Hello everyone.
From what I have been going thru for the last year and a half I have come to terms with what its REALLY like.
If the person is a ex offender and their crime isn't 'violent' their chances of gaining employment is 90% better than those of us with 'violent' crimes. Violent crimes are those such as: Robbery, assault w/intent, kidnapping, sexual crimes, attempted murder, vehicular homicide, manslaughter, or any conspiracy's to commit the above crimes. And in some states, burglary is considered violent.
I got a job easier because I was in the state work release when I was looking, they know you have to report to work, so they like to hire us.
Only catch is , it's rotten wages. Extremely low.
And once you are out of the work release, finding a job is like finding water in hell.
I want to change jobs badly, for more money, and no one will hire me.
I been at this job close to two full years. I have the feeling I'm stuck here, at dirt cheap wages.
LadySoldier

I am sorry that you are having this problem finding a job. I do not want to sound at all condecending but be grateful you have a job even if right now it's not enough money, or the right kind of job. With the attitude I am pleased to see in you in all seriousness, being willing to stay at this job almost 2 years is very commendable. It shows dedication and committment which is what employers want the most. YOu are dependable. Keep looking no matter how many rejections you get, one of these days someone will see what I see and give you a chance. I know I would.

I don't know how you are going about applying, but it best serve you to be up front with perspective employers. admit your wrongs...what you were in prison for before they run a check and find out. explain you have been at your job going on 2 years. You are dependable, loyal, have paid your debt to society, and most responsible in finding a job before you quit your present one..that shows a whole lot of character.

Just keep trying and I will put you in my thoughts and prayers

Yes, I keep it real at all my interviews. Thing is, I don't even get interviews RARELY.
Don't get me wrong, I am thankful for having a job.
Just need things like medical insurance, more money for bills, thats all I'm saying.
Thank you for the support.
By the way, why are you in this room? Do you have a loved one in prison?

my 4 month old son's father, fiance what ever you want to call him, although right now we are taking a break..at least I am, in the hopes he has finally learned what it is he needs to learn. He has spent the last 15 years of his life in Prison not out more than a year combined...he got off parole September 15 of last year first time ever, and by November he had picked up a new case, and received 2 years. He says he will be home by December or there abouts, with time served, ( not sure how it works). and to a drug program after he is released. He say's all of this and im at the point now where I will believe it when I see it. I don't mean to sound harsh or unsuportive, he's put me through hell and at this point, I don't believe a word he says.

I also ddin't mean to imply that you were not grateful, i just wanted to remind you :)..i put my foot in my mouth often lol.

Since you do receive such a low salary, have you looked into seeing if you qualify for medical or some help from your state? There are lots of organizations out there to help a person get back on their feet, so it wouldn't hurt to make some inquiry's.

Hello ladysoldier:

1) Congratulations on finding and maintaining employment. 2) A better job will come as long as you continue to apply your determination in finding a better job.

ginger90044

Thank you Ginger.
Sunnie-Certainly sounds like you been thru one!
I have checked into all types of medical help. I don't
qualify for aid because I am not pregnant, my child
don't live w/me, I'm not blind or qualify for SS, and
here if you make $6/hr or more for 30 plus hrs. a
week, you make 'too much' to qualify. It's hard.
I pay 5-10 dollars a month to hospitals/clinics just
so they don't take it to the credit bureau. I had
ovarian cysts in spring and it killed me in bills, I had
one good encounter with another hospital. I had over
$1000.00 in unpaid medical bills, and they wrote
it off. That was helpful as hell!
Everyone take it EZ....patience is a virtue...

Hello:

You are welcome. Athough my experience with health care is different (insured thru hubby) I want to encourage you to take each instance where you were forgiven a debt, and use that as a tool to realize God is faithful.

Your time is near for a new job that will include benefits. Each step you take brings you closer. Look back solider. Remember when you needed a job? And remember the day you first started, I bet if you look back you will recall that feeling.

Was there a time when you didn't feel or believe you would get a job because of your criminal record? If so, then God showed His faithfulness. And He will do it again for you.

Do you realize that you are a testimony for me? And not just for me but countless other's. Employment was/is a huge issue for me. I've worked all my life and had never been in trouble. I wouldn't have been in trouble at all if I had not been duped by a con man. I had a simple life. Now that's changed becaused I trusted someone who had wickedness his heart.

My alleged crime is white collar. There are jobs I won't be able to get so I focus on what I can do. All I want is a job and I will get one.

Be encouraged,
Ginger

Can I ask what you did time for and how much?
How long ago were you let out?

Thank you for the encouragement.
Lady Soldier:wave: :wave:

Hello Lady Soldier:

I trusted a man name Roman Strickland. I met him while working at credit union A where I was a loan officer. About two months later I accepted employment with credit union B for more money and increased responsibilities. Roman followed me to credit union B. He was enrolled for membership because he owned a business in Manhattan Beach, CA so he was within their field of membership. I did not enroll him as it was not my job function. I did however recommened approval on two loans he applied for using his auto's as collateral. Roman owned a 2001 Bentley, a home in Manhattan Beach, a Jaguar and a Mercedes. His paystub, W2 and tax returns said he worked for RW Capital. His title was Managing Director. He earned $650,000 to 1,000,000 per year.

