Gimeeee Money.... lawd i gots bills to pay.

September 15, 2005 1:04 PM

I was recently let go from an IT support job that i have worked for the last 2 years, and now I'm looking for new work (more inside)

The reason i was let go is because of a problem that arose with my background check during a transition from part time to full time employee status. The short of it is a drug violation from three years ago prior to ever even working my last job.

I realize that just about anywhere i look im probably going to run into the same problem, so i now find myself in the position of needing to generate income. I am well versed in just about any form of windows support, some linux, html, css, perl, and photoshop work.

What would some of you mefites suggest as a way to generate income during this transitionairy period for me. Other than typical slave wage jobs like waiting or bartendering.

posted by sourbrew to work & money (16 comments total)

Go to local laundromats and any other place that has a public bulletin board. Put up signs offering computer lessons/home repair. It can really suck, but you can pull in some serious cash.
posted by zerokey at 1:09 PM on September 15, 2005

zerokey - yeah i've already put out some flyers, made a couple of hundred in about 3 weeks.... what about message boards for web design jobs? Is craigslist really the only place to go?
posted by sourbrew at 1:13 PM on September 15, 2005

advertising in some local small-business oriented free periodicals might not be too expensive, and small-businesses often need someone on call.
posted by o2b at 1:13 PM on September 15, 2005

i've been successful in finding web work on CL -- more successful in responding to calls for help than posting my own availability, but maybe that would be different for you.
posted by o2b at 1:14 PM on September 15, 2005

There is plenty of work out there for talented programmers--especially those that are good with handling programs, as well as with dealing with customers.

You might look at some freelance work. I know that my company employs dozens of freelancers for everything from linux and windows hosting support to php and sql programming.

Take a look at the jobs and employment options available on www.webhostingtalk.com. There are usually quite a few web hosting and interenet technology firms looking for good consultants. And you can also post your skills there and will probably get some good side gigs.
posted by richardhay at 1:15 PM on September 15, 2005

The short of it is a drug violation from three years ago prior to ever even working my last job.

Were you convicted of a felony? If so, that probably limits your chances for work at any large company. I'd look around for some small web design shops, and e-mail some resumes. Often times, smaller companies don't care about as much about drug violations, if they even bother to run a background check.

Just make sure that if they ask you, you're honest about it.
posted by SweetJesus at 1:31 PM on September 15, 2005

SweetJesus is right. You might also look into work at a college or university. That's another environment that wouldn't be as concerned about that. Again, be honest about it if it comes up.
posted by ursus_comiter at 1:37 PM on September 15, 2005

Indeed.
posted by rossmeissl at 1:46 PM on September 15, 2005

ursus_comiter - college/university is where i got canned from :).

and SweetJesus, yeah it was a felony
posted by sourbrew at 1:47 PM on September 15, 2005

That sucks sourbrew, but I'll tell you I know an awful lot of people in the industry who don't care about felonys in the past, so long as it was for something drug related, and not violent crime of theft.

If it's a simple possession charge, and you still got a felony (must have been some weight), I personally wouldn't care if I was running a company.

If it's intent to distribute, yeah, then you've got a real problem.
posted by SweetJesus at 2:20 PM on September 15, 2005

Eh. Intent to distribute can be automatically applied if you have over a certain amount on you. In some states it is a trivial amount. But even if you bought a pound of weed because it was cheaper than getting nickel-dimed by some addict for eighths all the time, that'd be enough to be considered distribution-size in most states, whether you were actually caught selling it or not.

Just for clarification.
posted by Civil_Disobedient at 2:57 PM on September 15, 2005

Paraphernalia sale is a felony by federal law. Build a bong, got to jail. What a great country, huh?
posted by darkness at 3:13 PM on September 15, 2005

Man that blows. But of course discriminating against people who have already paid their debt to society by denying them work or housing couldn't have any impact on recidivism rates, could it? I'm glad Miami's going to kick their ass this saturday.

I concur with others above: while working for yourself is rewarding if you have it in you, a felony per se won't kill you everywhere. Don't let it put you off looking and be up-front about it on applications. You might also look into petitioning for expungement or pardon if you haven't already. Googling "petition felony north carolina pardon" turns up some links.

As far as what to do, did you deal with students? When I was in the university system there were always people coming in looking for assistance that was marginally or greatly beyond what we could do for them. It's been almost 8 years for me so the What is likely different but you should know that. People, students in particular, like flat-rate stuff. Figure out some packages (get your house done up in wireless is one I see in craigslist here all the time) and prices and post where students will see em.

Paypal will allow you to take credit cards, a big plus in payment for the starving student. Make sure you advertise your ability to offer that.
posted by phearlez at 3:31 PM on September 15, 2005

Intent to distribute can be automatically applied if you have over a certain amount on you. In some states it is a trivial amount.

This is true, but often times they'll put the distribution charge on the table to force a plea, and drop it off the charge list afterwards. Unless they have proof of distribution, they're not likely to get a conviction (on that charge) if the case goes to trial.

That being said, North Carolina seems to have some draconian drug policies for anything over an oz. Anything more than 1 and 1/2 oz's of pot is a felony charge.
posted by SweetJesus at 3:48 PM on September 15, 2005

Was the dismissal for the felony or for the failure to disclose it?
posted by letitrain at 4:21 PM on September 15, 2005

Whatever you do, in any job you seek, be upfront and TELL THE TRUTH. It is much better than them seeing it on paper and assuming you were trying to pass one by them. Also, someone said to find work at a college or university. As you found out, they will be TOUGHER than most. Parents send their children away from home for the first time and they expect the schools to run background checks - and pay attention to them. Be persistent, act professional, dress professionally, tell your 'story' and sincerely express the regret for your mistake - one you learned from and will not repeat. Your past does not equal your future - don't let it. Good luck to you!
posted by Independent Scholarship at 5:02 PM on September 15, 2005