Like many with a distant shady past I am struggling to acquire meaningful employment (or any job for that matter). I want to encourage everyone that there are people out there who have the forgiving heart to hire people like me and you. Keep searching, talk to the people in your life who genuinely care and won't try to just feed you a line. The resources are there, church family, sites like JobCase, and other less known groups like MERS: Goodwill in Saint Louis. And pray... Be thankful for what and who you do have. And don't forget past employers, they may surprise you. I've commented a few times now. And read the replies. Way to go, friends, on being encouraging. It really matters. The only other suggestions is making sure these employers know about the federal bonding and tax credit programs that are available ONLY if they hire ex-felons (emphasis on "EX"). Kelly, keep it up, and remember, you have us to talk to. God bless, everyone.

There are stages of success! No one achieves success without going through these stages. The hope I have for this generation is that they might go through them armed with the experiences of those who went before us. These stages are illustrated in the scripture! When the people of Israel were living in Egypt, they were depending Pharaoh, He gave them not enough. whenever we depend on the mercies of others, it will never be enough. God delivered them from this scarcity. He led them out of Eqypt, through the Red Sea, and through the wilderness and forty years the depend on God. he provided water from rock when there was none, and fed them with manna. God provides just enough. The Bible says, "AS THY DAYS ARE, SO SHALL THY STRENGTH BE." He gave them just enough bread for the day, no left overs. God will always take care of you!!! He will give you all that you need. But the preferred state is a collaborative effort with God. This is what is illustrated when the "LORD" delivered the Israelities out the wilderness. Yes, hold on and He do the same for you.

Ten years ago I was left paralyzed from the waist down after my bike collided with an oncoming vehicle. For years I was never able to find a work environment that I felt comfortable entering...until now!! Working as an administrative assistant for my town office has allowed me to regain my confidence as an employee, and the entire office has been nothing but helpful in regards to my disability. If you're ever in a similar situation (hopefully not!!) I would totally recommend this career path!!

Hi Aundre this is Junetta Holman I just first want to say that I'm sorry to hear that happened to u.I want u to understand what I'm about to say and don't take it wronge. U have individuals out here that was raise to be judgemental of race,and ect,but u as a individual has to decide how u will react to any negative situation brought your way through life experiences.U r going to run into life experiences as such that's life.As long as u believe n the #1 person and thats the 1 that looks high and low our mighty GOD ,he will give u conformation about any situation n life.Lastly b careful of what u say about companies and racism being used towards u because if other companies c that u speak of such they will probably hesitate to bring u into there company.Not saying racism was the issue I don't know it could have been just b careful it may become a hendirience to u n the future.But don't never stop speaking,and standing up for your rights just b careful on how u will judge or what u think that is best to speak on.Somethings r just best lefted not to speak on .And those r the things that u take to the MASTER (GOD) pray about and let him handle. Remember we think our plans for our life is best but God always have the RIGHT plan for us all!!!!!!!! Take care and something good will come out all of this for u.LOL!!!!!!!

For it is better to suffer for doing good,than to suffer for doing evil.

I think we all forget to step back and remember all the work we have put in to get us thus far. It's so easy to get discouraged if we are trying to earn our education & work at the same time and it seems to be taking years. But be proud of yourself and all the work that you are putting in to get you to where you want to go.

I want/ need to do something positive in my life and get to a successful life. To be on the top you have to start from the bottom, which is where I am. In order for me to become great I have to start with a job where I can have steady income. I love to please people as well as a team player and I want/ need to join a team out there. Any takers???

Semi-recently was hired as a chemist to a privately owned company... Well, I do not have a degree, been struggling to finish it and have been shunned by most places despite my skillset and experience. However, the CEO, owner of this company shrugged it off and said "I'll fund the rest, welcome aboard" after having searched, and searched. I was escaping a bad place; I was kept as a temp for a year and ended up training other temps that became perma... What a slap in the face. Anyhow, I am 24, finishing school while working hard at my new home. Stay true to who you are and never let a bad job situation hold you back from trying. There is hope.

Earl Nightingale in his speech The Strangest Secret gave this phenomenal statistic about success:

"Take any hundred people at the start of their working careers and follow them for forty years until they reach retirement age, and here's what you'll find, according to the Social Security Administration:

Only one will be wealthy.

Four will be financially secure.

Five will continue working, not because they want to but because they have to.

Thirty six will be dead.

Fifty four will be dead broke — dependent on their meager Social Security checks, relatives, friends, even charity for a minimum standard of living.

That's 5 percent successful, 95 percent unsuccessful."

You know, I find it fascinating.

Only five out of a hundred people will be successful.

In fact, I'll take it a step further and say the only person happy with their achievenents will be the guy or gal who is the one percent.

Success back in the days was hard.

If your parents were poor, that was it - you'd end up poor.

If your parents were doctors, congratulations - you had a bright future in front of you.

Nowadays, underdogs like us can win.

There are more opportunities in the world than any other time in history.

College drop-outs sell their website and become millionaires.

Single moms start their own business, inspire tens of thousands of people and make lots of money in the process.

What about you?

Thank you guys for all the Support I haven't had any bad comments or anything I know some of my post may seem stupid but I am just excited and really want this job you all are amazing and any employer would be lucky to have you