i dont know what i should do with my life.

[nclifter6feet6]

heres my situation. i currently do construction type work, im basically a laborer. dont laff at me cause i know im pitiful i only make 9.00 an hour i get a 500 dollar bonus every 6 months. i work full time.

so ive been thinking for a while that i want to go back to school or a community college. ive reallly been looking into the feilds of occupational therapy assistant and physical therapy assistant. so i enrolled today but on the sign up sheet, it says i may encounter problems if i have a criminal record for job placement and gettin accepted in the course. they list drug charges larceny and robbery.

well im 21 now and held down a job for 3 years. but when i was 17 i did some bad shit, i got busted for marijuana and intent to sell, also i was so fucken dumb back then and didnt care i also used to steal cars break in buildings and shit dumb dumbass shit. i was a kid that was wild and no one couldnt tell me anything i got kicked out for fights in school but i got my diploma through a night program. i did most of these things at 16-17 but didnt get convicted of them till i was 18, ive gotten in no trouble sinse then. but because i got convicted when i was 18 (at 18 it stays on your record forever) its hard as hell to get a decent job or get accept in things. im really fucked in terms or finding a better job, and it doesnt look ill get accepted in schooling from my record. i know i was an idiot but i cant change the past to somethings that happend 4 and 5 years ago. all i can do is blame myself for the mess i got myself into, so dont get me wrong people im not asking for any hand me downs or pity or sympathy because i brought this upon myself, maybe someone can offer me some suggestions on how to make it better

what do you suggest i try and do. what kind of jobs should i go for. i. i have no idea because most places look at my record and think im a nut or something. i get depressed sometimes all i realize that i got is a nice family and weightlifting. any help is appreciated

 

[Lao Tzu]

does yoru state has some sort of record expunging program? in some states, your record goes clean if you don't break the law after X years.

Ive never understood why people do that, prevent people with criminal records from getting good jobs. wtf are they supposed to do if they aren't allowed a good job?

 

[cure]

Actually your record should be wiped clean once you reach 18 years of age. It's like that in Canada anyway.

 

[nclifter6feet6]

your only allowed one expungment per lifetime in nc. i have 5 total

 

[SofaGeorge]

Bro, first off... congratulations on taking the right step forward - you're looking at getting some skills and improving your life. I doubt your juvenile record will hinder you from finding employment. Stuff you did before the age of 18 usually isn't a big consideration. (Go down to your local PD and ask about it. They should be able to give you a straight answer.)

Second - if you are studying to be a physical therapy assistant or to work in occupational therapy - find a hospital in your area or physical therapy clinic where you can volunteer. It will give you a jump on your schooling - but it will also give you important connections when it comes time to find a job. (I used to volunteer Friday and Saturday nights in the ER. Along with learning cool stuff, I can atest taht volunteer work is also a blast.)

 

[casavant]

all i realize that i got is a nice family

^^^^^^That's a big one man. It's good that you appreciate that.

There's no shame in construction dude. No shame at all. Cliche or not, there really is honor in hard work. I worked as a laborer for six months and it's no easy thing.

I'm not sure about the college thing- I didn't know they checked into that stuff when you applied- but where there's a will, there's a way. Try not to be so down on yourself.

Good luck to you.

 

[BronzedGoddess]

Maybe you could be an independent contractor if you are motivated and will get the job done. You could look into real estate. They do a background check but they are looking for things like fraud, so your record won't haunt you. Most people would rather be an employee because they know their taxes and social security is taken out each paycheck, when you work for yourself you gotta make sure you do it all. What ever you do I wish you the best of luck. It's so great that you decided this at 21 not 61.

 

[nclifter6feet6]

sofa george--great idea dude. i will check into the volunteer. its really "who you know" to get a good job! your so right thanks alot

casavant and goddess- thanks foer the support

i didnt realize they checked into criminal backgrounds either. i told a friend of mine he was like what the hell. i guess when u get into the health feild and medical i reckon they have to have a certain morale or whatever

 

[grlpwrd]

Don't knock yourself too much, nc. Construction is a great trade and you're probably really good with math and your hands.

Anyway, your criminal record is your past. I think if you're honest about it, you truly are remorseful, and you intend to strive for a better future than nothing should stop you. In fact, my brother had a record (drug charges) when he was younger and that didn't stop him from getting hired as a cop. He was honest with himself and to his potential employers.

Besides volunteering, talk to a college counselor if you can and get their advice. If you show your ambitiousness and fortitude in turning your life around I think nothing can stop you. I know a lot of people with records who turned their life around. Really, if there is a will there is a way. After all, everyone is entitled to second chances. Good luck!

 

[Silent Method]

Follow your heart and make sure you have put aside childish things.. You may face adversity, but follow your heart.