I am a felon, how can I get a job?

Susan L. Zalatan S01505620

Sociology 275-Career Development

6 June 1012

Felon Friendly Jobs

As a convicted felon the work force is often times a difficult maze to navigate. This is especially true if you have been incarcerated often of for a significant period of time. There is a stigma to the word FELON. What many people do not realize, that as a convicted felon, the price to society has been paid, and a felon’s skills, abilities, desire to succeed and attitude should be considered prior to consideration for their crime, their punishment and their status at the time of an interview.

In this economy, it’s tough enough to find a job, yet I see felons every day finding gainful, rewarding employment. Tenacity, honesty and skill development are the three keys that are important to any job search endeavor.

During my job search I to the “spaghetti at the wall” approach; I sent out 10-25 resumes from craigslist.org each day including weekends. I spent seven hours a day putting in applications; lots of shoe leather time.  From June 14, 2011 through September, I received only three interviews yet landed a nice job at a great company. So if one throws enough spaghetti at a wall something is going to stick. 

Honesty is the best policy. I have found being the one to bring up the felony conviction is helpful in clearing the air right away. Don’t wait to be asked. I even developed a felony explanation letter to attach to resumes and applications. If the advertisement specifies “background check” or No Felons, apply anyway, be up front and honest. Remember it is your example that can change the perception of felons in the workforce.

Take every opportunity you can find to develop and improve your skills. If you have only dealt drugs your whole life, look into sales, accounting or finance. Those are skills you have already developed.  If you find you have a passion in a certain area, develop that into a money making opportunity so that you can support your family and your dreams.

Recently I was laid off of that job. They claim to want me back once business picks up. To be honest with myself, I doubt I will go back. That job is not my passion, and spending 40+ hours each week at work, should be an enjoyable experience.  I AM passionate about food, and am now training to be a manager at Dickey’s Barbecue Pit. I am currently the Brand Ambassador and Catering Expert for our store. My Boss has a dream to have a whole group of restaurants, and I whole heartedly support that, and am doing everything I am capable of to make that dream come true. If he is successful, I will be as well!

Find a vocation you are passionate about, develop and hone the skills necessary to be successful, and keep throwing those noodles at the wall! This is the formula I have found to be successful; it will work for anyone, just not felons!

Here are some websites that are geared toward felon friendly jobs:

Buzzle.com- Informative, interesting articles and links to felon friendly employers.

JobRapido.com

Indeed.com

www.colorado.gov/coloradoworks

An Angel Called Home

Sunday, God called one of his most valiant, loving, giving, beautiful angels home. My friend Barb has been my anchor for the past ten years. When my husband was afflicted with a debilitating stroke, she swooped in and took control of my spinning out of control life. Through that experience I became friends with Barb. Always quick with her good common sense, asking thought provoking questions, cheering me on and up. She is the most selfless person I have ever encountered.

Although she would always ask, what can I do for you? And I would always say I’m good, no need, she just pitched in and did what she saw needed doing. She would show up and say let’s go get an ice cream, don’t I owe you lunch? Come and go to this talk, seminar, meeting with me. She always knew when I needed a friend.

Over our ten year friendship we leaned on one another, I probably did most of the leaning. We learned from one another, laughed, cried, mourned and rejoiced together. For three years she became Tony’s third wife, an inside joke that tickled them both, selflessly she cared for Tony’s needs, thus fulfilling a need in me that I was unable to perform.  So much for I don’t need anything, we laughed about that as well.

Barb is a marvelous mother, who adores her children, a loving wife who is a true partner to her husband, a caring friend, mentor and true sister. She will be missed, with her mission here complete, she prepares a way for us all. Rest well sweet angel.

All I Ever Needed to Know I learned in Kindergarten

All I Ever Needed to Know I learned in Kindergarten

“Prejudice cannot see the things that are because it is always looking for things that aren't”[1]

When I was in kindergarten, I did not know there were prejudices. Heck, I didn’t even know what the word meant. I had led an extremely sheltered life, yet had friends from many racial, religious, ethnic and political origins. I really didn’t think of them that way, I just had a lot of friends. I didn’t even know we were all different. One day, a well-meaning teacher, (I am sure as a public service) pointed out the differences of Ray. Now I fancied myself “in love” with Ray, and hadn’t really noticed anything different about him. Another teacher lovingly took Ray out for an “extra” recess and our teacher compassionately explained that Ray had been in a fire, one allegedly set by his father, a Mexican, in a drunken stupor, as Ray slept in the backseat of their car. See Ray was severely burned over the right side of his body. Honestly, until that day I had never noticed his scars. That was the day I learned about differences and how we form prejudices.

