Ex felon can’t find a Job and is Getting Depressed

Q: I hope you can help me. I can’t find a job and I really need money. I don’t want to do anything illegal, but what can I do? Can you offer me any advice?

Ex felon can’t find a Job and is Getting Depressed

A: Finding employment with a criminal record is a tough job. Finding employment with a criminal record in a down economy is an even tougher job. There are countless people without criminal records competing with ex-offenders and felons for fewer and fewer jobs. This is a grim reality that felons must face. “How can I get money to pay my bills? How can I pay my living expenses? I don’t want to go back to doing illegal things to get money. What can I do?” Many ex-offenders and felons have skills and talents that could be turned into income. There is always money to be made – even in a down economy. You just have to have a little creativity and willingness to do what it takes until you can find work.

Here are a few ideas that could net felons some quick cash and keep them out of trouble.

A Painting Service

House painting is a messy job, so if you have some experience and some friends there are certainly some folks who’d pay you to do it. Make certain you will be able to offer professional results at a better price than a professional company would charge.

Selling Drinks or Bottled Water

During the hot summer months, an ice cold drink at a good price would be a welcomed thing at a park, playground, construction site or anywhere there is activity. A really great place is anywhere traffic regularly backs up. You could buy drinks at wholesale, chill them and they would sell like crazy.

A Cleaning Service

People who do not have time to clean their homes or small businesses would gladly pay someone to do it for them.

Graffiti Removal Service

Property owners especially business owners would gladly pay someone to remove unsightly graffiti.

Car Washing/Detailing Service

Folks who do not have time to wash their own cars would pay someone to keep their automobile clean inside and out. This type of business is very easy to get started and you could set up appointments at the car owner’s location. You could use a church and offer the church a percentage of the profits.

Dog Walking Service

Busy people and shut-in people would gladly pay someone to exercise their pets. You could acquire steady clients or even take care of pets while owners are away.

Exterior Window Washer

Small business owners would jump at the chance to keep their shop windows clean at a good price. A bucket, scrubber, some soap and a squeegee could have you making money right away.

Yard/Basement Cleaning Service

Everyone wants a nice looking yard but not everyone has the time or the energy to do it and would gladly pay somebody. Cutting grass, weeding, planting flowers, and raking leaves could have you raking in bucks in the summer. Shoveling snow in the winter could also be very profitable.

Holiday Decoration Installer/Uninstaller

Some folks delight in putting up decorations at holiday time, still others don’t. I don’t think anyone likes the task of taking them down. This unique service would make a lot of people happy and net you some cash.

Home Handyman

Are you good at fixing things? Do you have carpentry or plumbing skills? You could offer to do small jobs at a fraction of what contractors would charge while guaranteeing quality work. Another twist to this is to make a list of local contractors and offer hire yourself out as a day laborer. There are probably quite a few contractors in your area looking for day laborers as a way to keep their own costs down.

Sell Baked Goods

Are you good at baking things? Do you have a special cookie, pie or cake recipe? Individually wrap portions and sell them at construction sites, in front grocery stores, strip malls or other high traffic areas.

These are just some ideas that could have you bringing in money while looking for employment. Who knows? Your small business could grow into something big. Starting your own business will be a lot of work. You have to be prepared to work long hours finding customers and promoting your business. Handing out fliers, knocking on doors, and getting referrals is hard work that could pay off in a big way.

I hope this helps

Are you an ex-offender or felon who has a question about finding a job with a criminal record? You could have your question answered right here. Email your question to: BelievePublications@comcast.net.

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