Convicted felon here. This is my success story for Motivated May. Stand by for Don't Judge Me June.

I was convicted of a felony 7 years ago. The judge granted me 5 years supervised probation with 19 years back-up time. So if I screw up and violate, that's right ladies and gents, see you in 19 years. I have struggled finding work for the last seven years. Only finding odds and ends, under the table, or low paying no room for advancement jobs. Well with a shitty economy and a felony on my record you can imagine trying to land decent work. Here's the best part.

I went to a group interview last week. Scared out of my mind and nerveous, I let everyone bury themselves. The guy across the table raises his hand, “I believe something happened to the economy.” Go on you're doing a great job at this condescendingwonka.jpg “And that in time it will all be turned around. That is all.” Thank you Captain Obvious. The guy next to me just was released from 2 years of workman's comp and cleared by his doctor to return to work. Bye Bye buddy. So one by one they drop like flies.

Eventually we tour the facility and return to the conference room where Bossman announces one-on-one interviews. When it comes time I march back to his office and do my best.

I start like this, “First and foremost, sir, I would like to thank you for this opurtunity. I would also like to mention that on the first page of the application that if it were three days from now (Have you been convicted of a felony in the last 7 years?) I could answer that question NO.” He responds to the tune of how much he admires my honesty and integrity. Then looks me dead in the eye: you have five minutes to sell yourself, go!

I don't remember what exactly I said but I poured my heart out to this man and told him how much drive I have. I told him I have a fire in my belly and it burns for success. At about two minutes, the boss puts his hand up and tears my application up. I teared up and got misty eyed. This is the eleventy ninth time and I know what's coming. My fear of rejection tells me i have failed yet again and here comes the 'wish i could help you.' He proceeds to put my application in the shredder. Then says to me: “Today's your lucky day. Go sit in the conference room and send everyone else home.”

What?! I did it! Success. I do as I'm told and he greats me with the other supervisors in the meeting room. Bossman hands me a new application and tells me to come back in four days with that box checked NO. He tells me not to make him wait. I thanked him, damn I even wanted to hug him.

I returned to the company and was hired. My salary will smash the last five years salary combined. I was given a second chance. Get motivated, because if a convicted felon can make it in this crap-ANYONE CAN.

tl;dr: I was given a second chance in life at an awesome job that pays great by a believer.

EDIT: schpeeling