After about four months he was bouncing checks on his account. He wrote a check for $20,000 to for a diamond ring for his wife which bounced. He was arrested and my employer learned that is true name is Aaron Strickland, he used a false security number, and he had been convicted and served three previous prison sentences for fraud.

When I was interviewed and asked when I had first me him I lied because I was afraid that I would be fired. My employer found out that I knew him briefly at credit union A so the perception was I was involved. I was arrested July 17, 2002 and my case was settled a year later on July 17, 2003.

As part of my plea agreement I received no prison time. I was convicted for 532A (Making a false financial statement). The state of california believed I knew Roman's income statements were fraudulent. My husband hired a private investigator for me, and he discovered that Roman leased office space, and hired a answering service to act as his employer. This is how he duped me. Since I was the loan officer it was my responsiblity to verify his employment. I did and because I spoke directly with his employer I believed him. The problem is I lied about when I first met him so it made me look bad, and the fact he followed me for credit union A to credit union B.

God is faithful because I was originally charged with 4 counts of embezzlement, grand theft and fraud. I wanted a jury trial but my attorney said based on his 24 yrs of experience a jury would find me guilty. I have lived in a converted garage with my husband for 6 years. We rent our main house out. I drive a 96 Honda and nothing in my financial status changed. I received no financial beneifits from Roman's fraud whatsoever. I was not aware he was a three-time convicted felon wanted on parole violations in New York and California. He befriended me and used me. So here I am a convicted felon. I wish I had done the crime at least that way I would paying for doing wrong. But I am paying for telling a lie and trusting someone I did not know.

Well, that's my truth.
Ginger

Lady Solider,

I too plead gulity of a violent crime. I know the feeling of not being able to find a decent paying job. When I was released, I went back to Medical Assistant school and got my diploma and started working in the medical field. The pay was low and barely able to support myself. Sometimes I worked two jobs just to make ends meet. Although, no hospital would hire me, I managed to find work in private doctors offices. The pay was low compared to those MA's who worked in a hospital setting.

So, I decided to go back to college and get my degree. For the past 2 years, I have been in college with my dreams set on becoming a doctor. Every doors seems closed right now. I've been turned away from Nursing, Respirtory Therapy and other medical professions. I even had colleges turn me away from medical school before I could even apply.

However, despite all this, I keep me head up high. I know I made the wrong decisions in my past. There is nothing that I can do about that. But I have learned from my wrong doing. I'm determined to go to medical school even if it means leaving the country to attend.

keep looking. Don't let rejection hold you back. Keep searching for a way. My mother told me that if one door is closed, you don't stop there. I refuse to let rejection defeat me. I will not stop until my dream has come true.

Jasmine

hey guys,
my heart is beating like a mf......i got convicted of felony fraud, i recieved too many food stamps. yep, 4 kids, alone, husband in prison and i'm being sent myself. i did county time and every time i apply for a job i have to enter yes on that line, convicted of a felony. it SUCKS. with a degree, i work as a home health care worker. Hospice. as much as i love my job i'd LOVE to be earning a "living" wage.

don't EVER give up. that must be why you choose soldier as a moniker!

by the way, the women i met in jail were more stand up than these bitches you meet on the street!!!!!!!!!!!

Yes, I quit college myself, because we have had numerous job fairs, and all the employers stated I would not be considered with a criminal history such as mine.

I couldn't afford to keep racking up college loans, for no future in that field I was studying for. They said it pretty much doesn't matter what field I was going in,
all would damn near the same...'no consideration to those with a crime like mine.'

I don't feel like a quitter, I did what any smart person would have done.

Keep strong.

Hello LadySoldier:

I see you live in Iowa. Do you know if there's a branch of the Urban League there? If so, I encourage you to enroll in their program. If not check with your local EDD and find out if they have free training for women in non-traditional careers.

Non-traditional means construction, plumbing, carpentry, electrical, sheet metal worker, things of this nature. The jobs are union and the pay starts at about $13.00 per hour. The Los Angeles Unified School District pays sheet metal workers $31.00 per hour. And locksmiths earn about $26.00 per hour.

The training is free and the duration is eight weeks. Check out this website for more information. www.centuryhousing.org (click on training). Perhaps they can provide you with resources in your state and/or city.

The work is manual labor but the pay is good. In addition you could get side jobs.

Have you considered moving to a larger state where there are more opportunities? Is this possible for you?

Ginger

Keep on trying to get another job. It will come eventually. My son has a brain injury and is doing 12 years of a 31 year sentence. They tell me that he will have to have a job waiting on him before he gets out! That is crazy. My sons at home are having a hard time finding a job and they are on the outside and they expect a brain injured boy to find one on the inside before he gets out after 12 years..RIGHT! Like thats going to happen. If not, he has to serve 31 years on a first offence. Just hang in there and even though its a low paying job at least its honest work and you have a job. Keep praying and God will eventually answer.That what I keep telling myself.