Be the next to follow.
When I was released from prison, I knew that finding a job would be one of the biggest challenges I was yet to face. After spending several years behind bars, I had a criminal record that made it hard to find employment. But I was determined to turn my life around and start over.
During my time away I completed every program the facility offered. I also made detailed plans that I felt would put me on the road to success, if I followed them. My focus was always on improving myself so there would be no chance of ever being in that lonely desolate spot again.
Every weekday morning I would pull my sock up and over the gaudy embarrassing black plastic box strapped tight to my ankle and slip into my freshly ironed slacks. Standing in front of the mirror, making sure the knot on my tie was just the right size, I would look myself in the eyes and say, “Today is the day.”
One day, I saw a job posting for a position at Duncan Donuts. I walked inside and felt out of place in my new Wal-Mart suit. I asked for an application and when I walked up to the counter and handed to the cashier, I asked her if I could speak to a manager.
I was nervous as I sat across from the owner. It was hard to read if the interview was going in the right direction from his point of view. I told my story and at the end of my revealing where I had been, why I had been there, what I had accomplished since then, and what my plans were, I said, “I am just looking for someone to give me a chance.
To my surprise, the owner offered me the job on the spot. He said, “I know you probably won’t stay with me for long, and I’m not going to be mad when you find a better paying job and have to move on. I am going to give you a chance.”
Working at Duncan Donuts wasn't glamorous and the pay was $7.25 per hour, but it was a start. I learned how to make coffee, donuts, and other baked goods. I also learned how to interact with customers and work as part of a team. It wasn't easy, but I was grateful for the opportunity to prove myself. I worked with a team of very kind people and we became like family.
Over a short period of time, I made a lot of friends who started out being customers and one of them set me up in an old mobile home with a rent payment I was able to afford every week.
After a few months I was offered a short-term assignment implementing an inventory system for a potato chip factory, and when everything was up and running they offered me a full-time position running the warehouse.
I knew the time had come for me to move on, but I will always be grateful for my time at Duncan Donuts. It was a stepping stone that helped me get back on my feet and start a new chapter in my life.
If you're in a similar situation, don't give up hope. There are always opportunities out there, even if they're not what you initially imagined. Keep trying, keep learning, and keep pushing forward. You never know where life will take you. #determination #persistence #success
When I got out of the Army minimum wage was $3.35 per hour, which nearly all factories were paying to start out. Where I was, there was one place, Mansion Mobile Homes, that paid far more: $4.50 per hour plus a weekly bonus, which was usually equal to our 40 hour paycheck. To qualify for the weekly bonus, we couldn’t miss more than seven minutes a week. If you missed more than seven minutes, we lost our bonus for the week and it was split up between the rest of the team members that were getting their bonus. It wasn’t difficult getting hired at Mansion because they had such a high turnover rate, which meant they always needed workers, and they had the high turnover rate because many guys and girls couldn’t keep up with the super fast pace or getting yelled at for not being able to keep up. Easy to get in, but tough to stay in. It was either work for $3.35 an hour or get into Mansion. At my interview I was told I am being hired as a plumber. I told him I didn’t know how to do plumbing, He said, “Well, you’ll either learn it or you won’t work here.” I was pretty nervous my first day and for the first close to two weeks my transition into the manufactured home industry was one of being screamed at, ridiculed, and told daily to hit the time clock and go home because I wasn’t going to make it. The plumbing department was the last station before the home was turned around outside by a tractor driver and then pushed back in the door on the other side on dollies into the sidewall department to continue its journey to completion. For almost two weeks I was outside finishing my work rather than getting it completed in station before the line roll like I was supposed to. My problem was my speed and I was moving as fast as I thought I could every minute of the day. There was no way I was going to not make it. That wasn’t an option. I was already used to not giving up on tasks that I wasn’t sure of, so that disbelief in impossible really guided me through this struggle and I also knew I had overcome much tougher situations in the past. What also helped me overcome this problem is my never responding to their words or the pressure they continuously increased upon me, but instead I kept my mouth shut and fixed my focus on doing the job faster and faster. I realized much later why the rest of my team were so hard on me. They had all been there for four years and longer and they earned one of the top wages in the plant. They knew exactly what it takes to test a man to find out if he is capable of handling his part in a fast-paced, problem filled department. Had it not been for their insulting, judging, and cruel techniques, I would have never become as fast as I did and I would have never kept the job. Regardless