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My bf is depressed because he hasn't been able to find a job in over a year because of his background. What can I do to help?

By January 26, 2011 - 9:13am
 
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He's gotten close, but everytime employers find out about his felony, which is 9 years old, they turn him away. He's gone through employment agencies and everything, but nothing has helped. We want to eventually get married and start a family, but he wants to be able to support me and have a steady income first. but he cant and it's killing him. He's about to the point of giving up. He gets so depressed and does nothing but sleep. I cant just sit here and let him give up. i want to be able to help him, but i dont know what to say or do to motivate him and make him feel better about himself.

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Expert HERWriter Guide Blogger

mandapanda0713 - I've been a volunteer for a job support group in a large city for more than six years. It takes every single job candidate today a long time, and a lot of work, to find a job, regardless of their background. One month isn't a very long time in today's job environment, and it's not realistic to expect to get a job quickly. Since he is dealing with both the employment issue and self-esteem issues you are correct in seeing that he needs to get some help. There are social service agencies and job support groups in most communities. If you're not familiar with them you might try an organization like United Way as a starting point. Good luck to you both.

January 26, 2011 - 5:03pm

We live in texas and for his parole he has to be involoved in whats called "project rio". they are supposed to help people with criminal record find a job. he has been going for 30 hours a week for about a month and it gotten us nowhere and he's loosing confidence in himself. he started out super motivated, but now he's feeling major rejection. he's not the same person he was then, but his past is keeping him from living the life he wants. his problem is more than not being able to find a job, but not being able to get past his past. i hate seeing him so depressed about it. and i hate that i really dont think there's anything i can do about it.

January 26, 2011 - 10:37am
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous (reply to mandapanda0713)

I don't mean this to be funny. I saw on the news yesterday that in the state of Washington they have too many apples and not enough workers. Hard work but it pays $150.00 a day. Definitely short term work but for some hardy, desperate souls that might get them a few more dollars to get them further down the road.

October 27, 2011 - 8:02pm

Hello mandapanda0713, thanks for writing in. There are services that help people with criminal records find jobs. What state do you live in? We may be able to find some resources. Thanks and look forward to your response.

January 26, 2011 - 10:16am
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