Because I grew up in the sixties, in Littleton, Colorado, I really was not exposed to race discrimination. My father worked at Gates Rubber Company and had friends of all colors and creeds. There was one, not sure of the politically correct term, black child in my school. We had a handful of Chicanos, and a few Native American Indians. However, all of them blended rather well with our small culture. A joke in high school was that the Black girl didn’t even know she was Black.

Most of our neighbors were Christian, albeit different faiths, and I remember my third grade teacher was Jewish, and I SO wanted to be a Jew! Our community was close knit and I really did not know anything of racism, prejudice, discrimination or segregation. When I heard the word Nigger, it meant black person, not a racial epithet, but as an identifier of what a Black person was called. My father grew up along the Missouri River, and that’s what Black people were called. On his death bed, he no longer called Black men Niggers, but they had graduated to Colored Folk, it was a generational thing. Still my father’s ignorance bred no racism, or prejudice into us children.

“No, you don't know what it's like
When nothing feels all right
You don't know what it's like
To be like me
To be hurt
To feel lost
To be left out in the dark
To be kicked when you're down
To feel like you've been pushed around
To be on the edge of breaking down
And no one's there to save you
No, you don't know what it's like
Welcome to my life”
― Simple Plan [2]

My first experience with segregation was in 1973 when the State of Colorado began bussing children form the downtown schools, whose students were predominantly Black and Chicano, to our sleepy suburb. I attended a middle school that served grades five through nine. Because I was in some advanced courses, my gym class was with the much older eighth grade girls many who had been bussed in from Five Points. Not only were these girls more coordinated, and bigger in stature than I, they did not like the little white girl who “held them back”. For three days in a row I was physically beaten by these girls, called names and could have lost my life except a gym teach happened to walk into the shower room as one of these “learning experiences” was taking place. After a week in the hospital, I still had no idea that color was such a barrier! I learned quickly how to stay out of their way!

Never try and reason the prejudice out of a man. It was not reasoned into him, and cannot be reasoned out.
Sydney Smith [3]

For me prejudice begins as bullying. It’s about power. We tend to find differences in people, and attack them as weaknesses, so that we can be more powerful. Sadly, for the bully he only diminishes himself. It’s not about race, it can be political leanings, socioeconomic standing, maybe even something as inconsequential as wearing the “right” clothing. Americans from the United States, tend to hold themselves higher than their neighbors and at times even their friends. You don’t hear about “keeping up with the Joneses” in Europe, or Asia. The United States is a very competitive society.  At times it seems as if it’s just about stuff, status and puffery!

My experience in the Colorado Criminal Justice System taught me more about prejudice than I ever care to learn. For many who have served a majority of their lives in “the system” it is about skin color, religion, or the amount of stuff one possesses. I witnessed severe class warfare during my stay in prison. My experience was that the women, who were Black, were big on “respect”. If you did something that they did not care for you were disrespecting them, and then the bullying began. The Chicanas were big on who could be “more Christian” and while they weren’t the only ones spouting Bible verses, and preaching “Christ Like behavior” they held themselves as Christian, all the while repeating criminal behavior. The lesbian women were split into three categories: the true homosexual, the gay for the stay women, and those who had serious gender identification issues. One boy/girl that I served time with, as it turns out, is a beautiful woman, who had borne two children, and although in a lesbian relationship, she no longer portrays herself to be “manly” as she did while in prison. I believe that prejudice forces us to find a slot and melt ourselves into it; if not for our own sanity, surely for our own safety.

“When people hurt you over and over, think of them like sand paper. They may scratch and hurt you a bit, but in the end, you end up polished and they end up useless.”  ― Chris Colfer[4]

I also learned in prison, that the bully may never actually physically harm you; especially those that threaten. Surely they are not going to warn you if they intend harm. I was physically assaulted in prison, yet not because of racism, merely because I refused to provide material things for another inmate who felt she deserved largess from me. Many believed it was because she was Black and I was White. It was because I was ignorant and she was cunning.

