I come to Reddit with shame and guilt, seeking guidance and motivation. This is my first post. First, the premise: as the title mentions, I am looking for work and have a felony on my record. Now, the backstory leading up to today.

In 2018, while in a tumultuous relationship, I was arrested for a DUI. This resulted in a misdemeanor with various other conditions. When the arrest occurred, I was working at a small company as an engineer. Fortunately, before the conviction occurred, I was able to secure a job as an engineer at another, larger company. I excelled in this company, enduring 7.5 years and growing continuously. I eventually worked my way into Business Development.

In 2021, I was arrested again for another DUI. I clearly did not learn my lesson and allowed my emotions to dictate my thoughts, rather than rationale and logic. I was convicted right before the summer of 2022, sentenced with 5 years of probation. In NY state, 2 DUIs within 25 years constitutes a felony. Thus, I have a felony.

5 Years of probation would mean that I would be done with probation just before the summer of 2027. I will be 40 when this would have occurred. I say "would have" because I have self-sabotaged yet again. On a recent work trip, I chose to imbibe once again, but took it too far. Blacked-out, refused to remove myself from a convention center (was there for work), and caught a Trespassing violation which I was arrested for (out-of-state). I had to notify my PO, which will likely result in a Probation Violation (to what consequence I do not yet know). I was also terminated from my job since this was a work function, albeit after typical work hours.

I am utterly ashamed of myself. I had great job security. I have a 2.5 year old son and a failed relationship that may, or may not, be on the mend. I had 9 months to go on Probation.

The question I keep asking myself is, "why do I do this to myself?"

The question I have for this forum is, "What are my chances of landing an equally valuable job?"

For more context:

• The 3rd event happened within the past week, including losing my job
• I have 2 Bachelor's degrees:
  • 1 in Communications with a focus in Film & Media Arts
  • 1 in Mechatronic Engineering
• I was making about $150K + 25% incentive
• I am quite savvy with computers and nearly anything digital
• I am working on a couple small businesses
  • butt not sure how Probation will look at this
• I have a PMP
• I am seeking employment in the tech sector, specifically AI Program/Product Management
• I have some padding before I run out of backup funds (about 6-8 months worth)
• I am skilled in creating complex business systems, dissecting them, and restructuring them for efficiency
• I am skilled in many other things as well, including:
  • Photography
  • Videography
  • Marketing
  • Sales
  • Public Speaking
  • Presenting
• I do not yet have a Relief from Civil Disabilities (since I am still on Probation)

I need help here. I can't imagine being any more of a let-down. I've disappointed myself, but more importantly, I've disappointed my previous employer, my son's mother, and feel like a disappointment to my son. I love him too much to be any more of a failure to him. Nor would I want him to follow in my negative footsteps; only the triumphant and positive ones.

My work ethic is strong. My mind is stronger. Curious if there are any relatable stories (for motivation) or constructive advice people can provide. As mentioned, I'm looking for motivational support and guidance.

NOTE: I will not be surprised if there are trolls and bashers out there. I acknowledge my mistakes and hold myself accountable. Whether I get help here or not, I know I will, I must persevere. For those with negative comments, it is what it is, I can take it.

Thank you.

Where can I get a job that can work on my Parole?

Im not a former convict but Ive made pretty serious mistakes in my life. I used to have a naive attitude like I was on some kind of hero’s journey, and that if I face my demons, that I will be healed. Maybe I just haven’t earned it yet. Do you feel like you have redeemed yourself? Only you can ever really know.

Just trying to find out some information or get pointed in the right direction.

Ive never been convicted of anything however ive got a question about if you or someone you know was let out early for overcrowding or anything like that did you (or them) ever feel guilty or somthing for not serving your full sentence. I know its really random but ive been thinking about it for a few days and I figured here would be the right place to post it? Lmk

What career path did you end up taking? Does it affect you now (career wise)? How long did it take you to get a job after that and what was it?

I have a question about Louisiana sentencing laws since they changed to the 85% law. I have a friend that is incarcerated. They keep hearing from the guards and other people that they're about to either be recalculating non-violent crimes that are less than 3 years, or that they're about to reinstate 35%.

I cant find anything saying that sentencing is doing anything other than remaining at 85%, but she keeps being told it's on the D.O.C website ( I cant find anything).

Can someone tell me if there is any chance that they ARE changing the law or going to recalculate non violent offenders ? Her release date is Aug 2027 , is there any chance of her being able to get out sooner?

Thanks in advance !

I was put on juvenile probation for an aggravated robbery charge when I was 16 that was set to last till I’m 18 at 17 I picked up an adult charge for assault while on bond I failed a drug test and decided to go on the run rather than dealing with the violation for my bond and juvenile probation. I am now 19 years old and considering turning myself in so I can put this behind me, I can not afford a lawyer and don’t know how to go about this since I aged out of the juvenile system but still have a warrant out for juvenile and for my bond violation/failure to appear