of the difference in the jobs I’ve had over the years, the best tip I can give is never give an excuse or blame someone or something else for a mistake you made. You will be respected for it. Never deny it, but instead accept responsibility and always listen to the feedback on how to correct it and then act upon it. And the most important to me: Never talk about a coworker in a negative light behind his or her back. This is also good practice for all areas of our lives. Instead, kindly suggest that you both get that person to join in the discussion. Some will get angry, but they will respect you and know that you won’t talk about them behind their back either. When applying for a job, whether or not you have prior experience, know the job so you can talk about it at the interview, know what’s expected of you, know how to do the job in your mind. Don’t be intimidated or have any doubt about your ability to do the job. I did this by remembering that if one person can do something, I can do it too. I merely have to do it the same way someone with experience does it. One more thing that contributed to my success at this job is before signing off on a home I would look at my work and ask myself, “If this were my home, would it be good enough for me?” #overcome #challenge #perseverance #success
When I got out of the Army minimum wage was $3.35 per hour, which nearly all factories were paying to start out. Where I was, there was one place, Mansion Mobile Homes, that paid far more: $4.50 per hour plus a weekly bonus, which was usually equal to our 40 hour paycheck. To qualify for the weekly bonus, we couldn’t miss more than seven minutes a week. If you missed more than seven minutes, we lost our bonus for the week and it was split up between the rest of the team members that were getting their bonus. It wasn’t difficult getting hired at Mansion because they had such a high turnover rate, which meant they always needed workers, and they had the high turnover rate because many guys and girls couldn’t keep up with the super fast pace or getting yelled at for not being able to keep up. Easy to get in, but tough to stay in. It was either work for $3.35 an hour or get into Mansion. At my interview I was told I am being hired as a plumber. I told him I didn’t know how to do plumbing, He said, “Well, you’ll either learn it or you won’t work here.” I was pretty nervous my first day and for the first close to two weeks my transition into the manufactured home industry was one of being screamed at, ridiculed, and told daily to hit the time clock and go home because I wasn’t going to make it. The plumbing department was the last station before the home was turned around outside by a tractor driver and then pushed back in the door on the other side on dollies into the sidewall department to continue its journey to completion. For almost two weeks I was outside finishing my work rather than getting it completed in station before the line roll like I was supposed to. My problem was my speed and I was moving as fast as I thought I could every minute of the day. There was no way I was going to not make it. That wasn’t an option. I was already used to not giving up on tasks that I wasn’t sure of, so that disbelief in impossible really guided me through this struggle and I also knew I had overcome much tougher situations in the past. What also helped me overcome this problem is my never responding to their words or the pressure they continuously increased upon me, but instead I kept my mouth shut and fixed my focus on doing the job faster and faster. I realized much later why the rest of my team were so hard on me. They had all been there for four years and longer and they earned one of the top wages in the plant. They knew exactly what it takes to test a man to find out if he is capable of handling his part in a fast-paced, problem filled department. Had it not been for their insulting, judging, and cruel techniques, I would have never become as fast as I did and I would have never kept the job. Regardless of the difference in the jobs I’ve had over the years, the best tip I can give is never give an excuse or blame someone or something else for a mistake you made. You will be respected for it. Never deny it, but instead accept responsibility and always listen to the feedback on how to correct it and then act upon it. And the most important to me: Never talk about a coworker in a negative light behind his or her back. This is also good practice for all areas of our lives. Instead, kindly suggest that you both get that person to join in the discussion. Some will get angry, but they will respect you and know that you won’t talk about them behind their back either. When applying for a job, whether or not you have prior experience, know the job so you can talk about it at the interview, know what’s expected of you, know how to do the job in your mind. Don’t be intimidated or have any doubt about your ability to do the job. I did this by remembering that if one person can do something, I can do it too. I merely have to do it the same way someone with experience does it. One more thing that contributed to my success at this job is before signing off on a home I would look at my work and ask myself, “If this were my home, would it be good enough for me?” #overcome #challenge #perseverance #success
When you’re consistent, patient in your passion or minding your own business investing on yourself you’ll definitely grow
This drives you straight to success no matter how long the process takes even sometimes we're tested not to show our weaknesses, but to discover our strengths along the journey passion to continue doing so will surely lead to destination.