I've been actually really very pleased to see how much awareness was raised around bullying, and how deeply it affects everyone. You know, you don't have to be the loser kid in high school to be bullied. Bullying and being picked on comes in so many different forms.
Lady Gaga [5]

In our lifetime we may never end prejudice, however I believe our reaction to prejudice and our diligent guidance to our children may serve to educate and ease the pain of prejudice. A great man, teacher and prophet, Jesus Christ once said, “Love on another”. After all isn’t that what it’s all about?

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[1] http://thinkexist.com/quotation/prejudice_cannot_see_the_things_that_are_because/189246.html

[2] http://www.goodreads.com/quotes/show_tag?id=bullying

[3] http://www.planetpals.com/IKC/IKC_quotedictionary.html

[4] http://www.goodreads.com/quotes/show_tag?id=bullying

[5] http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/bullying.html?gclid=CN-j8_7W3a8CFUHatgod_QxeJw

Labels

We as a society love our labels! coach bags, Guess jeans, Prada shoes, Mercedes, Range Rover, Honda, Corvette, Lincoln, Democrat, Republican, Independent, Christian, Atheist, Progressive, Rich, Poor, Elite, Mainstream media, Tommy Hifilger; all of these are labels that we as Americans are in LOVE with! How many of us allow others to define us by the label they have pinned upon us?
I have had many labels in my life. As a child I was Suzy the busy bee, Mary Sunshine, Polly Anna, Princess, prissy tomboy, and Daddy's girl.  All of these monikers I wore proudly and did my best to emulate what I thought they meant. Soon I found myself programmed to act within the confines of each of these labels at the appropriate time and place. This at the cost of any real identity I may have developed.

I began to realize this at the end of a very tumultuous, painful relationship that took up a big part of my teenaged years. After I turned twenty after five years of trying to morph into what my boyfriend wanted me to be, I learned that I could never be what he wanted/needed and whatever identity I had had been consumed by my and his estimation of what he wanted from me.  I began to notice this a few months before he broke it off. (There I said it, I never before have admitted it was he who broke it off). I was no longer Susan, I was Dick's* girlfriend. I began rebelling against this "control" over me, and eventually as I was not fitting into his compartment, and I was not doing as he expected of me. (Forget about the deceit and the cheating, that's a whole 'nother ballgame).  At one point after the breakup, I was introduced at Dick's "former" girlfriend, and MY name was never mentioned!  that was a cold wake up call. I never wanted to be a Stepford Wife, yet that is exactly what I had become!
Once the breakup occurred, there are many versions of the behavior that I demonstrated. Some say I went a little crazy, some say I had a nervous breakdown, others applauded my strength and composure. I put myself in many positions where by I would encounter him and one of his girlfriends. This was painful for me, and probably very awkward for him. I remember there were a lot of tears, much misery and many very blue days. I was physically ill from the hurt and betrayal I felt. After all I had "grown" up  with this boy and all my dreams had been dashed by the breakup, no explanation, no accusations, just a "we are through".
It took me a very long time to recover from the disappointment and pain of that relationship. Dick went on to marry at least three times, and father at least three children. For the first ten years after the "breakup" I didn't even date; I would not trust anyone. I really could not even guarantee that I wouldn't go running back to him if he even seemed so inclined!
I knew I was finally over Dick when at his sister's wedding he asked me to dance, 6 years I spent with this person and never once had he danced with me! Reluctantly I agreed, and he was holding me very inappropriately. he whispered into my ear that the three most important women in his life were there, me, his ex-wife, and his new wife of only a few months, and none of us were fighting over him! I backed off, slapped him as hard as I could, and said "Don't flatter yourself dick!" here it was his sister's wedding and he was making it about him! I knew then that I was free! The spell had been broken! 30 + years later, I have reconciled in my heart and mind that relationship. It's a good learning experience. I am able to hold onto the fond, tender memories, and have let go of the bitterness, hurt and the label!
Within the past 15 years I have been involved with the criminal "justice" system. I carry the label FELON. Regardless if I committed a crime, I have been measured and weighed and am now a felon.  I am striving to not become that label. Society seems to believe that everyone who carries that label is disposable. Jobs are very difficult to obtain, housing is nearly impossible, and education is a harder path for those who have traveled through the criminal "justice" system.
No matter my behavior, or the crime I have been punished for, I am not that label. The key word in that sentence is that I have been punished I have paid the price; financially, by serving time with the State, and having my family torn apart. I am still me, a loving wife, a good mother, a kind generous person, who constantly thinks of others, and wants only the best for everyone. I refuse to become the label felon. I am a wife mother, caregiver, citizen.
The stigma that is associated with this label is difficult, yet not impossible to overcome. I have found that dealing with employers is the most simple. Approach the situation straightforward and with honesty.  Accentuate the positive, dwell on past accomplishments; show how the "punishment" has enhanced one’s life. If while incarcerated, accomplishments were earned then tout those as well. Address addictions, treatment and reporting needs as soon as possible. Sell the whole package! One benefit of being still supervised is that you do have reporting requirements, therefore the employer needn't be concerned as you are being monitored, thus upping your reliability!  
If change was needed show how the change has come about and the steps you are willing to take to avoid criminal practices. Stick to your word. When that employer gives you a chance show him/her each and every day how they made a great choice! You are not only assisting yourself, and your employer, you are paving the way for others in a similar situation!
The label felon is a hard one to hide, I would say don't. Keep it where all good labels should be, on the inside. The only label I am interested in is the one I portray each day, Susan the good wife, servant to others and a lot of fun!
Bottom line, I am not a handbag, a dress, a car or a political party, I am a beautiful, powerful, passionate woman.

