bleak, but regardless of how difficult it is or becomes I will never turn back to any form of crime, because I know that it is not the World that owes me but I who owe the world. I may be homeless in a short while, yet I will do what ever I can that is legal to prevent this.

I just wanted to say a few words about not giving up, I remember looking at the ceiling of my cell and thinking "this is where I am going to spend the rest of my life." I decided then that if that was the case then I needed to make the world a better place, and the only way I could do this was by doing the "right thing." I may not always know what the "right thing " is, but I always know what the "wrong thing" is, and as long as I don't do the wrong thing, I am doing the right thing.

My best to everyone regardless of backgrounds.

Tom

JP

12 years ago

In this day of technology, people forget how to use a phone book. I work at a halfway house, and I have my clients pick up a phone book, and start making phone calls. The question to ask is "Do you hire people with a felony?”, and “Are you hiring now.” Not everyone will, but all of my clients that are willing and able to work are able to find jobs in two to three weeks.

Also, if you are not picky, most telemarketing companies are felon friendly.

Ward In DFW

12 years ago

I am scouring the Internet intensely trying to find a list of "felony friendly" locations in my area.

Recently I needed work so desperately that I left the US to be a productive human being again, but due to the unnamed country collapsing, my wife and I had to return back to the States and thus here I am in the DFW area willing to do anything for employment.

I was given a website, Hard2Hire.com by one of the organizations that aid felons here in this area that lists jobs that either do not care that a felony is on one's record, or lists that it is a felony friendly location. However, I have yet to hear from one of the applications that I have sent in and I have found discrepancies with the site whereby a felony friendly advisement may be given for a company, but after going on the applicaton site the company advertises "NO FELONIES."

Normally I am very upbeat, positive, and encourage others that all will be okay, and perhaps I am just having my moment of discouragement, but I am really concerned that no one will contact me, and that I won't be able to be productive here in the states ever again.

To add insult to injury I took the 3rd degree felony situation that I am in as a plea deal to avoid making matters worse when I could not prove my innocence. I will say this for the justice system and those that do not know about it (as I was naieve initially also) ....that once you have any kind of negative associations with the judicial system it is absolutely exhausting to have to prove to people that you are not the "monster" or "criminal" that they think you are and that everyone deserves a second chance.

I did not go to prison, nor was I even on probation for more than a couple of weeks. I was just given an adjudication withheld status and told not to get into any more trouble, finger printed, and told that I could not profit from my experience.

I hope that someone in my newly relocated area can tell me where to go for employment so that I can take care of my family.

Before sounding overly negative and full of doom and gloom, I do want to give thanks to God that I am alive, with people that love me, and for finding this site as I desperately needed some form of life line when I happened across it.

Research Analyst

12 years ago

Ann - As hard as it may seem right now, this IS the time you are your strongest, because when things seem to be at its worst thats when you know you WILL regain the strength to move forward, you will find work again. So do not let these circumstances cloud your judgement. Stay focused and remember that you are worthy.

Ann Hovarter

12 years ago

I am so depressed. I am 40 years old. I am a registered Nurse and the only thing i have ever done wrong with the law is make a rolling stop at a stopsign and got a ticket- over 4 years ago. I met a man, got married and he had the brainy idea to bring his parents home to live with us. long story short, i didn't want this to happen but i was a newlywed and i couldn't say no. well. it came down to the 140,000 addition to our home ended up costing 280,000. lost all the money. his dad had a brain injury and mom dementia. well, husbands sisters said we stole all the money, 2 years later, state prosecutor took the case, we got charged felonys and now i have to take a plea. I will lose my nursing license and have no skills. my life is ruined. and guess what same now EX husband molested my daughter. and i am taking the fall of his parents with him. NOT FAIR. I can't find a job. and probably never will again. MY ex ruined my life. it seems life isn't worth it.

Research Analyst

12 years ago

Hey Mighty Mom you are so right that its better for society to find a place for displaced workers so that they can help them improve themselves, it is great to know that some employers are doing their part in making a positive change in that direction. thanks for sharing.

Susan Reid

12 years ago from Where Left is Right, CA

I had never heard the term "Felon-friendly companies" until the other night. I do volunteer work at a women's recovery house. Many of the women there have criminal records and are in the program as part of their release. It's amazing to me (and I do continue to learn) the programs available to help former inmates assimilate into the outside world. One of the women announced to the group that she had a big stack of "felon friendly" job listings. Especially in this tough economy, it really woke me up that not only are there companies out there who will forgive a person's criminal past, but that obviously someone or some agencies are actively assisting in making employment happen for these women.

Thank goodness, because as was stated above, it's not easy to turn your life around. We need to make it a viable option, otherwise felons will bounce right back into their former behavior and back into our overcrowded prisons (I'm in CA also).

