Starting Over After a Felony: The Power of Pushing Through the “No”

One of the hardest pills to swallow when trying to rebuild your life after a felony conviction is getting used to hearing “No.”

No to housing. No to jobs. No to loans or educational opportunities. No from potential partners. No from people who don’t even know you.

You will hear “you’re not a good fit” or “not right now” more times than you can count. But here's the t

ruth: “No” doesn’t mean never. It just means not here, not with them, or not yet.

The System Isn’t Built for Redemption

Let’s be real—recidivism is high not only because of personal decisions but also because true rehabilitation is rare, and second chances are even rarer. Many of the doors you knock on after release are rigged to stay closed unless you have someone advocating for you—or unless you keep knocking.

But if you keep pushing past those “no’s,” the “yes” will come.

The challenge is in the meantime:

• Can you handle being underestimated?

• Can you work a job that pays less than you’re worth while you map out a better plan?

• Can you stay out of trouble while you wait for opportunity to catch up with your growth?

These are the real questions.

The Industry That Will Say Yes

Let’s stop shaming people for the work they do while rebuilding. One of the most accepting industries for felons is food service. No, it may not be glamorous. It’s not always high-paying. But it is:

• Legal

• Immediate

• Teachable

• And full of second-chance stories

This work might not be your dream, but it pays the bills and builds a rhythm while you build your next move.

Other Felon-Friendly Industries

Here are industries where people with records are more likely to get hired:

• Warehouse & distribution (Amazon, Chewy, DHL, etc.)

• Construction & skilled trades (electricians, roofers, painters, etc.)

• Transportation (CDL training, delivery services, forklift ops)

• Manufacturing & production

• Landscaping & maintenance

• Entrepreneurship (cleaning services, vending machines, car detailing, art/music)

  
  

🆕COMING SOON: We’re updating our Felon-Friendly Employer List! Stay tuned for a downloadable guide with real employers in your area who are known for second chances.

Think About Where You Live

Not all places are equal.Some cities and states are more felon-friendly.If you’re able to relocate, you may find:

• More employers with second-chance hiring programs

• Better housing options

• More progressive policies and support services

Learn While You Wait

While you’re figuring things out, invest in your growth. Here are some free or low-cost learning resources that can lead to entrepreneurship or niche careers:

• Coursera or edX (free college-level courses)

• Google Career Certificates (IT, marketing, data analysis)

• YouTube University (yes, learn trades or digital skills for free)

• Local libraries (often offer resume help, job prep, or workshops)

• Goodwill, DWD, and re-entry programs (training and placement support)

Final Thought:

If you’ve got a record, you’re going to feel discouraged—often. That’s not weakness. That’s just the process of rebuilding a life in a system that wasn’t designed for reintegration.

But you are not the crime. You are not the conviction. You are the comeback.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Don’t let pride keep you broke, stuck, or isolated. And don’t forget—sometimes, all you need is one “yes.”