Discouraged and getting bad attitude - sorry

goneSTRAIGHT · #1 10-23-2003, 12:44 AM

Sorry, but I just need to vent.

I got another call today from a staffing company who gave me phone interview. Everything went well, as usaul, my background and experience match what they are looking for. They told me job was with PacBell / $30hr contract, starting next week. Then they call me back and asked for SSN# and asked if I had problem with them doing background check and / drug test - I said no, but then I also gave up feeling here we go again. For the past year, over 600 resumes sent out, 30 GOOD interviews, still nothing. So I got another call today from another company who left message and I didn't even bother to call back - what for?

I have a college degree, many years experience yet I feel it's worhless now. I currently get calls from collection agencies asking for payment on a student loan - yet I refuse to pay on a loan for degree that isn't worth s**t.

Now I know why ex felons cannot vote or be selected for juy duty because of the injustice we experience from our system. Injustice? Here's an example: I had a felony several years ago, went to probation, then back to court and was granted reduction to misdameanor by the judge. Months later, I get a letter from the justice dept. over ruling that decision so as a felony it still stands and I have no reason why (they will not help).

It's not fair, I mean to have a record follow you for the rest of your life. I'm going to write to Arnold Schwarzennger and request a Governer's Pardon --- haha

Sorry, but just had to vent my frustrations. Hopefully tomorrow will be better so I will not give up. Thanks for listening

(post edited for language use - please refer to PTO policy on language use)

freedom anjel · #2 10-23-2003, 12:59 AM

Hey Gonestraight, I feel for you! I can't imagine what it must be like to go through what you are going through looking for employment. It's frustrating enough when you don't have a record and can't seem to find a job, but to have a college degree, good interviews, etc., etc. and then get rejection after rejection has to hit pretty hard. Do you tell them about your felony up front? Everyone is doing the background check thing now, so it's pretty hard to keep it hidden. I had a friend staying with me who had all kinds of experience and couldn't seem to land a job either. We finally figured out it was her bad credit. I had to find a new job after 22 years and when they sent me the information that they had received from the company that did the checking on me, I couldn't believe it!! It must have been 15 pages long and included my credit history back to 1972, as well as my driving and criminal record, which were both clean thank God. Anyway, my point is why not put it out front in your cover letter. Just what you said happened. Several years ago, you made a mistake and it was reduced to a misdemeanor and then rescinded back to a felony, etc. etc. At least with it in the cover letter, anyone calling for an interview will already know the scoop and if they can get past it, you'll have a really good interview with a real chance of getting the job. Just a thought. I guess it's what I would do because I hate rejection and since everyone is doing the "background check" thing and would find out anyway, I wouldn't have to go through the hoops for nothing.

I pray that something comes through for you.

Take care and God bless,
Bonnie

goneSTRAIGHT · #3 10-23-2003, 02:09 AM

Thanks for your encouragement.

Just wanted to share one more thing then I'll shut up.

When filling out applications and signing the last page authorizing an employer to conduct background check, reference check, credit check, etc. , it also states that we as applicants are entitled to a copy of this report (also by Law)from the company who conducted it if it is used as a reason to disqualify you from employment. Key word is "IF", ----------Companies use this loophole and will hardly ever disclose to you what they find out, but will just tell you a more qualified candidate was found. This is from my experience.

Thanks again

ladysoldier · #4 10-23-2003, 11:27 PM

Man I can totally understand your strife!!

I served 7 and a half years in prison, went in at age 19. Been out for two years this Feb.
I got a low paying job that barely pays my bills, I'm thankful I got it...but it's hard to be gushing of thanks when I have bill collectors calling me non stop for medical bills I cannot pay...nor get help for because I can't get govt. help. Can't get it they say unless I'm pregnant. They count gross income of me and my husband...and it ain't shit..but it disqualifies us.

Sucks. Yes.

Student loan?? Me too. I quit college after I discovered that even w/a deg. I still won't get hired. They see them felonies and lose a gasket.

People view us as quitters, or slackers. IF THEY ONLY KNEW. We worked deathly hard in prison, so we KNOW HOW TO WORK HARD.

That's not the issue. We just can't get a job. I refuse to allow it to put me back in chains tho.
I hate prison w/every ounce of my soul.

I think of one thing to put me in perspective.
Who put me there?? ME.

issed:
No one else.

I would get severly depressed if I wasn't a devoted Christian. Because that's how society pulls us around.
They judge you, don't let you vote, mark you as a repeat offender even if U DON'T REPEAT!

Yes sweetie, it's hard. Got that right----that's an understatement!!

lulu · #5 10-24-2003, 08:17 AM

I cant say I blame you one bit. Society wants ( so they say) rehablitation, yet part of that upon release is getting a job. They make it so darn hard to do this.
I am so sorry.

deb · #6 10-24-2003, 11:34 AM

((hugs)) and hang in there.... Too many times society says "Well they gave up and went back..." Don't join that statistic. What society does is wrong but please keep plugging away...

Deb

kwolf15 · #7 10-27-2003, 11:02 AM

I agree with this post, also. I have a college degree that I cannot use ever again. I am bright, well educated, and a quick learner. However, all I have been able to find is McDonalds type jobs. Every time I try to find some type of educational field to pursue I find out that felons can not get licensed in that field or whatever. I am considering going into chemical dependency counseling because at least in that field your drug conviction can work FOR you as far as employment.

