By D (03/15/2012):
I was just released from probation this past Dec. I spent a year in jail and 4 years probation (with the ankle monitor). I solicited an under age girl (a cop). At least that's what they said. I was initially contacted by the cop. I was lead into believing the person was under age and wanted to talk about sex, so that's what I did.
In my previous life I was a computer programmer. Since my conviction I was not permitted to even touch a computer. Even though the Florida workforce uses computers to search for work. So for the past 51/2 years I have been unemployed. I am 64 years old. Once I was off probation I was once again allowed to pursue my profession. I went on a job interview three weeks ago. I filled out the standard employment application. I filled in where the "Have you ever been convicted...." was located. The company, which has only 20 people, was in the exact same field that my last job trained me in. Financial Banking software. I was hired at a good salary. Yesterday was my first day. I was told that I would have to fill out the appropriate paper work. Of course the W-2 form, the non compete form, etc. However, the first form I had to fill out was the one where I gave permission to check my background. I spoke with the manager and told him that I thought he had already checked my background. He told me he did not. At that point I had to explain my situation. I told him about my arrest for Solicitation. I did not mention it was with a cop pretending to be an under age girl. After explaining my situation, I asked him what I should do. He said that since my crime had nothing to do with violence or stealing, he didn't think it would cause a problem with my job. He said I should proceed with my training, and he would talk to the owner of the company what he thought. Well, by 5:45PM my day was over. I asked if he spoke with the owner but he said the owner hadn't run the background check as of yet, so I should come in today to continue training. Before I got home last night, I received a call from the manager. He said the owner ran the check and couldn't employee me.
My wife says to forget looking any more because of the pain and disappointment. I don't know whether I should stop looking or not. My feeling is that no matter where I look for work, the company will find out. What they will do with that information is anyone's guess but if a small company of 20 won't hire me, what chances do you think I have?
Any ideas are welcome....
Thank you for this forum.
I know the feeling. While on parole I completed a Master's degree, and after parole a Ph.D., but I still kept getting turned down for employment for which I was highly qualified (either they looked me up online and threw my application in the trash, or they interviewed me and wanted to hire me but when it came time for a background check they decided against me). I finally found employment in continental Europe, where there is a much different attitude about former offenders, including former sex offenders. My advice is to keep applying for a wide variety of relevant opportunities and be willing to relocate if necessary. Sooner or later you will succeed, so don't let your disappointment cause you to give up. You might also consider becoming self-employed, perhaps as a temporary contractor. You could also go back to school for an advanced degree in a related field; this will give you an opportunity to establish professional connections, build credibility, and increase your value to employers. You can usually receive financial support while in school doing teaching, research, consulting, etc., and obtain financial aid. Surround yourself with good friends and loved ones who will encourage you when you feel discouraged, and don't give up.
ReplyDeleteI'm in the same boat. I was just finishing up my second master's degree when I was charged with a very similar thing as you. My degrees are in math and stats, and I have had numerous people tell me that my resume looks impressive. But every single time I apply to something, as soon I tell them about my conviction, the tune changes. Even my closest "friends" will say that I am perfect for something, then when I ask them for a personal reference (in the same field), their tune changes.
ReplyDeleteI've constantly been researching other countries to find work in. I would like to find something in Europe (or possibly Asia) but keep running into brick walls. Does anyone have any good references to start in researching? Seems like I usually end up finding things posted by people who have no clue, and essentially state "we don't want your kind over here." My wife is totally on board with starting a new life elsewhere, just need to find it.