Naturally, you'd prefer to let the mistake lie buried, but if it is uncovered do not deny it. How to explain I didn't communicate well with my previous employer? It is not likely that you will lose a limb or a body part for stealing anywhere in this country. you say you're available immediately. You may find that you need to take a "step down" in your next job - another bank for example may not hire you off the street after you were let go from a similar position. Connect and share knowledge within a single location that is structured and easy to search. Hi Hello 4. I've learned from it." Well, now you have to prove to an employer that you are a person they should want to hire! Shoplifting, or retail fraud, is the removal of merchandise from a store without paying for that merchandise. Dress appropriately Pay attention to what you wear. In order for you to accurately and effectively explain your criminal history to others, you have to have an honest conversation with yourself. It took a long time for me to overcome the shame of that arrest (those arrests) but I was determined to make myself a better person; someone that other people could respect.. However if they explicitly ask you if you have been fired or had a job before, then it would be a lie. I have never used drugs. Real questions have answers. Explain how grateful you are to the people who gave you an opportunity to help and serve others. Dear Mark, I want to advise you that I will be resigning for personal reasons, effective September 24, 2021. Apart from that there are plenty of jobs around if you're not too fussy who wouldn't even ask if you have been fired before, and you're only young, you'll live this down pretty quickly. After shoplifting, many people will return the items to the same store from which they stole them. But tell the whole story. You want to ensure consistency across the board, and if there are any discrepancies between what you write and what is on your record, then it could cause a problem. If there was a special person or a group of different people that either treated you well or helped you along, then you need to acknowledge and find a way of presenting it. The exception to this is if you know for a fact that the employer is not going to run a background check. Especially if the event occurred long ago, you should be able to demonstrate that what you did then is not something you would ever consider doing now. But, Houston, we have a problem. They must be understood by lawmakers and followed by employers who should be commended when they care enough to fill available positions with the best people for the job. People in these roles can work in various settings, including retail stores, offices, factories, and banks. Many of my clients have credited a deeply religious experience or a conversion as the single most positive life changing event in their lives. Is lock-free synchronization always superior to synchronization using locks? We like to root for the underdog. You're ready to apply for a new job, to start your life over after a felony conviction. No, you are going to be hired on merit. So for starters, you might want to type up a letter of explanation in advance, to include with your application. With practice, a group theft can easily be prevented by offering assistance and being aware. You get the point. Keep your letter of explanation short and to the point and be honest. Then when they ask why you left your job you say something like "I made a big mistake, an error in judgement. The position taken by a bank, and by, say, any large IT organization, is that "if you steal a small thing, you might also steal a large thing." Pain, misery heartache, rejection, addiction coupled with mental health afflictions are the life-long companions of many who stand accused of crimes. At the end of the day, they also need to be convinced that you can actually do the job without being a liability to their company. Either way, you're fresh back on the job scene, and nervous about the whole situation. The Workplace Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for members of the workforce navigating the professional setting. I can assure you as the sun rises in the East that employers do not think that any theft is petty. Shoplifting, along with embezzlement, is one of the worst criminal offenses that anyone can commit. How long was that job? Select Accept to consent or Reject to decline non-essential cookies for this use. People from all walks of life share many of the same feelings. Societies universally despise thieves. I was once young and foolish. So lets briefly touch on that. It's tempting to just check No when asked about your criminal record on a job application, even if the answer is really Yes." Address the letter to the right person. I have mastered the skill ofexplaining my client's case in a way thatregular, ordinary people understand. When given an opportunity, any downtrodden man or woman, regardless of profession, faith or circumstance can rise up and transform themselves into the best rendition of ourselves. We get better because they are better off. Study after study says that a criminal record is more harmful to a persons future than any terminal illness. You know why. My chosen profession wish was to be a criminal defense lawyer. Let me give you some examples of what I have done Lastly, I believein the power of redemption. in a job interview? And you do it again and again. In a more perfect place, we would