Felon will have degree soon, needs a job
Hello sir,
My name is Ms. Aaron taste and I live in SC. In 2005, I was charged with a breach of trust and financial transaction card fraud while I was in college. I was convicted and then put on probation for five years. On the 27 of this month my probation is to be terminated in full. It has been so very hard for me to find a job, but I have made due over the past five years. From deli associates to fast food to telemarketing, i would do anything just to keep the bills paid.
I still must say I am lucky. I am still single and I do not have any children. I recently (Feb. 2010) received my associates degree in psychology and I am so proud of myself to have gotten that far. I am currently studying for my bachelors in Human Resources Management, but sometimes I feel like I am just wasting my time. I have other misdemeanors such as bad checks and shop lifting on my record but I do not know where to begin to start my journey into getting a conviction either expunged or attempt to get a pardon. Please help me. I have even been thinking about moving to another state and then being able to get the job of my dreams, working with at risk youth, etc. I try to think at how it could be worse. I have heard of felons not being able to work or get an apt. Well I have all of that and even more, if it had not been for prayer and the trust that I regained from my parents, I really don't know where I would be. Please help. I guess what I am asking, is where do I go from here especially after getting off probation and a year and a half left on my bachelors.
Thank you
Miss Aaron
Felon will have degree soon, needs a job
Hello Miss Aaron,
I'm not sure moving to another state will help. Your convictions will still be relative. What I suggest to ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs is to contact their local legal aid office. There you may get free advice about what processes are available in your state (expungement, sealing, etc.)
I work with felons everyday who get professional jobs. I next suggest you contact your local United Way office. In addition to supporting a number of organizations that offer services to ex-offenders and felons, the United Way may offer some insight into employment opportunities at non-profit organizations they work with.
I hope this helps