#business #success #investing #Innovation #Management #DigitalMarketing #Future #Futurism #Entrepreneurship #Careers #Marketing #Socialmedia #VentureCapital #Personaldevelopment #Money #PersonalBranding #WhatInspiresMe #BestAdvice #Travel #Programming #Analytics #Sales #Ecommerce #startups
I'm honored to create the first post for this group. Entrepreneurs.. Isn't it something we live in a country where anyone can start pretty much any kind of business they want. America, the land of opportunity, a chance to live the American Dream. So what ideas are out there? Please share with us what ventured you have embarked on, what happened? I know I need advice, wisdom and experience.... Let's do some brainstorming.... #entrepreneur #ideas #success #American Dream #Doing it
Fair Chance Hiring Ex-Felons in Demand in Tight Labor Market Due to to the shortage of workers more doors are opening for convicted felons. They are being given A Fair Chance for Employment. These stigmatized people are proving to be worth it... Click on the link below to watch the video and leave a comment with your take on the subject.
EXPLAINING A FELONY CONVICTION TO AN EMPLOYER TIPS FOR THE EX-OFFENDER Dealing with potential employers is never an easy task for clients with criminal records. Ex-offenders who lie on a job application may get hired, but then fired if their criminal record becomes known. Those who are honest may feel like they never even get a chance. Although there are no magic formulas for dealing with this sensitive information, the following hints may be helpful. Speak with your Probation Officer for additional information and referrals to employment resources.
To tell or not to tell. It is up to you, but we recommend honesty. On the application, write ”will discuss in interview” rather than a lengthy explanation of past convictions. In an interview, keep explanations brief, and stress what you have learned from your conviction and time in prison, how you have changed, and your skills or assets. Be positive! Gaps in employment due to time served. If you had a job in prison, list this. Under salary, write “minimum wage.” After all, a dollar a day was the minimum wage. Again, be positive and stress that although you were incarcerated, you have been acquiring valuable experience and skills. Reason for leaving. Avoid negative words like “went to jail” or “paroled.” Instead put “relocated” or “Contract ended.” Both are true. The interview Relax – be comfortable discussing the conviction. Practice ahead of time and maintain eye contact. Again, keep explanations short and focus on what you have to offer the employer. Believe in yourself and it will show. APPLICATIONS If you are asked about felony convictions on the application, put “Will discuss in interview.” Since the purpose of an application is to get an interview for the job, putting “will discuss” instead of possibly damaging information, you are encouraging the employer to either give you an interview to get more information or to eliminate you without really knowing why. If you are a qualified applicant, most employers want to interview you. Remember: When you fill out an application in a company’s employment office, you should be groomed and dressed as if you were going for an interview. Sometimes, you may be interviewed on the spot. When you file an application, don’t forget about it and hope the employer calls you. Follow-up after five to seven days. A phone call to check on the status of your application is recommended. In fact, the best advice any job seeker can get is, “Don’t give up!” There will probably be many “no’s” before you get a job. However, if you’re willing to work at getting a job, you will be successful. #success #employment #interview
I see so much good advice, suggestions and ideas as I scroll through this group, but I don't see many responses from those who post in this group. That does puzzle me. I understand what someone goes through when he or she is released back into the free-world and are unemployed. So if I may, I would like to provide a piece of my own advice. I am one who has also stood at the corner of frustration, disgust, self-pity, loneliness, worthless, incapable, and hopeless. It doesn't matter your crime in finding "a" job. It may not be your dream job, but as more time goes by of you doing the next right thing, the more opportunities will open up to you. But there's only one place all this can begin, and that is with you. It is a must to stop the "I cant's" because that means nothing more than "I won't," it is a thinking error. It is also a must to stop using the "Always" and "Never" excuses - those are absolutes. There is nothing a person cannot do if they just do it. There are no such things as absolutes; nothing is always or never. If one is serious about getting a job, income, responsibility, then be proactive and at least take the time to think about what folks that care on here write to you. Take the time to complete your profile so potential employers can notice you and your need to survive. Take the time for yourself... You will not regret it. Reach out if you need help. Someone will be there... #wordsofadvice #jobsearch #motivation #success #proactive #money #responsibility #jobcase