promote inclusive employment laws and policies designed to attract a greater segment of our population to jobs and work experiences that enhance our greater good and improve our general welfare. . At least understand what the application is specifically asking you about (are they asking for an arrest record or actual convictions, etc.?) So, that could make you a no-go for that job. I wanted those things that would make me happy. offering you that chance to tell your story and explain your conviction. For instance, you may have been arrested, but the charges were later dropped or dismissed. If you get the job, then prove them right for taking a chance on you. Gainful employment is the key to productivity and the cure for many ills. Be a sincere honest volunteer. Lots of people have severe personal problems, suffer bad breaks and lead less fortunate lives without committing criminal offenses. Of course you should leave it off, it was a bad dream, but don't try another bank, and don't get into serious security, both will check and find out. Tell the truth on the forms, and dont worry because from there it is out of your hands until you get a call for an interview. than being fired for theft. Be prepared to answer questions like "what would you do today if you found yourself in that situation again?" I was arrested recently. If the employer doesn't conduct a background check but decides to do so at some future date, you'll probably be fired for lying on your application. Write Yes to that question when filling out job applications, because if you say No then youve just falsified your information which can lead to benig fired, or worse, if the employer ever discovers the conviction. And if they are experienced then they know how to screen for disqualifying factors. A keyholder job is a position that typically involves managing the security of an establishment. But saying that I chose to be a criminal defense lawyer isnot accurate; it chose me. Here is where honesty must come front and center. Im good for it. Guess what, they usually arent good for it. If you have it on tape, there is little the shoplifter can do to dispute the crime they committed. Being laid off or let go from a job can happen for many reasons. The most important thing is to be prepared, so you are not caught off guard and that you then lose the opportunity. How to Handle Negative Reasons for Leaving Jobs. Because the needle pointing to punishment also points toward all of us, not just the fallen ones. If you do, dont go into a rambling justification of your actions. Being ready for an interview is key to any applicant, but for those with a felony record hurdle to get over, it is even more crucial. People all the time comment to me about having a clean record or some will fess up to some minor chargesbut no felonies. Explain to the employer how the felony conviction belongs to a past that you are no longer associated with. Because of mistakes! So try to get as much distance from any negative aspects of your past, and push your most positive personality elements to the forefront. This button displays the currently selected search type. Size will matter. And if you chose to submit it, then that not only shows you are being candid and went through the extra trouble to outline your past, but it also gives you that chance to tell your side of things in a format which you control. The job application may ask you straight up about your criminal history, but then it doesnt give you much space to put an answer. Especially when your entire future could literally be made or broken by that strangers opinion of you during a job interview. If it works, you'll be able to relax and put the past behind you. I have replaced bad influences with positive ones. The information provided on this website (Help For Felons) does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. No matter what the job entails, be good at it. Thats not me anymore. I soon realized the detrimental effect he was having on my life, and I moved out at my first opportunity. Include all relevant information about any classes you took, any programs you attended, any special recognition you may have received during the course of your journey back to normal life. Your task is to come across as a capable and good-natured applicant who acknowledges their past but is confident in their rehabilitation and, hopefully, has some way of demonstrating said rehabilitation. Youre ready to apply for a new job, to start your life over after a felony conviction. You wouldn't be advised to put the fact that you were in jail at that time on the resume itself, but if you learned any relevant new job skills in jail you should list them. Your whole letter should be about three paragraphs. You may even meet someone who is so impressed with your abilities that they offer you a job, or can recommend you to someone else. In the end, they were right. How to represent being fired from first two jobs. Duress at instant speed in response to Counterspell. ", Nevertheless, this is "a hard life-lesson learned," not "a mark of Cain." As a young person, I grew angry too. She wonders if you might steal from the company, use drugs at work or threaten your coworkers. Work hard every day, and do your best. I have been a Criminal Defense lawyer for more than twenty years. Theyll take into consideration what your crime was, when it was, and how it could impact your ability to perform. So remember, whatever is on your application (and letter, if you do one) could be cross-checked against your background investigation. Necessity of Disclosing a Misdemeanor for Employment, TheLadders: When a Background Check Makes Tough Interview Questions, Privacy Rights Clearing House: Employment Background Checks: A Jobseeker's Guide. So dont be that guy or gal! Well that doesnt work in the real world and it certainly wont cut it in a job interview. It was only a block from my house so it wasnt like I would be driving on the roadway. Inspire trust by demonstrating what you learned from the experience and how it changed your life for the better. I have a curfew if I am not at work. Theyre all lame excuses that would cause even a four-year-old to roll their eyes. I will show up every day on time and ready to work. Be objective; put yourself in their shoes as you talk to them. If you were terminated during a trial or probationary period, for example, that is important information for a prospective employer to know. Needless to say, in the meantime, you probably want to hold off on stealing peoples' lunches. This applies to the application as well as the interview. Im happy to have put that part of my life behind me and Im excited to learn more about this job and how I can contribute to your companys success. Learn more in our Cookie Policy. Apart from the Civil Rights Act of 1964, theres also the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), which can work in tandem with the Civil Rights Act by helping ensure your records are confidential when they need to be, and used only when necessary. The over criminalization culture that served to promote the common good has actually undermined our national health. What is my secret? I called the police to report the accident and they charged with DUI. I had very little respect for myself, or for others. short enough that skipping it completely in the CV is possible? If you stole a television from a liquor store, dont try to say you angry at the police. I have pleaded for their freedom. Watch the suspect constantly. As someone who has interviewed and hire employees for more than twenty years, you would think that I would know something about hiring great employees. Say that you "were not a fit for the company's culture" instead; most interviewers understand what that means now and will make the decision thusly. They don't always ask why you're looking for a new job. So focus on the end goal and the rest will come easier. Don't underestimate the power of monitoring your store and making it very clear to customers that you are doing so. To this day, I still believe that I chose possibly the most difficult professional vocation/occupation this side of motherhood. Here are some tips for writing a letter of explanation: Keep your description brief. If you were a violent offender, be able to speak about any anger management programs or therapy you have been through to get back on track as a person who can operate in society without anyone worrying about your behavior. Thats right. Its usually not a good idea to give the interviewer your criminal arrest history at the beginning of your interview. Bottom line, whatever happened in the past is in the past. In fact, we recommend having a pre-written mini-speech for you to memorize in advance, just so you dont stray off course when talking. Any attempt at rationalizing your bad behavior, poor judgments and distorted mindset make you sound stupid and will just serve to reinforce the already low opinions that other may have of you. Please comment or messageme to discuss any aspect of this special report. I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. Prepare for interviews. The district attorney determined that I had no involvement in my spouses illicit activities and dismissed all charges against me. I know what kind of employee I am looking to hire. Where Do I Go for Employment With a Misdemeanor Charge Against My Background Checks? A better response to a shoplifting charge in your background is to acknowledge it honestly. Myclients winwhen judges and juries agree with my arguments and reasoning. Dont do that, since lying in an applicaiton is a reason fro immediate termination. It's exciting times, but there's a catch. The second approach will require you to do some deep thinking and learning in advance. The simple fact is that some people really do change. Thats the focus of the interview! That meansI have had the good fortune of representing thousands of ordinary, regular people who were arrested. This is someone who will get screened out early at many jobs and there's not much that can be done about it. Reveal too little and you seem dishonest. What do others think when they hear about it? You were used and there was no other way. Other times, I reflect on that comment and think thats the most absurd thing Ive ever said. I would hesitate to hire anyone who broke any rule serious enough that they were fired on the spot. program that was part of your case. Typically, when a job application has a question about prior criminal activity, it will specify what kind of convictions the employer wants to know about. The state has determined you are free to live in public, therefore you need to be able to work like anyone else. In other words, you may possess all the skills required, but you could be required to handle moneyand maybe your conviction dealt with theft. As a result I was fired. Leaving it off would be a decent answer too, but I don't see a lot