I have been having trouble finding a job because of a felony on my record. The felony is for possession of a controlled substance. Long story short because I have already expressed the specifics of my felony on here before, I do not use nor have I ever used drugs. Helping out a friend in need resulted in me being used by him and getting caught, having my car searched and paraphernalia being found. Unaware of this I was charged because Texas says its in my car so its my possession. Anyway back to my main point. I am in the oil and gas industry as a drafter and had been since 2009. I love what I do. I was laid off in August 2015 and times have been slow. No one is really hiring. Things are starting to barely pick up and now I am seeing some activity. I have only been contacted a hand full of times because I am limited to what I can apply to know because of the felony. It really cuts deep when searching all day I find a job that I am perfect for and at the end of the ad it says felons need not apply, or must pass background check. I have come to live with the fact that this is my life now and can not change the past. That being said I wish someone would just give me a chance. I have alot to offer, on top of that I have a family and feel like a failure everyday that I watch my wife leave to work and Im at home. I try to do everything at home from taking care of the kids, cooking, cleaning, chores, errands, shopping but still feel like its not enough. I love my wife and can not take seeing her work so hard. We are living less than paycheck to paycheck, having to make decisions on what gets paid first. We cant even find a place to stay because finding a place to live that accepts me and doesnt make me fear for my families lives is hard so we have to live with relatives right now. I dont want my kids to grow up like I did in bad neighborhoods. With getting calls on the drafting not working I had decided that what I did for money was no longer my choice. I needed to work and make an honest living for my family so I started applying to what ever I could find. I have been applying to general labor, warehouse, construction, random office jobs, food services, retail, etc. Two weeks ago I interviewed at a veterinary office cleaning up after animals and working the front desk. I went in to the group interview of 5 people including me and felt like only myself and one other person had strong chances of getting the position. I was truthful about my felony on the application and after the interview asked to speak with the lady doing the interview by myself. I told her that I wanted to be straight forward about the felony and told her the specifics and that I would take screening asked of me at a moments notice anytime. She than told not to worry cause she had a past herself and I was safe, that she really liked my personality and answers and that the owner never did background checks there anyway. I left feeling good about my chances. I was sent an email containing homework later that week about researching the site and answering a few questions. I told my wife things were looking good cause they were still talking to me. After sending my answers I received an email saying the following week everyone would be contacted to set a day when individually we would come in for a 1 hour shadowing time. At the conclusion if we were still interested in the job we just had to wait for their decision unless we decided that it really wasnt for us and dropped out ourselves. I really felt good. I mean the pay was going to be going from my usual $60,000/year to probably just $25,000 max but something was better than nothing and I needed money for bills. I was still gonna give this job my 150%. I never got that call about shadowing and after the week started to come closer to an end I sent a message just inquiring if the shadowing was still gonna take place that week. I never got a response. My wife told me to wait cause it was only Wednesday and I still had two days. After Friday at noon came without an answer I sent another asking if the position was still open or if it had been filled but never to day have got an answer. That was Friday last week 2/17/17. I guess even though I was praised by her at after the interview was just a way of making me just leave. I just would like to know if I was passed on so I can move on. Not looking to make a scene or hold a grudge. Just want a purpose again. I just want to feel productive once more. I have encountered this now a few times that I am told my experience is great and my personality will fit perfect and looking forward to work with me and as soon as that background check comes out its we dont know you. Im not a bad person. So as to my question if its a job in drafting where I know a background check will be done I am not going to lie. I will be honest. As to the other jobs that I am applying to so I can just start working again. If most dont do background checks should I even say anything or just be quiet? I mean if they check than I just dont get the job which is not different then them passing on me for being honest. On the other hand if they dont check than its just my secret and I can prove that I can do a great job. Let them get to know me and not the background. Any thoughts from the community. Please any opinions will be greatly accepted. I just need a census of what everyone else thinks. Thank you

Wanted: Positive Attitude

It all begins with your attitude. You've no doubt heard the phrase Your attitude determines your altitude. A positive attitude will not only help you to find a good job but also help you hold on to your work in a competitive market.

Many employers say a positive attitude is one of the personal traits they value most highly in their employees.

When you have a positive outlook, you work more effectively. It will give you more energy and focus as well. Co-workers view you as a valuable team member and you increase your own level of satisfaction and success.

GETTING WORK

If you’re currently looking for work, take some time to examine your attitudes and beliefs about work search. You might believe it’s just a matter of time before you connect with the right employer. On the other hand, you may be letting your worries about finding a job stress you out.

Is there anything more grueling than the job search? Ask any job seeker, and he/she will probably say no. Between the endless waiting and instant blow of rejection, the job search is a difficult time for many. When going through tough times, it’s often said that maintaining a positive attitude toward the situation can carry you through, same goes for the job search! A positive attitude during the job search can not only help you emotionally, it can help your actual search, as hiring managers appreciate seeing confident candidates. Follow these tips to help build a positive attitude while job hunting:

Accept Rejection

Not every job is perfect for your skillset, and if you have been applying to many positions, you might be facing rejection. The job search can be a long process riddled with rejection, and if you let it bring you down, you won’t learn from the experience and do better the next time; you will just be worried about getting rejected again.

Surround Yourself with Positive People

Avoid negativity like the plague! It will do you no good hanging around people who are constantly discussing bleak job outlooks and stories about this guy they know who was out of work for a year. Surround yourself with supportive people who want to lift you up.

Maintain a Routine

Don’t devote your whole day to only applying for jobs; you will burn out and get frustrated quickly. Maintain a normal routine and stay active. If you make room for things like exercising, visiting friends, spending time with family and even down time, your days will feel more balanced and less pressured.

Volunteer

There are many good reasons to volunteer during your job search. While volunteering, you can meet possible connections to job opportunities, bolster your resume by showing you stayed active and most importantly, it will give you a sense of accomplishment. Positively impacting somebody’s life is an uplifting feeling, so devote some time to a cause you care about.

During the job search, there are days where positive feelings might be few and far between, but if you follow these tips and work to stay optimistic, you will see the job search become smoother. Believing in yourself and your abilities will keep you energized for the hard work of looking for work. Also, a positive attitude can make all the difference in a job interview.

KEEPING WORK

Having a great attitude for each workday starts with showing up on time and requires investment in every moment after that. You attack important projects and busywork with equal zeal. You focus on solutions rather than problems. Above all, you avoid acting like a drone that mindlessly completes tedious tasks and secretly wishes to be anywhere else than at your desk.

The way you approach your work will help you hang on to it. Follow these suggestions can help you maintain a positive attitude:

Stay Away From Negative Co-workers

Nothing is worse than someone walking over to your desk every single morning complaining about the job. What’s even worse is when you come in ready to put in a solid day’s work and your coworker wrecks your positive outlook.

Staying away from negative people is vital. The next time they come over, make sure you are too busy to engage in the regular negative conversation. Try surrounding yourself with positive and motivated coworkers. Once the Negative Nancy’s see your new positive vibe, they will get the hint that you don’t have time to engage in negative conversations. Even if they don’t at first, they will eventually get the hint.

Good Communication With Management

Open and continuous dialogue with your manager can go a long way. Nothing wreaks more havoc on your week than a problem arising due to miscommunication with management or fear to take suggestions to your boss. With continuous dialogue comes good rapport – which leads to trust. Once you’ve established a sense of trust with management, your workplace becomes a whole new world.

Remember Your Purpose and Goals

The workplace is constantly evolving, and with changes, you can sometimes forget your purpose for taking the job in the first place. Stay focused on why you are there and what your goal is no matter how much change comes. One tip is to find inspiration with motivational quotes. Keep the quotes fresh and change them out depending on what aspect in your life you need to kick into gear. If you can wear ear phones at your desk while you work, listen to your favorite music that puts you in a good mood. You can even find some motivational speakers on YouTube to listen to when you need that extra motivation.

Take a Fresh Air Break

Working hard and going the extra mile always yields positive outcomes, but we all need a break for some personal time. If you are inside all day staring at a computer screen, then go outside and walk around to get some fresh air. Take your mind off what you have been working on for the past several hours. Checking out for 10-15 minutes and getting some fresh air will recharge your mind.

Take Care of Your Health

I think we can all agree that a clear mind is an important piece for performing at our highest level in the workplace, but sometimes we forget about our health. A good diet and regular exercise can keep your positive attitude constant. If you are truly sick, make sure you use a sick day and take the time you need to get yourself feeling better. Trying to work through a seasonal bug can make you feel sluggish, and it may take your body even longer to recover. In addition, people around you don’t appreciate you coming into work if you are spreading germs. If you are taking care of your body and your mind, then you are ready to perform at the highest level possible.

