i am a 49 year old ex convict living in connecticut. i had not worked a true job in 15 years. 15 years ago i stopped looking for work because of all the rejections i was receiving at job interviews. for 15 years, i earned money here and there, all under the table and at times, didnt do badly for myself. 6 long months ago, i decided to start looking for a job once again and sure enough, even 28 years after i committed the crime i had committed, i was getting rejected left and right. i had been to 8 interviews in the past 6 months and got told 'no' from each and every one of them. finally, i joined a program to get better prepared for things like resumes and what to say and not to say at interviews. my counselor there, however, told me that because of the nature of the crime i committed, even though it was almost 30 years ago, would make it 'almost impossible' for me to get any job at all. this counselor decided to refer me to a temp agency in my area and the temp agency hired me. they sent me on a total of two job sites over the course of the past month. at the second job, which was working at a dog kennel, i left such a good impression by my work ethic and the hard work i put in that the owner of the kennel wanted to hire me full time. unfortunately, because of contracts between the temp agency and the kennel, i was not allowed to accept the job offer. this made me frustrated to the point where once again, i wanted to give up. instead, i re-doubled my efforts and started submitting resumes to just about every dog kennel in connecticut. why a dog kennel? well, the truth is, i love animals. i have always had pets and decided that working with animals is what i really want to do - even if i wont be earning excellent money doing it. at least it will be a job i enjoy! finally, last week, i was contacted by one of the kennels i applied to. i used the owner at the kennel i temped at as a job reference and have since been hired at the second kennel. AFTER 15 LONG YEARS, I FINALLY HAVE A JOB! i did, of course, speak about my criminal history very openly and honestly but it didnt matter - they hired me and i started officially working just today. i am writing my story to give hope to other out there who, because of their criminal history, are having a difficult time finding their way as i did. whatever you do, dont give up. every 'no' you hear is just one step closer to the 'yes' you will eventually hear as long as you are living right and making good life choices. but never ever give up - whatever you do! Believe me if i could do it, so can YOU! Signed, Someone who's been there.