# Work, after the first job

Getting hired is one problem. Building something is a different one, and the conviction stops being the main fact about you sooner than you think.

## Two different problems — The first job is a bridge

Getting hired is one problem. Building something is a different one.

The first job after prison is usually not a good job. That's fine. What it gives you is recent employment, a reference, and a reason to talk to the next employer about something other than your case.

If you are still on the first problem, the disclosure mechanics are in [Work](/getting-out-of-federal-prison/getting-a-job-with-a-felony).

## Why it gets easier — Employers care about the last two years

After a year or two of steady work, you're in a much better spot than your record alone would suggest.

The gap matters less every month.

## Three mistakes — What people get wrong here

**They stay too long in the first job out of gratitude.** Loyalty to somebody who took a chance is decent, but eighteen months in you're allowed to want more money.

**They keep leading with the conviction.** Early on you disclose because it's coming out anyway. Later, once you've got real recent work history, the conviction is one thing about you instead of the main thing. You still answer honestly when asked. You don't have to open with it forever.

**They don't plan for it coming up again.** A new hire will Google you. A client will. A partner's lawyer will run a check before a deal. It's going to resurface every few years for the rest of your life. That's not a crisis, it's just a conversation you should have a short answer ready for.

## The answer — Three sentences

Keep it short. What happened, what you did about it, what you're doing now.

Then change the subject to the work.

### [Working for yourself](/life-after-federal-prison/starting-a-business-with-a-felony)

Nobody runs a background check on the owner. That part is real. Nobody warns you about the payment processor.

**Need help with this? Just ask.**

These pages cover the general rules. Your situation has details they don't. Email me a question. **Answers are free** , and "you don't need to pay anyone for this" is my most common answer.

[josh@federalprisondude.com](mailto:josh@federalprisondude.com?subject=Once%20you%27re%20out%20question)

I answer in the order received, usually within a couple of days. I have a day job. If your situation genuinely needs more than an email, I take a limited number of consults, so say so and we'll work it out.