Careers for People With Felonies

Military

Individuals with criminal histories are still permitted to enlist as a soldier in the United States Army. The only requirements to enlist include being a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, being between the ages of 17 and 35, having a high school diploma and being in good physical condition. Army enlistment can provide a felon stable income for the period of time during which she is enlisted. These contracts are agreed upon between the army recruiter and the individual prior to the start of work. Any discharge from the army, either honorable or dishonorable, is grounds for the United States government to stop salary payments to the former soldier.

Anyone who wants to drive a commercial vehicle, such as a tractor trailer, needs a commercial driver's licenses, or CDL. Though procedures to obtain a CDL vary by state, they usually include passing a knowledge test and skills test. Some states require CDL applicants to have an accident-free driving record. No state at this time has a restriction that specifically states that individuals with criminal backgrounds cannot apply for a CDL. Once a person obtains a CDL, he can then apply separately to companies that employ drivers. These include moving and shipping companies.

Landscape employers may be hard pressed to find someone willing to do outdoor work in an age where so many individuals have college degrees and do their work indoors at computers. Many felons, having spent several years in prison, may not have college degrees. This makes it much harder to land a "white collar" job. Most laborer landscaping jobs, however, do not require a college degree; only a desire to work and withstand the elements.

Telemarketers are individuals who cold call customers and attempt to sell them goods or services over the phone. Felons can find work as employees for telemarketing firms or for a company whose sales department mainly relies upon telemarketing strategy. Being a telemarketer requires no physical contact with other individuals. Telemarketing work simply requires persistence, a soothing voice and a personable phone manner. States that employ the largest number of telemarketers include Florida, California and Texas, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics.