This is YC. The answer to "can't get a job?" is "create one - start a business." Nobody (broadly speaking) is going to run background checks on a guy (off the t

This is YC. The answer to "can't get a job?" is "create one - start a business." Nobody (broadly speaking) is going to run background checks on a guy (off the top of my head) washing cars at customers' homes, recycling-for-pay whatever he can, running low-cost courier, clean the grounds of the aluded-to apartment for cash, etc. The library is thataway, providing an education in anything you want for free (don't confuse education with certification). Yes, being a convicted felon is problematic. If society is locking you out, it's probably because you proved you're someone they really don't want to associate with - and for good reason. Yes, recovering is going to be hard. They're not "practically begging you to fuck up again", they're recognizing you're the kind of person who does. There are people/services who will help, who will give you a chance; don't blow it again. "Life is tough, but it's tougher if you're stupid." - John Wayne, _Sands_of_Iwo_Jima_