| Over ten years ago is a long time. You said that the offense was a misdemeanor. In general, misdemeanors are crimes with a maximum punishment of 12 months of incarceration. That would also have been a long time ago, if you were incarcerated.
Most job applications do not call for the listing of any misdemeanor offenses of which a person may have been convicted. Usually, only felonies need to be listed.
So, I don't think you should be having trouble finding a job since you are not a convicted felon. You don't need to be reporting a misdemeanor offense of ten years ago to a potential employer now, unless you are listed on some kind of registry - like for drunken driving or sex offenses.
Are you setting your standards for a job too high? Is someone still supporting you financially? When someone does, i.e. parents or a spouse it can make a person lazy with realizing the need that they just simply need to get a job - no matter what kind of job that might be.
Have you interviewed at any temp agencies? Usually you will find a sympathetic ear there. Plus, when you go through a temp agency, when they place you in a job situation, you are working for the temp agency and not for the place where they placed you. I may not be totally correct in that. But, I don't know.
I am not trying to get down on you, but your post makes me wonder if you might be using the conviction of a misdemeanor offense as an excuse to not get a job.
Do you have any skills that you might use to be self-employed? - i.e. painting, carpentry, carpet cleaning, house cleaning, janitorial services, furniture refinishing and repair, handyman work. Are you a musician? What about hooking up with a roofing firm. A lot of those guys don't drive and have criminal records in their past.
Do you have a high school diploma or a GED?
You are obviously on the Internet. There are a many sites where you can advertise for free that can get you very exposed for business or personal things.
Do you go to church? Involved in any clubs or organizations? I am talking networking here.
Many available jobs are not advertised in the newspapers. You have to go to a job placement service to find them.
Do you have a resume and is it up to date? Need to update your computer skills? Do you know how to type? If not, do you have a relative who could help you with a resume and other documents which might be needed for job interview preparation?
I don't know what your job history is or if you have any other personal issues which might prevent you from getting a job. Don't know what your interests are or if you are willing to branch out into different types of work situations. Don't know how old you are. Don't know the jobs available where you live. I am only guessing at your situation.
You might have to sacrifice some things that you might be doing or have in order to land a keep a job. Such as: not as much socializing, cable T.V., high-speed Internet access, a really big vehicle to drive, certain unnecessary foods, etc. Still only guessing here at your situation.
I have been self-employed most of my life in various types of jobs. I own my own home and I make a living. I support myself. Both my parents died a long time ago. I have also been divorced for many years. Have two grown children. I use the Internet and Yellow Pages for advertising. Also, hang my advertising wherever I can find a public bulletin board. Used the Internet to teach myself new skills. Learned how to type at 40+ w.p.m. in two weeks, 9,000+ k.p.h. on ten-key in about three weeks, WebPage design and layout, etc. By teaching myself those things, many other job possibilities were opened up for me. If you go to a temp agency, they can test you for many types of computer programs and applications. You would need to have a set minimum degree of skills in such things as Microsoft Word and Excel. As well as doing ten-key.
You asked for help. That is what I am trying to do. What I have been saying in this message to you has not been intended as a boast about myself. It is intended only to give you some ideas to enable you to get a job.
I hope that it has been helpful. | 
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