Values

Values

My values stem from one simple sentence. Do What is Right- Always. I figure if I do what is right- always, then everything else will fall into place. My values, all stem from my core belief that I must always do what is right. When I was a child there was a song I learned in church; the first line is to the chorus is “Do what is Right, let the consequences follow”.[1]   I am a Christian. And I put great faith and belief in Christ’s admonishment to us “Love the Lord thy God, and love one another”. Those are the only two things he asks us to do, and likewise, doing the right thing always, falls into line with those commandments. If we love, truly love, we will do the right thing in all situations.

I haven’t always lived by this hard fast rule, and some of the consequences I have paid have borne that out and I have paid consequences that were unfavorable. As a child, my parents always said that our behavior was our choice; however the consequences that we paid for our behavior were ultimately their choice. One can imagine that I choose the much easier road, so that I could pay only favorable consequences. As it is in the criminal justice system, at least that’s what my experience shows.

 Part of doing the right thing always is to be grateful for all of the blessings, and trials that I am granted.  I know it sounds somewhat crazy, to be grateful for trials; however I have found being grateful for the hard things, has made them so much easier to endure. Let’s face it I would rather have my set of problems than anyone else’s.  A great prophet and man, Harold B. Lee on said, “Don’t be afraid of the trials of life. Sometimes when you are going through the most severe test, you will be nearer to God than ever before.”[2]

This one core value shapes my life every day. One might say it takes the guesswork out of decisions I am faced with. If I have a question, I just say what is the right thing to do? ; I find more often than not the right thing although may be a bit more difficult to accomplish and much better consequences are the result.  For example, when I met with the parole board representative, I was asked if I was guilty of the crimes for which I was being punished. I had heard that if one does not admit guilt parole would not be granted.  When asked the question, I took a deep breath and two thoughts ran through my head, if I do what is right, and say I am not guilty, I will not be granted parole. If I say I am guilty I will probably be granted parole. I looked the woman in the eye and said, “No I am not guilty”. I left the parole hearing fully expecting to be set back at least a year, and when I met with my case manager later that day, I learned I had been granted parole at my Parole Eligibility Date! So much for that Urban Myth”!

I believe that being grateful and serving others are other tenants that will guarantee success. We must be grateful for all of the situations, and gifts we are given every day. Yes, even the bad stuff. We are given trials to help us to learn lessons. I look at my incarceration as an opportunity to share my talents and my testimony with others that may not otherwise have been able to hear the message I have to deliver.  Serving others can be as simple as greeting someone with a smile, helping when help is unexpected or planning and executing a grand service project. Each random act of kindness helps to demonstrate that I want the best for everyone, and shows that my creed is just not lip service.

