Introduction
This module will dive into the practical ins and outs of career development and job skills. Your readiness for full-time work may depend upon how stable you are in your sobriety. “If being out there in the workplace gives you access to drugs and alcohol, it may be better to stay under closer accountability until you get stronger.” This decision calls for wisdom and good counsel. 
Are you working in a career that you enjoy? Is there a clear sense of purpose in what you are doing? There is so much to learn and many jobs to experience. You may have a lot or a little work experience. Some jobs perhaps were a lot of fun. Some taught you new and exciting things. Others may have been boring and unchallenging. Each experience, each skill, each level of learning brings new possibilities. Not every job you perform will be thrilling or be fun. Life is full of practical tasks that have to be completed each day. Yet, if the work you do is draining or adding to your desire to drink or use you may want to reflect on how to improve your standing. Being convicted of a DUI or another crime is a fact that you have to consider when presenting yourself to employers or potential business partners. You may have to disclose the information.
EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission)
Here is some information that you might also consider.
When deciding if a particular offense will disqualify an applicant an employer
must consider the following:
- How much time has passed since the offense or sentence?
- The nature and gravity of the offense or conduct, and
- The nature of the job (where is it performed, how much supervision and interaction will the employee have with others).
We cannot offer legal advice but encourage you to know the laws of your state and the restrictions and stipulations of your specific situation. Seek out counsel from a lawyer or write down a list of questions for your probation officer. Regardless of the challenges you are facing or the hill you may have to climb, keep reaching out and looking up.
Ban the Box
Some states have "ban the box" legislation which requires public and some private employers to not ask if someone has a felony conviction on job applications. Here is a web link with a map of states that have these laws. So, if your state has this legislation implemented you will not have to disclose a felony on an initial job application. That’s good news. Hopefully more states will adopt this as time goes by.
Link to article and video on ban-the-box legislation
https://help.checkr.com/hc/en-us/articles/360000433248-What-are-Ban-the-Box-laws-
Job vs. Career Path
There is a difference between having a job and developing a career path. A job is task oriented. It is something you do on a part or full-time basis that serves a need and pays the bills. Hopefully you have a job you like doing. It may not be something you will do for the long term.
A career path is long-term work in which you build up experience, skills, and
knowledge. It may connect to something you recognize as a need in your
community or something you are passionate about. You may have identified a
career path that allows you to learn and grow as you go. It could be a calling.
Generally, with a job, you are working for a paycheck. In a career path you are working to succeed in accomplishing goals. Education for career path development may come from on the job training, in a trade school, college, or university.
Creating Work Opportunities
You need to believe that there are options for work opportunities if you have a
criminal record. You can overcome the stamp and stigma and find work that you
are passionate about with purpose.
Here’s a video from a group called Cornbread Hustle. I love the name! They give
some great practical tips on how to look for and get not only a job but work in a
career you love
Watch Video Now
What did you learn from the video?
Did you think about something you are good at or are really interested in learning
more about?
Can you reach out to people who know you are getting clean and sober and ready
for the next step?
Some of you may have spent time in jail and many of you have not. Either way,
being open and honest about your shortcomings is helpful. People see you are
humble and ready to learn more.
Internships
She pointed in the video to finding internships. Often, internships happen in a college setting within your field of study. You may find you need to continue your formal education to move into the work you are looking for.
She also mentioned finding an internship (or volunteering) with a startup company in a field you have talent or ability in. It doesn’t hurt to make a call and ask questions. If you are serious about doing the work, then opportunities will come. Stay with it. Finding something you truly believe in or love doing can make all the difference.
***Suggested Action Step***
Write down your goals. What is it you truly want to do? What is your dream job?
Brainstorm a little if you need to. Is this something you can see yourself doing for
the next 10 years? 20 years? After this write down what it will take to move in that
direction.
Conclusion
We have said a few times in this content that the past does not have to dictate the future and it’s true. If you have a felony or a misdemeanor on your record it could limit you from certain jobs though. You might have to disclose this to your current employer or a future employer. You will have to deal with any shame issues and be open and ready to make the most of second chances. One mistake does not make a man or woman, or two or three for that matter. Gratefully, today, you have the opportunity to be sober. Firm accountability will make a huge difference in your success. There is much to look forward to. Get excited about continuing your education or a career path that you truly connect with.
Question for Reflection: What was your favorite job and why?