I want to school got training have an apartment and a great girl I do landscapeing on the side I have 25 people I do work for ,but I still can't get a job that pays people are always trying to tell me that they found some body better or there still looking at my resume , I know that because I put I have a back ground is the reason why they are not hiring me . When I talk to them they love me and that's it but then they say oh I am sorry we can't hire a ex-con . So I am asking what should I do its been since 1998 that I got in troulbe do I have to live with this forever or what , should I just go back to jail sell drugs that seems to be the only thing ny body will let me do . I just want to work live my life and have stuff please what should I do . I am trying so hard and ready to just say it ,maybe (I should be dead) if I want not around people would be happier .

Don't think like that. Look at it this way you have a great girl, and an apartment. You are only on step away from having a so called "normal" life. Don't give up!

Yeah you made a mistake and you did your time. It's a shame you still have to suffer for it but it is what it is. Just be patient there has to be someone out there that will hire you.

There is someone on here with the user name excon (I assume he IS an ex con) He always gives great advice. Hopefully he will see this post and be able to give you some good advice. Stay Strong!!

You did a crime and you did your time but that does not satisfy an insurance company that is insuring me against one of my employs from stealing something while they ae in my customers house or maybe later after the job is finished. I know it does not help you any but a business owner has to protect themselves if they are going to stay in business.
Now about you repairing or installing air conditioning. Do you have a license? Do you have a certificate that gives you the right to work with freon? Are you bonded? If you do not have these things maybe you would be more attractive to a business owner and he would consider you more.

Even without the stigma of jail, getting a job is hard, and highly competetive. Keep working at it, and see if you can hook up with a few faith based programs, or private contractors, or even the services of where you got certified. The trick is never give up, and keep putting in those resumes. For sure going back to jail, or worse isn't the answer, as you would be giving up what little you have now. If you have to enhance your skills with more training, do so, as there are many places that offer grants, loans, and job placements. Keep it going, and the efforts will pay off. Good luck.

I agree with all of the above. Good advise! I also want to add that local supply houses also know people in the trades that are looking for help... like LETMETELLU said.. are you licensed... certified.. If so, those programs you graduated from should be able to assist you... IF NOT...

Maybe join a program that will assist in job placement! Not hard to do... assistance is available if needed and proved!

Point is, and I know cause I work and teach at these programs and we are glad to help settle the new guys... IF they try... even a little... IF they just show it... humbly.. you know... ask for help... hard to do... but people can't always read your mind... ask for help.. and I bet people will respond positively.

I hope this helps... even a little. Let us know if we can help more... glad to do it.. and trust me... if you just work hard and show a little humility (which you have obviously done by even asking the question you asked! )... things are going to improve!