I asked ChatGPT to make me a list of jobs for people getting out of jail. This is the answer I got. At first glance it looks kind go grim, like oh great, I could grow up to be making minimum wage! But lets take a deeper look into this list
Chats answer:
Certainly, finding employment after being released from prison can be challenging, but there are various job opportunities that may be suitable depending on an individual’s skills, interests, and the nature of their conviction. Here’s a list of potential jobs for people re-entering the workforce after prison:
- Construction Laborer:
- Construction sites often hire laborers for tasks such as carrying materials, cleaning, and assisting skilled workers.
- Landscaping/Gardening:
- Jobs in landscaping or gardening may involve maintenance, planting, and general outdoor work.
- Warehouse Worker:
- Warehouses frequently need workers for tasks like packing, shipping, and inventory management.
- Janitorial Services:
- Cleaning services for offices, schools, or other facilities often hire individuals for janitorial roles.
- Truck Driver/ Delivery Driver:
- Depending on the nature of the offense, driving jobs such as truck driving or delivery services might be an option.
- Food Service Industry:
- Jobs in restaurants, cafes, or catering may be available, including positions like dishwasher, cook, or server.
- Retail Associate:
- Working in retail stores as a cashier, stock clerk, or customer service representative.
- Landscaping/Nursery Worker:
- Working in a plant nursery or landscaping business, which might involve tasks like planting, watering, and maintaining plants.
- Auto Mechanic Assistant:
- Assisting experienced mechanics with tasks in an auto repair shop.
- Custodial Services:
- Providing cleaning services for businesses, schools, or residential areas.
- Manufacturing Jobs:
- Assembly line jobs or other positions in manufacturing plants.
- Freelance/Contract Work:
- Depending on skills, freelancing in areas like writing, graphic design, or coding might be an option.
- Start Small Business:
- Consider entrepreneurship by starting a small business, like lawn care, cleaning, or handyman services.
- Apprenticeships:
- Some trades offer apprenticeship programs, providing on-the-job training and a pathway to skilled employment.
- Landscaping Crew Member:
- Joining a landscaping crew for tasks such as mowing, trimming, and maintaining outdoor spaces.
- Painting Assistant:
- Assisting painters with preparation, painting, and cleanup.
- General Laborer:
- Various jobs in manual labor, such as loading and unloading trucks, construction cleanup, etc.
It’s essential for individuals with a criminal record to be honest about their past during the job application process. Some organizations and programs specifically focus on providing employment opportunities for individuals with a criminal history, so exploring those resources may be beneficial. Additionally, vocational training and education programs can enhance skills and increase job prospects.
My Overview:
To be honest, I have done most of these jobs since being released. To be even more honest, I still do most of them now. The difference is the shitty way Chat, and society words this answer. If you ask a counselor or even your friends, they will give you a similar answer. “construction laborer”. This sounds terrible, it is the first answer, and also the first job I got when I got out. I never once thought of it as construction laborer though. To me I was working in construction working on becoming a builder. Throwing in all the little derogatory words is exactly what keeps a lot of people down. “Start a ‘small’ Business” , fuck you I am building a publicly traded fortune 100 corporation. Every job on this list has the potential to make you a millionaire, pretty quickly. The difference is just in the wording, and the attitude.
What is important to know is that you will be able to get work. Once you start making some money you can grow and expand from that. To start though, just put your head down and work. When you are not at work, work on yourself. Dream big and take action to get where you want to be.