Society is helped by my personal code, because I give back, and make things better. Even in my trials, I have been able to ”bloom where I was planted” thus showing that I can make this old world a better place for us all. Although I have been involved with the criminal justice system for nearly five years, I do not believe it has made me harder. I believe I am much smarter, maybe a bit more reticent in trusting others and have adapted my behavior to conform to what is expected of me. I have not changed my personality, yet I have made adjustments to allow others to temporarily dictate my freedoms. That is the theory of blooming where one is planted. Make the best of each situation and leave it a little better than how you found it.

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[1] LDS Hymnbook ©1985

 Hymn # 237 Do What is Right

Text; Anon; The Psalms Of Life Boston 1857

Music: George Kaillmark 1781-1835

[2] Harold Be Lee; Master Teacher
Breck England Ensign© 2002

Whelmed

So many things are mounting right now. I feel like I am on the brink of a nervous “incident”! I have to remember all of the things I am grateful for. My wonderful husband, who has been ill, but is on the mend now. Our beautiful daughters and the pride we have in them, and the joy they have brought to us. That I am no longer in prison, and although I am not yet at home full time I do get to spend a good part of my day there! I am grateful for my brothers. Especially Shawn who has been a good anchor for me, though Tony’s latest illness.  He has given me some great advice, and has been the voice of reason, that I so often miss from my mommie.

I get frustrated with the red tape of the justice system. I often remark that it’s a crappy system, but probably the best in the world, that’s not saying so much. I have complied, I feel as if I am being assimilated by the Borg! I do what I am asked; I never give staff a problem, and pay my bills, so then why am I always feeling as if I am falling through the cracks! One of the most difficult things is leaving Tony each night. I feel he really needs me to be there for him, and I don’t feel it’s fair to have Shawn babysit him. I am glad that he is willing to help, but it really IS my job! I hate it when I cannot perform a basic duty, which I need to!

I have a lot on my plate right now. Half way house responsibilities and accountabilities, Tony’s illness and recovery, looking for a new house for us and the stress of four hours travel time each day. I believe I still keep a sunny outlook; lately I have been emotionally overwrought.   I wouldn’t say I am overwhelmed, but I am whelmed!

I found out that one of our daughters is expecting. Not sure if she is pregnant or they are adopting. We are thrilled, yet also a bit disappointed that this freeze out continues. I drive myself crazy feeling like a stalker trying to learn what I can about their lives, and then getting depressed because we are not included in their plans! Our other girl is planning a wedding, and I am jealous that I am not included. I guess I will have to get over that!

Can’t we all just get along? I wish I could just ignore my feelings and feign nonchalance but it does matter to me! I love our girls as if I gave birth to them. It hurts that they would believe that I would ever intentionally hurt them.

I am grateful for all I have, and pray for patience and forgiveness for sins real and imagined. I love my husband.

So I have changed the name of my blog now you can find me at A New Start On Life. I don't want to dwell on what brought me here, but I don't want to ever forget it either!

