Posts Tagged ‘drunk driving’

It is hard enough to find a  job in today’s economy and also if you are over 40.  So why make it worse on yourself by getting into drugs?  If you have a felony in Texas, if you even have a misdemeanor, and it is drug related, you are going to be hard pressed to find a decent job. It is even going to be hard to get a minimum wage fast food job.

I have been following along with some people who have allowed me to do so in order that others might learn from their mistakes.  I have been invited to group sessions and told people I write and promised to keep names anonymous.  I was told it would be good to point out something in hindsight: even if you do your time, even if you pay your debt, you are going to be punished for the rest of your life when it comes to drugs and looking for a job.

One gentleman told me he did a five year sentence for drunk driving. Did not hurt anyone, did not cause an accident. Never did. However, he was a repeat offender. The judge sent him to state jail. He is looking for a job as part of his parole and worried sick that he will not find one.

Another guy told me he will be on parole for ten more years for his repeat drug violations. Luckily, he has a job. He got one through an old friend of his from high school. No one else would hire him, not even a fast food restaurant.

One lady told me that she put that she had one drug violation as a 19 year old nearly 20 years earlier on an application and the manager sent her on her way the moment he saw it. So now she tells people she has no record of any kind. Lying got her a job. Being honest showed her the door.

Texas takes its drug and alcohol violations seriously. We do give second chances. Then, the “stand in the corner” type punishment (fines and possibly probation) turns to being grounded (definitely probation or even six months jail time). Then, if the person still does not learn his or lesson, state jail or prison.

But seriously, we should look at the individual aspects of a crime. If someone paid their dues, if they agree to drug testing and are honest and truthful? Give them a chance. Everyone makes mistakes. Those who get themselves clean and go through rehab?  They could end up being the best employee an employer ever had.