;)Hi everyone (this is my first post)! I am a felon who went to prison 7 years ago. I was 17; adult where I'm from. I am currently in college and have no idea of what direction to go in. I am currently doing a double major in Art and Business Mgmt. I was going to sell pottery from home. However, that doesn't excite me. I always had BIG dreams. Originally, I wanted to go for nursing. But, I could fail my intern if the hospital rejects me due to the background check. I would like to save lives or help people in some way. The problem is, I am interested in a LOT of things but sometimes feel that I am prevented from doing ALL things. I could see myself as a interior designer, computer engineer, physical therapist, vet - all opposite of each other. Does anyone know what a felon would have the best chance of getting a career? Please help! I don't want to be a stay at home wife! I want more and I don't like the idea of my mistakes holding me back.

Hello Caroline:

I'm sure you don't like what's going to turn up in a background check done on you... But, that's going to happen NO MATTER what career you enter. And, it's going to get worse - not better.

That doesn't mean you can't overcome your past - you can. But, it's going to be an uphill battle every step of the way...

Unless you clear up your background. You can do that by applying for a pardon, and I would. You'll need an attorney to do it, but it's going to be cheap in the long run. A pardon REMOVES your felony as though it never existed. THAT'S what you want.

excon

Well first you HAVE TO DECIDE since only you know what they want to do, For example you wanted to be a nurse, but you just assume you can't ( it sounds like) have you talked to the licensing board, have you discussed it with the HR at several hospitals?

Have you looked into paramedics, rescue truck operators and the such, ** they really save lives, on the front line.

But designer, computer?? About the only thing you did list was a fire fighter and cowboy, OK sorry but it sounds like my 8 year old who wants something different each week.

Since all take different college courses you need to make some choices and work for it.

Unless you get a pardon like excon suggested, you can forget about nursing if you are in the US. A background check is done prior to even being accepted into school. Then if that is cleared there is a background check done prior to graduation, then again each facility that you apply to does a background check prior to hiring.

My school and facilities in my area do not hire felons nor do they hire people with certain misdemeanors.

Thanks Excon. I have been looking into getting a pardon. However, I still have another 2 years until they say that I have the right to ask for a pardon. I'm not sure how likely it is... but it's definitely worth the fight!

Fr-Chuck:
Thanks for the feedback. I understand I need to make a decision. I guess it's because of the situation that I'm in. It seems like everyday I am trying to figure out what it is I can do in the world with the situation I put myself in. So, it may sound like I'm 8 years old, but I just try to open my mind to the possibilities of life. Thanks for the imput!