Time Passages

Wow January has zoomed by and I have only posted a couple of times! Actually I am not sure anyone even reads this, and that's perfectly OK, I pray that my insights may have some value to anyone who may stop by.
I have been struggling a lot lately with my situation with the injustice system. I have been waiting quite anxiously for word of when I can become an ISP inmate. What that entails, is a lower classification of supervision, and possibly a stylish new ankle bracelet. I have been out of prison for 8 months now, and have (imnsho) earned the right to leave the halfway house and live in peace with my husband. I am doing well at my job, I am working the program that has been set out for me, and I only spend 8 hours daily at that dreaded place. Don't get me wrong, I am pleased to be away from the barbed wire, razor wire and clanging doors, I am ready to move on.
I call it the injustice system for two reasons; it's all about the money, and it is in no way fair. I believe, that like the Mob, if you are a good "earner" you have very little chance of moving on and out of the "family". I have complied with all the program rules, I stay off the radar, I have worked to improve myself, I pay my bills, and essentially I am just paying the halfway house the price of an apartment to sleep on a cast iron bed with a  plastic mattress that offers no cushion for my body. I eat at home or work, I shower at home. They must count me hourly for the eight hours I am there, and once a month I must give a urine sample.
My case manager, said, oh it's not that bad, and really it's not, however, I am mentally checked out of that place. It is very hard to return each evening.
I am so very blessed to have my husband in my corner. He is so patient with me. He is more optimistic than I and tries to keep me on the level emotionally. He has stood behind me 100% and deserves some sort of award for what he has been through for the past 5 years!
I learned about two weeks ago that our daughter Rachel is getting married in June. I am disappointed that we are not to be included in this joyous time for her. I am frustrated that I have not been able to communicate with her. I would really like to have the opportunity to spend some time with her and hammer out our differences. I am sad that she has shunned her father because he chooses to support me.
My little brother recently moved in with us. He has been struggling financially, and it seemed like the right thing to do. He has been very helpful around the house, and helping with my transportation. I am so grateful that we have reconciled, it is a great blessing to me.
My older brother hasn't been well.  He lives in another state, and is so far out of my reach now. His partner feels as if I and my younger brother should drop everything and take up his aid. I wish that I could, however, really no one has ever been there for me financially, emotionally or physically when I have gone through the darkest periods of my life.  I am not keeping score, I just think that  if we are bailed out every time a problem arises, we have no motivation and no chance to grow and test our own limits.
I begin school on Monday. I am reading one of the books we were assigned, Man's Search For Meaning by Viktor Frankel. It's an amazing study of the human psyche and what we as humans are able to endure! I am fascinated by my own endurance levels over the past 11 years, and realize by reading this book that I have much to be grateful for and much to give back. All in all I am grateful for my own set of problems. I would never ask to take over someone else's. Count your blessings, names them one by one, count your many blessings see what God has done!

Values

So Let's suppose that you are stranded in the desert with only what you currently have on you and five animals.  A Sheep, A Pig, A Horse, A Cow and a Tiger.  You have to get out of the desert and in doing so you must eliminate four of the animals, and leave the desert with only one. In what order would you eliminate them?

Here are my choices
First would go the tiger
Second would go the Pig
Third would be the cow,
fourth would be the sheep
and I would leave the desert with my horse

In the past few years I have been extremely humbled by events which I had very little control. I have learned that I can only change my behavior, and I am not responsible for anyone else's behavior. I have decided that whatever may or may not become of the estrangement with the two young women whom I love more than life itself, I will continue to love them and keep my heart and mind open for their eventual return.
My whole life I have been a "fixer" I have tried to fix every situation, every person and every thing in my life. Some call this a control freak, yes I guess I am, but a recovering one at that. I no longer feel the need to be in control, and am quite content to pave the way for just me and my husband. I cannot fix the situation with my daughters, I can only remain a safe haven for them
Our beautiful, funny, sweet daughter Rachel is getting married in June. By then I will be on parole, or my verdict may be overturned. Tony often asks me what the girls will say when the verdict is overturned, and I haven't a clue! I would like to see our family put back together, forged with gold of the refiner's fire; stronger for the trials and strife we have endured, yet I don't hold out much hope for that. I am sad that Rachel chooses to keep her father and me from this happy time. And long for the day when we can once again be a family.
Our Rebekah, she is so bright, and funny and we lover her so much. Some would say how can you after what has happened? Yet I lover her as if I gave birth to her. That's where me not being responsible for anyone else's behavior comes in to play. Rebekah made her choices and I would really like to believe that she just got in too deep and did not know how to get out of the situation. being the tenacious little barracuda she is, she chose to stay with her original story and the results were, I believe pleasing to her, as she got the immediate gratification she craves, yet at what cost? 
So back to the story,,, what do these animals symbolize?
Tiger =Pride I would eliminate that first
Pig= Money I would eliminate that second
Cow=Career, that goes third
Sheep=Love fourth out the window
Horse =Family is what is most important to me
these animals symbolize our values, I'd like to think mine are all right on track.

Rebekah, and precious Rachel I love you!

2012 who'd a thunk it? When I was a young girl I seriously never thought I'd see the year 2000, let alone a decade further! So much has transpired in in the past 12 years, I met and married my wonderful husband, helped parent two amazing young women, I have assisted my husband to overcome a debilitating illness, and recover from a sever closed brain injury. I have also been accused, convicted an been imprisoned for a crime that I did not commit. I am still standing, still hopeful and I feel, a better person for all the experiences I have endured.
Look out 2012 here I come!