just one chance...

[distance1]

I'm 24 yrs old and I was recently released from prison .. I was 17 when I was sentence and I seem to be in a world I truly don't understand... I'm writing this not for anyones sympathy but just for some advice because I don't want to be another statistic'.
Ii have diffulculties finding a job because of my background and I can't even sign up for public housing because I have a felony on my record.. the last job I was interviewed for turned me down because I'm possibly a liability ..
Is there any help for someone who is trying to get his life going so that I may be able to raise my son and not be a prison dad??? If you know what else I can do to find just that one opportunity please post it ..
$tranded

 

[lauren]

I'm not very experienced with "the real world" as I'm only 17 so starting life will be difficult for me to help you with. Otherwise, have any family you can stay with for now? Until you get straight?

I'm sorry to hear you've had to be in this situation and I hope you stay on the straight and narrow I really admire the fact you want to stay out of prison and look after your son. Best of luck to you!

 

[Han]

Everyone is aware of the stains on your record with prison sentences, and with how difficult it can be to find jobs anyway it's only going to be harder. Admittedly, you're not going to get a great job - I don't know what you were charged for, but that could also effect the type of job you get.

I'm happy that you're changing your life around and are going to be there for your son, but did you not think of your son over everything before doing the crime(s) you committed?

Your best bet is following Lauren's advice for the time being, and looking for the low down jobs to get yourself started.

 

[Wizard]

Hi distance1. Welcome. It will seem like a different world after being out of it for so long this "strangeness" will pass.

There are employers out there who will employ you, but it will not be easy to find them. Persistence alone is omnipotent. Often an opportunity will present its self when least expected.

There are groups who may be able to assist, you can check out your local phone book or contact some of the people who I am sure you would be aware of who can help.

Today is the first day of the rest of your life, make the future yours.

You may have to increase your chances of employment by considering other options than the positions you would like.
Another possibility is to start a small business yourself. If just for example you went into say window cleaning, then the house holders would not be asking about your history, only about whether you would do a good job. ETC.

Once I was doing some electrical work and was sent to an abattoir. As soon as I went in the door the floor manager said "Hello You can start right away I will get you some work clothes" he was that desperate for employees, he tried to hire me on the spot and was disappointed that I was there to do some other work.
The point being is that there are some jobs that are easier to get than others.

Probably the hardest thing is to remain positive and keep trying. You can go to see people in small businesses and shake their hand confidentially and look them right in the eye and ASK for work. It can sometimes work. Many employers hire the man, NOT his past.
All the best for you and yours.

 

[Fergal]

What country or state are you in [MENTION=1733]distance1[/MENTION]

That's extremely wise and helpful advice [MENTION=1253]Wizard[/MENTION].