hopeless in the PC area (Tampa, Orlando: unemployment, landscaping, contractor)

[morris34]

Hello, I recently was incarcerated for about six years. Now I have been out for 2mo looking everywhere for a job in the Polk county area. Do you know any places that will hire a convicted felon. It seems when you try to live right and do right society still tries to keep you down. What is a brother to do.

[Tecnica_swift]

What did brother do might be another thing you left that part out. If you told me that you went to jail for rape or something heck I would say your chances are pretty much non existent. But this is your business.

[summergal]

Your best bet would be to get yourself to a large city to improve your chances. Orlando or Tampa. You may try talking with a career counselor from the state unemployment program, I think it's called "Worknet" or something. They were very helpful when I was out of work and had alot of very good solid advice. Also, if you are just searching the"want ads", you are competing with lots of people and missing opportunities . Sit down and list 20 specific companies you would like to work for, get your resume and interview skills together and go after it! The unemployment office program helps you do exactly this. Good luck.

[stpeteguy]

Originally Posted by morris34

Hello, I recently was incarcerated for about six years. Now I have been out for 2mo looking everywhere for a job in the Polk county area. Do you know any places that will hire a convicted felon. It seems when you try to live right and do right society still tries to keep you down. What is a brother to do.

Start mowing yards, cleaning pools, landscaping,etc.

Do something that allows you to work for yourself, or work for another contractor as maybe a sub-contractor. If your reasonably smart and hard working, you can make an excellent living running a service type business.


When you have a criminal history, it's gonna be hard for you to get a fair shake at the interview. That's the reality of the world. Nobody wants to hire someone with a criminal background.

And, drop the "what's a brother to do", type mentality.

Think positive.

[BucFan]

Originally Posted by morris34

Hello, I recently was incarcerated for about six years. Now I have been out for 2mo looking everywhere for a job in the Polk county area. Do you know any places that will hire a convicted felon. It seems when you try to live right and do right society still tries to keep you down. What is a brother to do.

I've never been in your shoes. Must be very difficult to get out of the shadow of being a convict. I'm wishing you good luck.

Appearance, appropriate language (no profanity), respect for authority/supervisions, being on time (or early) for work, having a strong work ethic, being trustworthy and dependable.

Get rid of the "I'm a victim" "Society owes me" attitude -

Get educated, take simple jobs and be good at them. The money will come later if you stick with it and show what you can bring to your employer.

You'll have to prove yourself worthy - there's no free tickets.

Get yourself educated, when you can.

Good luck.

[Keeper]

My nephew was in jail for selling drugs as a teenager, he is a felon. He recently got out and is working 2 jobs just to make ends meet.
Again, I think it is like others have said, it depends on what you were in jail for. IIRC there are programs setup by the state to help.

[summergal]

Originally Posted by stpeteguy

Start mowing yards, cleaning pools, landscaping,etc.

Do something that allows you to work for yourself, or work for another contractor as maybe a sub-contractor. If your reasonably smart and hard working, you can make an excellent living running a service type business.


When you have a criminal history, it's gonna be hard for you to get a fair shake at the interview. That's the reality of the world. Nobody wants to hire someone with a criminal background.

And, drop the "what's a brother to do", type mentality.

Think positive.

That is excellent advice!

There are lots of examples and ideas as well as encouragement at 48days.com. He has a huge number of free podcasts to listen to that get you thinking about self employment. 48 Days - Your Source for Career Building!