Navigating Life as a Convicted Felon: Finding Employment and Housing without Recidivism

Living with a felony conviction is a challenging reality faced by many. After being convicted of a felony, individuals often find themselves in a difficult situation, especially when it comes to employment and housing. Despite the belief that opportunities are limited to fast-food jobs or similar low-paying work, there are several avenues to explore.

The Reality of Felony Convictions

Between criminal charges and media portrayal, felons often face an uphill battle. I can personally attest to this, having received a felony conviction after being present during a drug deal involving my ex-boyfriend. This conviction resulted in the dissolution of my career opportunities and decent housing options. It wasn't easy, but I decided to challenge the common notion that fast food and terrible labor jobs are the only options available.

Challenges in the Job Market

Job applications are a myriad of challenges for those with felony convictions. Even fast-food jobs can involve background checks. Additionally, I held a college degree before my conviction, which I had to set aside. In my bid to secure high-paying jobs, I faced numerous rejections due to background checks. My Indeed profile boasted hundreds of applications, but the lack of potential employment was discouraging. I also took assessments to enhance my candidacy, with highly proficient to expert scores. Clearly, it's not a lack of job skills that's hindering my progress.

Finding Alternatives in the Job Market

Despite the lack of options, there are still ways to enter the workforce. Check your local classifieds or Facebook Marketplace for listings that do not require background checks or application fees. Keep in mind that ads saved by hundreds of users who can pass their background checks show that these alternatives are viable. Housing discrimination exacerbates the problem, but there are ways to navigate this.

The Struggle with Housing

For many felons, finding suitable housing is another significant hurdle. After a long career and a career setback due to a felony conviction, I had to relocate to a leaky one-bedroom apartment. Mold and leaks are only the beginning of the challenges. My current part-time employment with a good company is comforting, but it is far from ideal.

A Right to a Second Chance?

Despite my efforts and the court's statement that I am not a threat and unlikely to reoffend, society continues to discriminate based on my conviction. It is deeply disheartening that felons are not protected under civil liberties, while other individuals with less harmful offenses are. This discrimination is even more frustrating given the state governments' efforts to protect those who commit more severe offenses like child molestation. It's time to challenge this injustice and advocate for fair treatment for all individuals, regardless of their past.

Conclusion

Life as a convicted felon is fraught with challenges. However, there are still paths to employment and housing without recidivism. By leveraging alternative job markets and housing options, individuals can start to rebuild their lives. It's crucial to advocate for fair treatment and support the injustices faced by felons. A strong network and persistent effort can lead to a brighter future.

Keywords

Felony conviction, post-conviction employment, housing for felons, background checks, civil liberties.