Hi Ripley! Trust me that you're absolutely not the only person on Jobcase going through this. There's a group for ex-offenders right here on Jobcase!: https://www.jobcase.com/groups/EFDAAB25684C498FB2AFCC626B1E30C4

Try to remember that your past is not what makes you. It's a lesson you've learned from. Remember this when you interview. The unfortunate reality is that a lot of employers won't be willing to overlook your past. This means you have to be even stronger, more resilient, and more dedicated than other folks applying for jobs.

Here's a fantastic resource specifically for ex-offenders in the world: https://exoffenders.net/. This website was created to help folks in your position learn about their options and give them the tools they need to re-enter the workforce. They also offer a really helpful list of companies that are known for hiring ex-offenders: https://exoffenders.net/employment-jobs-for-felons/

This one's another site that might offer you some help: https://www.iseek.org/exoffenders/index.html-- it actually gives you information about some of the benefits for the employer for hiring you: https://www.iseek.org/exoffenders/find-job/benefits-ex-offenders.html.

Don't forget to be kind to yourself and to others as you go through this process. Try to be strong-- somewhere out there is an employer out there who is willing to listen to you and actually hear what you have to say. It may take some time, but we will be here for you as long as it takes!