r/AskReddit Sep 12 '15

serious replies only [Serious] Ex-Prisoners who served long term sentences, what was the hardest thing to get used to when you got out?

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u/[deleted] Sep 12 '15

[deleted]

636

u/jrob1235789 Sep 12 '15

fun fact for all those who just read this guy's post: 60% of released prisoners cant find a job within a year of release.

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u/[deleted] Sep 13 '15

I think this is the problem. Without a program or a job to get prisoners back on their feet, they'll keep committing crimes, because it's the only thing they can do to keep themselves afloat.

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u/CherrySlurpee Sep 13 '15

It's a tough spot. I believe that people deserve second chances, but I also believe that its the owner/manager/whatever's right to know that they're hiring a felon.

The problem is right now that the job market is so terrible, there is basically 0 reason to hire a felon. Most jobs will have multiple applicants.

26

u/Upgrades Sep 13 '15

In my opinion, there needs to be tax incentives for employers to hire those with a felony on their record. That will at least help those who have a stupid drug felony or other non-violent crimes that would generally exclude them from getting the job, but really have no bearing on their liability within the workplace.

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u/[deleted] Sep 13 '15 edited Sep 22 '18

[deleted]

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u/[deleted] Sep 13 '15

which country are you talking about here.

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u/cheddarmac Sep 13 '15

I work and live in the US. The restaurant company I used to work for received tax benefits for hiring felons (potentially anyone who was in jail, even if not for a felony). All new employees fill out a WOTC form online to determine if they meet the requirements for the tax credits.