What Are The Challenges Of Life After Prison

Life after prison is extremely difficult, ex- convicted people surface many challenges after getting released. They should be allowed to re-enter communities. The ex- convicted struggle to make a living after being released due to the fact that society isolates and creates barriers. These individuals tussle with employment, housing, and the ability to get a second chance at life.
Becoming employed is difficult in general, imagine after being incarcerated. With a record of incarceration there is little or no chance of being able to attain a job. There is no going back to where you left at. So for instance if you worked in a company transporting goods and making good money, that job will not be available upon return. It all depends on the crime
"I have worked hard to turn my life around. I have remained clean for nearly eight years, I am succeeding in college, and I continue to share my story in schools, treatment facilities and correctional institutions, yet I have nothing to show for it…” states Jay (Solomon). Jay wanted to better his life but because of the barriers created it was a difficult task. He was aware of how difficult it was for him but did not let that stop him. He put a lot of effort into trying to become employed and was getting an education. At age 21 he lost control over his car, killing his close friend after drinking. “He was convicted of involuntary manslaughter and sentenced to 38 months in state prison” ( Solomon ). I understand he killed his close friend but it wasn’t intentionally. That shouldn’t have been held against him because he was not in the right state of mind. He deserved to be incarcerated, but it should not have effected his ability of becoming employed. As per NIJ, Jay attended several interviews and sent out more then 200 resumes. He was denied over and over as time went by. If he had interviews he should have been given the opportunity to prove himself right. Why was he called in to be interviewed to then be let down? It makes no sense in why they made him think there was
tons of money. As per prisonlegalnews, it cost the U.S. economy an estimated $57 to $65 billion annually in lost economic output. Society does not realize that not hiring these individuals is effecting the U.S. If people were to be more aware of this doors would open up for these people with a past. According to prisonlegalnews, “Research has shown that having a history of incarceration reduces a worker’s chance of being hired by 15 to 30%”. People should be given the opportunity to prove themselves right. I understand if a pedophile is not allowed to work in a school or near a school. It is also understandable if a bank would not hire someone who was convicted of robbery because they would be handling money. Other than those situations, people should be given the ability to present their skills and how they would be a benefit. If they are never given the shot, how would people know if they are wrong for letting them