Just got out of Prison.

[AloneInTheDark]

Hey,

I haven't been around much, but that's because I just got out of prison last week. I'm so worried about how I'm going to get a job now. Also my ex-gf has just had a baby, I still love her but she doesn't know if it's mine. Damn I'm so confused, In a way, being in prison was easier, I only had things to look forward to, i.e getting out. But now I feel worried about getting a job and my life back on track. I feel so down recently. Since getting out I haven't been drinking or using drugs, so that's a good thing. But I'm still finding it so hard to be happy at the moment

AiTD :sad:

 

[Dave_N]

Hi Alone. I hope that nothing bad happened to you while you were in prison. I watch Lockup and Lockdown all the time and things can get pretty ugly behind bars... Now that you're out, you can focus on getting your life back together and staying out. Getting a job will be harder, because you're an ex-con now, but I'm sure someone will hire you.

 

[Stranger1]

Hey AID,
Are you set up with a counselor thru the justice system? Maybe someone there can give you advice on getting a job. Or maybe social services can help you.(thats what it is called here in the states. I don't know what it is called where you are from).
Try to keep your head clear. so far you have been doing well. I know how hard it is. I did drugs for about 32 years and drank like a fish for years. I quit cold turkey no help from anyone. The only time I drink anything is during the holidays. There has to be some kind of support system for people coming out of prison. If there isn't then alot of them will become repeaters. They know the schedule inside and if they have to live on the streets begging then it's pretty much a sure thing they are going to end back up inside. Well Take Care!!:chopper:!!

 

[fromthatshow]

Sounds like you are having a really rough time. A lot to deal with.
Are you and your ex still close? Do you have someone you can talk to?

At least you have one good thing, no drinking and drugs

Wishing you luck in finding a job :hug:

 

[TheWr0ngChild]

Hi there alone. Your in England so here's what I know. You need to find out what your rights are for employment now. I would suggest seeing an adviser at the CAB first or see if there is a service in your area that supports ex cons into employment. Be open and honest because depending on the type of offence you probably will not be able to apply for certain jobs. For example if it's a driving offence you would not be able to take a driving job. If it's a drugs offence you might need to prove via regular testing that you are not using anymore. Some people get out of prison and completly turn themselves around, and yes, it is much harder, but it's not impossible. The government are running a lot of inititives to get people into work and you would probably be a likely candidate for help.

 

[AloneInTheDark]

Goin jobcentre tomorrow so should hopefully get some advice and stuff there. Feeling pretty low today, everything just seems so messed up

 

[TheWr0ngChild]

Sorry your feeling low but well done with the job center. Be open and honest and make sure they listen to you. They have a duty to support you as your activly looking for work. If they find you a job it may not be what you want to do, but go along with it, see it as the first step on the ladder of regaining society's trust. If they are no use, find out if there is any programs in your area for getting ex cons back into work. Something will come along soon.

I hope it goes well and I know things will be hard for a while, but you've done your time for whatever it was, now it's time to rebuild yourself and your life and getting back into work will give you some self worth and money.

Take it one day at a time and don't hope for too much too soon, life is a long road full of potholes, it's up to us how we negotiate them.