Twenty years ago, I was convicted of trafficking. I served four and a half years in prison and tried re-entering society as a law-abiding, tax-paying citizen. I thought this was the natural course of the way things operate in America. This was and still is not the case, even after the governor restored my civil rights in March 2007. I answered “no” on applications that asked, ‘Have you ever been convicted of a felony during the past 10 years?’ Even though the conviction was 20 years ago, I received letters from various large companies stating that they don’t hire ex-felons. I was recruited for a nationally known company, passed all the interviews and entrance tests and then, after a background check, was told the same thing. When I explained I had worked for the company in the past, I was told that the hiring policy had changed, which was why I could not be hired. I told the company representative that ex-felons are hired and gave him the name of Martha Stewart. The rep hung up on me.

I have had no additional convictions in the past 20 years, nor do I plan to have any, but our society is set up to make people pay for their mistakes for the rest of their lives. I have worked at certain jobs during this post-felon time, but I see various jobs that I am fully qualified for and can’t get one. How do I get jobs that would allow me to support my family when our society shows no forgiveness to those who make mistakes when they are young?

SOCIETY’S forgiveness of a dark or questionable past has to do with who you are and who you know.

Public opinion is that not all felonies are equal. Trafficking is thought of as more threatening and violent than insider trading, so don’t waste your energy by comparing your outcome with famous people’s; it will only create greater frustration for you. If you can’t create and develop your own business, focus on jobs at smaller, more progressive companies in fast-paced environments.

Entrepreneurial types are less likely to hold a grudge over an incident that involved poor judgement as a youth. What’s important is that you regret your mistake and have spent your adult life doing the right thing.

— Creators News Service