Thanks for writing such a helpful hub, RA! MM

Research Analyst

12 years ago

Maria thanks for sharing your story, it is a source of encouragement to others.

maria

12 years ago

I am a female 27 years old i did 3 years in prison maxed out no parole they just kicked me out and shut the gates behind me next week it will have been 2 years since they released me. I left wanting a different life. i did get a job in 7 days of release actually it was min wage so i got 2 jobs one at boston market and the other as a desk clerk for super8 motels. I have realized over time that i have to take the steps to get where i want to be. After working like a nut for a year i quit both jobs and got one great job selling cars doubling my money in half the time, i paid off my fines and went for custody of my daughters and won!!!! Now unfortunately my company closed down and economy is no help but i worked hard enough to be eligable for unemployment. Everyday is hard but i make a conciouse decision to stay focused on my future. Since the system is hard to get past. I will suggest targetting smaller min wage jobs 2 if you have to for the job history, then if your seriouse about staying out of trouble go to NA meetings, Raise your hand and tell them your problem, these people are all working functioning mothers and fathers who have been through it they know where to apply for jobs just give it a shot someone will know someone who can hire you!!!!

evanmop

9 years ago

I'm a three time convicted felon, due to horrible decision making on my part and a life long battle with drug addiction, which I now have considerable clean time from and am happy, although finding a job is tough. In the past even with two felonies I was extremely resilient, but the third and most recent conviction happened at work, where I was a bookkeeper and involved the illegal removal of funds. I've been out of prison for almost three months and have had door after door slammed in my face. Today I met a wonderful woman at a temporary agency, whom really seems to care and is willing to work with me, so my hopes are high and am praying with all my might. It just so happens a good friend of mine sent me the link to your web site and the agency I went to today happens to be felon friendly, although I am prepared for a negative response regardless, due to my crime occurring with in my profession. Aside from accounting I am a skilled construction worker in many facets of the industry, so I went and took my Oshawa safety class and am prepared to go that route. I will never give up and I suggest that anyone out there with a felony be persistant to no end. I chased drugs to the ends of the earth for two decades. Now I'm chasing my new life in that same manner.

tpolk76

9 years ago

What is very unfair is how your life is judged over a few incidents take me for example i grew up in a single parent home with my mother and three sibilings. I was the baby of four I hated seen my mom strugle so as i got older I got a job worked my but off but it was not enough so I stole over five hundred dollars from my eployer over 15 years ago since then I have pastored a small church that i want take one penny from for a salary but every job i go to want hire me over the incident

melly

9 years ago

My 20 yr old son has been out of jail for 3 weeks, came out with a felony on his record. I've been helping him look for work but most people see the felony question checked off and u can actually see their face change. He's totally discouraged that after paying for what he did, he's made to pay out here as well. Most people that haven't been exposed to unfair situations in their life don't understand or are compassionate. That's why these people end up back in jail. Nothing stops a life of crime like a job. We live in southern california and to help him i've been calling agencies and just blank asking if they'll hire felons and their tone of voice changes automatically. My son is looking for anything legal, dishwasher,warehouse,anything and it's heartbreaking to see how we as people can destroy eachother istead of helping to build up. He's not asking for a hand-out just a chance to prove himself and earn some self respect in the process.

• Deny

Trashisfree

10 years ago

I have been working on a book at the link above. I have no work history at all, I was a successful drug dealer for 20 years. Please start finding your own work, your own ways to make money, to save money. Even if you have a decent job now, tomorrow you can be just another unemployed felon. Book is free to read online.

I make money in a zillion different ways. I can't count on any 1 source of income. But a whole bunch of them adds up fast. Be flexible in what you do, keep a cellphone that you answer reliably, get a reputation for being ultra reliable.

Another option is be the non career partner in a relationship. My girlfriend makes really decent money, however she works an average of 50 hours a week. I help take care of her son, do all the cooking and most of the dishes and other stuff too. I still make 1200-2500+ a month without a regular job, working when there is work that pays. No way would I go work for minimum wage.

Out of prison for 2.5 years now, and nobody will hire me for a real job. I can't even get a min wage shit job at a place that hires felons only, because I am doing far too well and am far to successful, they won't touch me.

Please seriously take the time to read my book, quit trying to survive off a job that may disappear tomorrow. Start being resourceful in everything you do. The bare minimum I ever work for is 15 an hour cash in hand.