Also, someone mentioned that in many states felons are ineligible for student loans, public housing, welfare, food stamps, etc etc. They do make it so so hard. I found a website yesterday, I think it is called H.I.R.E., and it is about reforming theses laws and giving felons a chance. It is well worth looking at; lots of info.

kwolf

Searcher · #8 10-27-2003, 11:26 PM

Average guy: I own a company I have 5 applicants all have what im looking for 1 is a felon guess who will be dumped first? This is life, is that comforting, NO!! The reality is that the average Joe doens't know what the Criminal Justice System really is so they see Felon and that means "bad". Not someone I want to take a risk on when Im just treading water in the business world myslef. I see this EVERY day!! I help my women and men get jobs when I can, but, my god it is hard for them. Many I wouldn't pay to rake my lawn, but many I would pay to build my home! Court orders they be employed, be in treatment, pay restitution, pay court fines, pay supervision fee's all when they have no license and a felon!! by the way, don't you drink while your dealing with these stresses!! What can I do for these people!!

**David** · #9 10-29-2003, 12:43 AM

Pretty blunt there Searcher.. Honesty is good though.

I agree with quite a bit of it.. I have dealt for almost all my adult life with getting a job on probation.. It's a hard thing to do and you often will feel like there is not much up in the job market.. I learned to lie..
The people who currently employ me found out that I run PTO.. Boy, was that a hard pill for them to swallow, and I don't blame them.. You wouldn't guess I am a "convict"
If I had told them from the start about my criminal history, I seriously doubt they would have hired me (Mike, if your reading this, please comment... lol) at all.
When they found out, my boss talked to me (took me to lunch, actually) about it and ended up keeping me on.. I think I proved myself in the mean time (since I started, though I probably have not shined as bright as I should have).
In this case, I didn't have to lie on an application because they never asked if I had a criminal record. If they had, I would have lied.. Plain and simple.. Without hesitation. That is because in the past I have been honest and lost out (I know for a FACT) on the job.. I deeply believe it doesn't pay to be honest when you are a convict looking for a decent job.. There is too much prejudice out there relating to "CONVICTS".. No matter which way Hollywood paints or glamorizes people that have been to prison, and even got out and been successful, they will always automatically assume the worst.. It is the rare few (such as my current boss) that looks past this into who and what you are..

Ok.. My 2 cents have expired..

Fed-X

flygirlaa2 · #10 10-29-2003, 05:47 AM

Excellent posts searcher and Fed x. I hve no idea what you guys go thru. I also agree with Lulu. Steady, dignified employment goes a long way towards rehabilitation and successful reentry.

offpaper · #11 10-29-2003, 07:20 AM

The previous posts reflect my experiences to date. Did a total of 7 years, been out five and it's still a struggle. I still believe it's better to get your foot in the door and show your stuff than to have a zero chance in the first place. Yes, I stole and yes, I was punished as the law mandated in addition to losing everything I owned, my career, and my reputation. Fine, I can handle all of that. It should be over. I try to stay positve, but in reality, the Sentencing Guidelines are all life sentences. At least it's good not to be alone while having to eat this s*** sandwich served by the system.

goneSTRAIGHT · #12 10-29-2003, 08:20 AM

Still haven't gave up yet, and seeking out other resources. I went to Dept. of Rehabilitation to see if I could get some assistance there. Most of my crimes were drug related (stealing to support habit) and I have completed a treatment program. Only thing w/ DOR is they want medical records and now here's another dilema--------no job=no insurance, no insurance = no medical records, but worth a try. Drug addiction is considered a disability, but who knows how one goes about getting this certified w/o insurance. Today will go apply for welfare (eventhough I hear ex felons cannot get) cuz my ass is broke. Tommorrow, have a job fair to go to, and just as I started to think I should be honest about the past, having read some posts here, I think the best policy is to lie my ass off.

And there's also the fines and restitution I have to pay. Over $1000 I don't have. I'm gonna pay those SOBs all in pennies someday

toi_ama · #13 10-29-2003, 08:29 AM

I thought lying on your application was against the law. My daughter won't do it for that reason, is what I think she said. Not just that, but you usually get fired anyway if they find out. It may work out okay in some cases, but is it worth the risk? Serious question here.

lulu · #14 10-29-2003, 09:22 AM

I dont know how lying solves anything. I mean they usally eventually find out anyway the the end resort could cost you that job. I think that has to add to ones fustrations. Which is surly not a good thing

jojo71 · #15 10-29-2003, 09:55 AM

Man---I can SO relate to all this!!! I have had several misdemeanors and wuz alwayz still able to find a good job---but---as soon as I got a felony on my record...Well...I,too,have been out for a year...been working very hard at being "good" and I have over a year "clean"...my felony wuz a 20 dollar,shoplifting thing...of course...while I wuz high...got bumped up to a felony because of my previous convictions...Well...people CAN change...I am just having a VERY hard time...I am working with my Mom right now,just cause no one else will give me a chance...IT REALLY SUX!!!