IF YOU DON'T HAVE A JOB AND YOU WANT A JOB, YOU MUST PRETEND AS IF FINDING A JOB IS YOUR JOB. Think about it.. You are sitting there broke and depressed, feeling as if the ceiling is about to collapse and leave you squished like a tomato that has fallen from the Empire State Building. So why not take a hot shower, drink a strong cup of coffee, get dressed like you’re going to work, and sit down and make a plan to get a job, pay taxes, and take care of yourself. Before you can take care of anyone else, we must be able to take care of ourselves in a proper manner, or really we are doing more harm than good for others because we will only take them down with us. Sounds selfish to me. Okay, I don’t want this to be a book, so I’ll get more to the point. Pretend like you have a job that doesn’t pay yet. I know that sounds horrible, to work for no pay, but you are working for yourself and most businesses aren’t able to pay the owner a salary in the beginning. You are investing in yourself, and most stocks don’t pay dividends immediately. Figure out what shift you want to work (First shift is best for this job because all the offices and businesses are open during the day). Pick your time, an eight hour shift with a half-hour lunch and a 15 minute break in the morning and another in the afternoon. Just like at a job working for someone else, during work hours, you only work, nothing else. No Facebook, Tik-Tok, YouTube, or anything else that distracts you and wastes your time. If you wouldn’t be able to do it while working for someone else, don’t do it working for yourself. Now get busy and get a job. I never give any guarantees or promises, but I’ll bet a basket of warm buttered biscuits against a piping hot skillet of sauerkraut that if you work getting a job as a job for eight hours a day, it won’t be long and you will be working somewhere. If you need any further guidance, resume help, suggestions, ideas, critiques or opinions, I’m here, just reach out. Regardless, please do something.
P.S. Employers who scroll these pages will not notice you without your profile completed. Be proactive and get it done. If you need help, ask.
As the year 2022 draws to a close, many of us are thinking of 2023, and making plans to make it a great year, much better than the last. We just know this will be our year. With that attitude, we may just be right. I haven’t made a New Year’s Resolution in quite some time because when I used to I never followed through with any of the changes on my list. I got to the point that I thought what is the point in setting myself up for failure and letting myself down. After all, they say history repeats itself. But what if we commit to a resolution or two that we feel are actually doable? I know with me it was always those far-fetched fantasy changes that I would visualize in my mind that set me in a light of awedome, which may not even be a word, but it sure was an angelic light I could see myself basked within. I would notice my back getting perfectly straight with my ears above my shoulders, while my chest imitated the look of a fresh set of fifty push-ups, as I would share with those I came into contact with the next year’s plans to become what would take anyone else ten years to accomplish. As February made me shiver and delayed the 12 month journey to perfection, the dampness of the spring made me wait until June, but the heat was starting to get intense, and I knew it be best to wait until September when the beauty of fall would create an adrenaline rush strong enough to cover what was neglected in the previous months, but as October rolled out with shorter nights, I knew I still had a chance if I took off before the Christmas lights. Without remembering all I set out to do, I found myself once again at my desk penning a much more unattainable list. Yes, my intentions were pure, and I have found as I count the years, I am capable of anything on the written page; I can be ten feet tall with no struggles at all, but when it came to action, being a doer, I was only fooling myself when I’d write: exercise more, stop smoking, eat healthy every day, drink more water, volunteer more, learn a new language, sponsor a child in a third-world country, get more sleep, learn to play an instrument, get another degree and save more money. It wasn’t until I looked into the mirror that it donned on me, that the light came on in my mind, that I understood what those looks from others meant as they listened to my lunacy. Were my year after year failures due to my not being held accountable? Or was there some insecurity that caused me to prove to the world I can do it? I’m not sure, but I still have a few days to ponder that and decide if I shall embark again, after lying dormant for years, on yet another string of promises to myself. I know I will, but this time it will be a tiny short list that I without a doubt know will be attainable, if…. And only if… I become a doer….. What about you? What will be your New Year’s Resolutions? Do you feel an accountability partner could be the thing that drives you toward completion? I am available for accountability. There is five days, counting today, until another New Year, a new beginning. I will make a list of five doable resolutions, one each day, beginning today, starting right now. Before the clock strikes midnight on the very last day of 2022, I will pick two from my list of five, the two that mean the most to me, and I will believe for the first time in my life, I have the discipline, drive, and accountability to succeed. And to whomever “They” are, the ones that say history repeats itself, I say to them now, “Not this time, buddy, not this year...” My first New Year’s Resolution for 2023, is to write 300 pages of a book by the end of the year. It seems doable to me, simple really; it’s less than a page a day... What will be the first on your list?……. #NewYear #Resolution #Promise #Improvement #Success #Confidence #Accomplishment #2023