Understanding the felony conviction question is the first step to getting around it
The felony conviction question is a measure used by corporations as a way to reduce liability. This practice is very common with manufacturing facilities where liability insurance premiums dictate the entire workplace policy. Unfortunately, this is also where most ex-offenders start their job search. Workplace policies are shaped by lawyers and "Liability Experts" and greatly reduce an ex-offenders chance of being hired.
There are no special skills needed for these jobs and most of the companies already have hundreds of applications on file. It requires absolutely no additional effort on their part to skip over someone with a felony conviction. As far as they’re concerned, it’s just another cost-effective measure. As far as I'm concerned, who the hell wants to work in a factory anyway?
All legitimate wealth is created through the production of values
The following will give you a basic understanding of how wealth is created and why no one can ever be denied the right to earn a comfortable living (including ex-offenders).
The amount of success you can achieve depends on the amount of values you can produce. A “value” is basically anything that benefits someone or society. As you increase your job skills, you can produce greater values. In return, you increase your earning power.
Examples of producing values: Mowing a lawn, fixing a computer, or replacing a heart valve. In each of these examples a specific need was met and there was someone who benefited from the value produced.
Earnings for each "value" varies according to the amount of skill involved. - Mowing a lawn may earn you $25. Fixing a computer could earn you, say $250 and a surgeon who replaces a heart valve could earn far in excess of $2,500 per operation.
Obviously, replacing a heart valve is much more complicated than mowing a lawn. This is why heart surgery pays so much more than cutting grass. The earnings are tied directly to the job skill. The more someone benefits from the values you produce, the more you will get back in return.
Choosing the right career
Business is a "results-driven" world. Those who can deliver results can quickly advance, those who can’t are quickly replaced. On the factory floor, you’re considered a "liability" but if a company can gain a competitive edge by employing your skills, you then become an "asset". As an ex-offender, this is exactly where you want to be. Your criminal history is irrelevant when you can contribute directly to a company's bottom line.
This is why I chose to earn my degree in Business Management with a concentration in Internet Marketing. I felt that it offered the most options for me: Self-employment where i can run my own website, or Consulting where i can help small businesses create a web presence. On a global scale the internet is in it's infancy, and as I see it, there are still plenty of opportunities to be had.
The process of choosing a career and furthering your education can be overwhelming and taking the first step is often the most difficult. Speaking with a Career Advisor or an Admissions Officer can simplify the entire process. I knew that I needed to further my education but had no idea on how I was going to pay for it or how I would fit it into my schedule.
I located Rasmussen College through an online directory called eLearners and requested more information about their Internet Marketing program. (Note: I spoke with an Admissions Officer who took the time to explain the entire process to me and then helped me figure out what my best options were. These advisors understand "education" and can help you choose the best possible career path based on your goals and current situation.
At the left I've placed some career-specific links and a general eLearners link. When you find a career that you're interested in, you can request more information. Within a day or so a career counselor will contact you. They will explain everything that you need to know, such as course study, enrollment, and financial aid.
Take advantage of all resources
Money should never stand between anyone and an education. There are many options when it comes to financial aid. Grants, scholarships, and student loans are easily obtained. In many cases you can even receive extra money for living expenses and supplies such as computers and books. All accredited online schools have a financial aid department and their job is to get you the best possible financial aid package. You can download a free copy of the Student Financing Guide which is full of information on financial aid, scholarships, and grants at StudentFinancingGuide.com.
Note: You can click on any of the links below to get more information and to speak with a Career Advisor. If there's something you don't see, you can click on the eLearners button at the bottom and choose from over 1600 degree and certificate programs.
© 2011 BreakThePrisonCycle.com
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