Can I be successful after my convictions?

Question

6 1/2 Years ago I got two felony drug convictions. I spent 3 years in prison. I was released 2 1/2 years ago and moved out of state and stopped talking too all old connections. I enrolled immediatly in a community college and received my Associate of Arts degree in May 2008. I am continuing on to a 4-year University seeking a Bachelor in Business with a major in computer science. I have had straight A's for the past 3 years with the exception of 4 B's. I am on honors societies, Dean's lists, etc... I have worked 2 jobs, the first I left due to bad management practices, and have been given many promotions and raises. I have never called off of work.

What are the chances I will be successful? Please don't just say things to be nice. What do you really think?

I know everyone says people will only look at what you've done since you've been released....but how much truth is there to that?

I'm not a ghetto girl...I come from a nice family, I look like my avatar picture...I just got caught up in the drug glam world when I was young. I screwed up BAD! It is not possible to erase my record based on my personal situation...I am stuck....

What are your thoughts?

Answer 1

You shouldn't worry about it. Your getting really good grades, your gonna graduate and get a degree soon and your a hard worker. Your future employers may take a second look at you but it shouldn't deter them from hiring you. You did your time and have done exceptionally well for the position you were in so don't fret!

Answer 2

Personally. if I was hiring people, and worked for some really great company.  I would NEVER hire you.  I am being really honest.  and Most GOOD companies wont either.  People look at EVERYTHING you do, s***w your good grades, it wont ever make your past alright. you know what im saying?  it was a FELONY.  it wasnt a car crash. or a ticket. or anything like that. 3 years in PRISON. not jail. not anything else.  its pretty bad.  

Id never allow someone like that to work for me or in my company.  There's trust issues.. because do I want someone with this background working for me?  sure you may have changed, but you know what.. you never REALLY change from the way you used to be.  im not saying YOU, im saying that in general.

any respectable/respected company would NEVER allow someone like that to work for them.  People are being nice when they tell you OH YOU ARE GETTING GREAT GRADES SO YOU WILL BE FINE.

nah no one looks at grades . everyone looks at your overall life, what you have done outside and inside of school.  you ****** yourself over and you will pay for it.  

Answer 3

It all depends on what field of business you go into.  You should discuss this with a counselor or your adviser.  Some business positions require that you be bond-able.  

Answer 4

i went to prison for murder 2nd , did 18.5 years got out on  parole .and will be on paper for the next 12 years .right now i have a nice home ,a good wife .and a good job as a third shift supervisor at a chemical comp making 64tho a year ,so to ansewer your Q yes it is possible

as long as you keep your nose clean and do what you are supposted to do  

Answer 5

.  THis experience may make you a better person than you would have been if you had lived a sheltered life.  We are rooting for you to do great things.

Answer 6

You can definitely be successful!! Great job on your accomplishments; you have come a long way and I'm impressed. As someone who has worked in human services, I can tell you that people LOVE to hear about people like you! I would have loved to have clients who turned their lives around the way you did. You will only have to reveal this to new employers or to school admissions, and you should work on what to say about it beforehand. Go to your school's career services and have them help you write a letter describing your background, what you have learned from your experiences, and how it has contributed to the lessons you have learned and made you a better person in the end. Then if you apply somewhere and they ask for you to disclose this information, you also attach this letter. If it ever does prove a problem for you, it won't be a much bigger problem than other people who have other issues in their lives that impact employment (kids, elderly parents, illness, past medical records interfering with employment, etc.). So it may be a mark on your record but it's not so severe that it should discourage you from moving on and doing well. Just don't be caught off guard; know ahead of time how you will respond, be confident and show the world you have moved above it. If someone wants to be that critical as to not hire you because of it, then you don't want to work there anyway. With your degree you will be in demand so don't worry too much and good luck!

Answer 7

In my opinion, I think if you continue on the path that you are on that you will be successful. It will be harder for you than someone in the same situation without felony convictions. However, when you graduate you're four year you will have spent 6 1/2 years out of prison and proving that you are truly turned around. I would get your employer to write you good recommendations, as well as any professors that you may have bonded with. I am relatively open minded, so if I were to see you as an applicant I probably wouldn't factor in your previous convictions based on the success you've had since leaving prison.

On another note, congratulations for taking your life in a different direction. I'm sure that it took a lot of hard work, but I'm sure that the life you will lead is much more positive and productive than the path you were on. Just continue to work hard and I believe that things will work out well for you.

Answer 8

girl their are no do overs in this life its all up to you don't look back no more just look up cause i think what you have done is great but it will come back and haunt you at one point or another just never run for office any where and you will be fine

Answer 9

You are going to run into a lot of closed doors.  Large corporations, businesses that work for the government, and those companies concerned with their image are less likely to hire you.  Forget anything that could bring you in contact with drugs.  Employers won't take that chance.  

Look at smaller and mid size firms.  Many of them will see your recent accomplishments and see the positive.  People trying to overcome some problem often outwork their co-workers who are not so handicapped.

Computers is a good field to be in.  There is a constant demand for skilled hard working people.  When U.S. companies are recruiting people out of colleges in other countries you know there is a shortage here.  

You have the right plan.  Stick to it.  You may wish to look at doing your own business.  I know a couple guys who did time on theft charges.  That's even harder to work with than drug charges.  They have been successful.

Good luck to you.  A lot of people would be in your shoes but for the grace of God.

Answer 10

From a personal point of view, having been basically where you are right now, and continuing to "get better" every day, put it behind you and don't let it dictate your life.

Be up front about your past, but don't let some a*****e play you for it. Don't use it as an excuse for "failing" - everyone falls from time to time - but don't let it be a reason for you to be timid and stay hidden.

You have recognized that you screwed up, and are taking positive steps to reclaim your life. Keep it up and understand that you are not the only starfish in the sea out there, brother.

There are two types of people out there: ones who have gotten caught and the ones who have not. You and I tripped the trap, paid our dues and got on with our lives. Join the rat race, live with your head held high, do your best, and you will never have to apologize for s******g up  

Answer 11

They all check your criminal background these days.  If you have criminal history, then you might as well hang it up.  Even McDonald's has policies against hiring ex-convicts.  Might as well hang it up and end your life now, since you can't get any job at all.

Oh, wait, that's what they all tell me, but personally, I had a felony conviction, and immediately after my sentence was ended, I went to work with a Fortune 100 company, passed a Top Secret security clearance (you can BELIEVE they checked into that felony issue because the FBI doing the background check questioned me pretty thoroughly about it!) and had White House and Pentagon access.

You'll run into one or two ãsshole companies that will judge you now by what you did then, but we all run into those, even those with no convictions at all.  As much as you might want or need the job, you're better off not working for those kinds of companies.