A Few More Suggestions

Do your best. Do each task well the first time.

Focus on work when you’re at work. Use breaks to check in with your social and personal life.

Be a committed team player.

Lend a hand when your co–workers need help.

Do what needs to be done, whether or not it’s your job.

Ask for help when you need it.

Make every effort to add to a respectful, co–operative working environment. Avoid gossip and negativity.

Have a positive attitude to get and keep the work you want

Final Thoughts

In a competitive market, employers want to hire and hang on to workers with an optimistic outlook and a can–do approach. Whether you're searching for work or hoping to keep the job you have, your positive attitude can give you the edge in the hiring process and earn you the right kind of attention on the job.

Don’t think a traditional 4-year university path is right for you? Don’t worry, Find Your Future is here to help. In this post, you’ll learn about 4 alternatives to 4-year degrees. Link to our Instagram: https://bit.ly/2KoVJDy

You’ve got a lot more options than you might think, from community college to apprenticeships. We hope that after reading this post, you’ll be more empowered to choose the best path for your future!

Also, stay tuned for more news on job openings and job fairs in the coming weeks!

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Find Your Future Original Content Series #4: 4-Year Degree Alternatives

Don’t think a traditional 4-year university path is right for you? Don’t worry, Find Your Future is here to help. In this post, you’ll learn about 4 alternatives to 4-year degrees. Link to our Instagram: https://bit.ly/2KoVJDy

You’ve got a lot more options than you might think, from community college to apprenticeships. We hope that after reading this post, you’ll be more empowered to choose the best path for your future!

Also, stay tuned for more news on job openings and job fairs in the coming weeks!

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Stressing about childcare for your family? Want a reliable option that provides millions in financial childcare assistance?

Pathways LA is an amazing resource on Find Your Future that enables families around Los Angeles to apply for subsidized childcare. Pathways LA promotes strengths-based education and best practices for child development by assisting families, supporting child care providers, caring for children, and advocating for the community.

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Stressing about childcare for your family? Want a reliable option that provides millions in financial childcare assistance?

Pathways LA is an amazing resource on Find Your Future that enables families around Los Angeles to apply for subsidized childcare. Pathways LA promotes strengths-based education and best practices for child development by assisting families, supporting child care providers, caring for children, and advocating for the community.

Visit Find Your Future's Support Resources page: findyourfuture.la/resources/support/

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Do you need free or reduced cost support services, but don't know whats around you?

Look no further than the Aunt Bertha search bar on findyourfuture.la/resources/support/

This support resource allows you to search one of the largest databases for free and reduced cost support services by your ZIP code. Get connected with a resource that helps you today.

Sign up for Find Your Future today, then visit our Support Resources tab!

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Our 3rd post in Find Your Future's original content series is here!

Following up with an employer after an interview is very important. Not only is it business etiquette, but it also shows that you continue to be interested in the position.

In this quick guide, we give you some do's and don'ts for writing thank you / follow up emails and notes. We also give you some tips on what to do if the employer said they would have a result by a certain date, but miss the date or forget to reach out to you.

The guide is here: https://bit.ly/2ZlQWsS

Follow us on Instagram using the link above, and follow our Twitter @FYF_LA

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Our 3rd post in Find Your Future's original content series is here!

Following up with an employer after an interview is very important. Not only is it business etiquette, but it also shows that you continue to be interested in the position.

In this quick guide, we give you some do's and don'ts for writing thank you / follow up emails and notes. We also give you some tips on what to do if the employer said they would have a result by a certain date, but miss the date or forget to reach out to you.

The guide is here: https://bit.ly/2ZlQWsS

Follow us on Instagram using the link above, and follow our Twitter @FYF_LA

#interview #followup #follow #employment #jobs #hiring #recruitment #jobsearch #job #work #career #nowhiring #education #careers #recruiting #jobhunt #business #cv #youth #training #entrepreneur #findyourfuturela #fyfla #jobcase #resume #employmentopportunities #jobseeker

Are you looking for a job, but need to learn the job skills to succeed? L.A. Youth at Work is an amazing resource on our website that allows you to browse free local job skills workshops by your zip code. These workshops are amazing ways to gain resume writing, interview, and career skills. If you’re free Tuesdays and Thursdays, take advantage of these events and invite your friends too!

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