Running Scared

10 years ago

I could use some advice. Several years ago my father and step-father died, I lost my job and caught my wife in bed with another man in the span of about a year. I lost everything and became incredibly depressed and was on a lot of medication as well as drinking heavily. I was not myself. I made a couple of mistakes. I've got 2 retail theft misdemeanor convictions on my record the last one 2 years and 8 months ago. I didn't go to jail and paid the fines and did the community service. The value of the merchandise, 4 movies and a wrench total about $100. Since I stopped taking the meds and quit drinking alcohol and even pop and am now my old self again. I have a great background and work history but am wondering if it even matters anymore. I want to get a couple of more flexible part-time jobs so that I can get an associates degree. I was pulling in 6 figures before this all happened and now I'm not sure if I can get a job at a video store. People in my community like me and I plan on volunteering at the food pantry through my church. I want to get a degree to go with my experience. I know in 4 years I can get at least one of them sealed. I'm 39 years old. I want to remain positive but I want to hear it like it is. I'd appreciate any comments. Thanks!

Jack the tripper

10 years ago

I havent broke a law in a long time. If I want to eat mushrooms I file the forms with the court and take Sovereign Citizenship. If I want to sell drugs I do the same then I file the forms to be back in the U.S. Its a strict punishment system but we have immunity at least. I havent broke a U.S law in a long time while under U.S law.

Mark

10 years ago

I was laid off in early 08 after being with a major international oil company for over 23 years. I took advantage to spend some over due time with my family and started looking just as the bottom fell out. I had one interview in late 08 and not another one until late 09. This one was great and in celebrating it the next day got a DWI. Unfortunately I didn't know the 10 year window laws had changed and they used priors in 92/94 to elevate this to a felony. Needless to say it's been impossible to find a good IT job like I used to have. No jail time but 5 yrs probation. Any ideas for Unix/Linux IT jobs in the Houston area?

Unfortunately I'm not in very good physical shape so day labor type jobs are not an option.

mmcmanus007@comcast.net

Rena

10 years ago

The only difference between those of us with a Felony and those that don't have one is- We Got Caught- they got away with the stupid stuff, the drugs, robbery, stealing....most of us were just in the wrong place at the wrong time and got caught. that's all..jobs in the DFW area are scarce for the felon..i've been looking for 9 months after leaving 3 wonderful jobs in Upper Michigan last year. But i have hope and the love of a wonderful man to keep me going.

Bob Dillon

10 years ago

Research suggests that more intelligent felons make a killing in a market with less competition called drugs!!!

Anonymous

10 years ago

When I expunge in 4 years Im moving to Mexico and taking 18 million dollars in that precious rationing device with me.

Anonymous

10 years ago

This country is filled with spoiled rotten Americans! We are in debt because of that reason. We continuously waste money by outcasting felons and as a consequence we spend a ton of money that does not need to be spent putting them back in the system. That is one of the major reasons so much meth is imported into the U.S from the Mexican Cartel. We simply do not hire felons. Especiallly violent felons. Our nation is filled with stupid laws and the workforce is segregated. Workforce/Drugforce.

Indica Bob

10 years ago

You clean record havers are lucky. You're sitting over there making 7 digits a year and Im only making 6. I love America, what a country!

Research Analyst

10 years ago

Indica Bob thanks for sharing your story, it will be helpful to others who face the same situation with trying to find a job, it is too bad that even with a college degree felons are having such challenges.

Indica Bob

10 years ago

I would have to disagree with anybody who says a felony is an excuse not to work. I was convicted of O.R.S 163.165(c) an unintentional felony for a car accident while drinking. Its an assault 3. Due diligence and Negligent Hiring laws will prove this a fact over and over again. Violen felons are unhirable. I went to college got a degree and would be lucky to get over 30hrs at 8.40. So the only job I have is dinging the GDP.

Jane Doe

10 years ago

It means that no one else wants the job and it doesnt pay shit so they fill the spots with felons. We have undereducated people working those jobs so theyre non existent. Just sell drugs, the prison's are overpopulated right now anyway.

Research Analyst

10 years ago

Thanks for sharing your experience smoking joe, I know it will be encouraging to those in similar positions.

smokingjoe

10 years ago

I am in st. paul MN. I spent some time in prison on drug possession charges. I found a job 2 weeks after being released and gained a ton of experience. I worked hard and was promoted to the top job in 1 year. I was offered another job and took it as a machinist. I was not good at this job i guess and was not hired on. I had to work at a slaughter house for about 14 months. But this experience gave me the skills needed to get another job. I now am a meat cutter at a grocery store and earn a descent salary.

It was hard because some places denied me immediatly upon finding out about my past. But the people that gave me the opportunity have never regreted their decision. If you want a job, it is up to you. if you get the job, it is up to you to keep the job which will create other opportunities.

i goto school too and am hoping to become a pipefitter. if not i have some welding skills, and will soon have CNC machining skills. It is up to me, i put myself in this situation and i have to live with it.

if anyone says they cant get a job, it is just an excuse. i know it is hard and trust me, i have had to deal with all kinds of roadblocks. I just keep moving forward and improving myself. I stay positive because the last thing i want to do is lose my freedom. If i lose my freedom again, i lose everything i have worked for.

Good luck to all.