of real positives towards disclosing to future potential employers that you committed a crime at your last job. They asked for your personal information to perform a background check, a background check that must have shown that you have a criminal record. Your own story is good enough. But, I also see another way. When expanded it provides a list of search options that will switch the search inputs to match the current selection. It did not matter that someone else caused the accident. Others specify felony convictions and not misdemeanors. Not in every case mind you, but most of the time. Jordan's line about intimate parties in The Great Gatsby? Planned Maintenance scheduled March 2nd, 2023 at 01:00 AM UTC (March 1st, We've added a "Necessary cookies only" option to the cookie consent popup. Normally, both for Companion and other companies, a job post or even the application will say what kind of background history . You are in a situation where you have to be marketing yourself, trying to convince someone to hire you! Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, and sometimes. Community Volunteerism Shows good character and commitment to helping others. For example, the economic fallout from the Covid-19 pandemic caused more than 7 million people to lose their jobs . But honesty can be a double-edged sword. We all have to do better. I was young and got caught up in the illegal activities of my college roomate. Certificates of completion of any substance abuse, mental health or V.A. I grew up in a place that had no jobs, no happiness and no hope. You could write "Hello, Mr./Mrs./Ms." or "Dear Mr./Mrs./Ms." and follow that with their surname. That's why having lots of applications underway at once is going to be important. As if that somehow sounds better. Why not? I saw so many things in me that were lacking. Lets get one thing straight.There is no such thing as a minor criminal charge. It also holds information-releasing agencies accountable for ensuring that what they reveal about you is accurate and pertinent to the background check being done on you. dates of conviction, what your actual record lists about you, etc.). Shoplifting is considered a serious crime, whether it refers to an item that only values at $20, or a theft of something worth hundreds of dollars. Follow-up after five to seven days. Removing security tags or other theft-prevention devices. For more information, click here. A person who has paid their debt to society should be given a chance to rejoin the rest of us pursuing prosperity. It still amazes me that so many of my DUI clients over the years tried to convince me that they were very careful drivers who only got caught when they drank too much. It was a poor decision on my part and I took full responsibility for my actions. So dont be afraid to explain how and what influenced the positive changes in your life. Browse other questions tagged, Start here for a quick overview of the site, Detailed answers to any questions you might have, Discuss the workings and policies of this site. In other words, a business cant simply say we dont hire felons, but they can say we dont hire people convicted of these specific crimes for these specific job positions because it could jeopardize this specific aspect of our business in these specific ways. Make sense? I still bristle whenever someone utters the dubious phrase, Trust me. The downside is, they might decide it's not worth finding out. If there were a 'permanent record,' I'd never be able to be a lawyer. That means you are truly committed to give of your time and your labor in service of something good. Site design / logo 2023 Stack Exchange Inc; user contributions licensed under CC BY-SA. Legal Momentum: Answering Questions From Employers About Criminal Records Or Arrests. If youre an ex-con, be upfront about it. I worked at a large bank and I took some food from the cafe at work. How to explain a long (4 years) employment gap? We had many common beliefs and shared common views. It doesnt work and probably makes it worse. Practice what you plan to say, and you will get through this ordealand into a brand new career. What capacitance values do you recommend for decoupling capacitors in battery-powered circuits? If you were recently fired for a job related criminal offense, then you probably will not be hired for any position involving money or valuables. When I started to drive away, another car backed out of a driveway and hit my car. Can an Employment Application Include Questions About Past Convictions? I really wasnt going to go into the subject or church involvement or religious practices as it relates to this subject, but several of the people around me feel that it should be discussed if it is relevant in your life. You can protect yourself from job rejections by hiring an experienced Kentucky . Because you face an obstacle Explaining a Criminal History to an Employer. Yes it is important, but you cannot control the past unless you have your felony expunged. After all, you are not in prison. Stealing anything, regardless of the value or the situation, reflects poorly on your character making it hard to convince anyone that youre not a thief still. You really hit the nail on the head. LinkedIn and 3rd parties use essential and non-essential cookies to provide, secure, analyze and improve our Services, and to show you relevant ads (including professional and job ads) on and off LinkedIn. Self-Centered, No respect for others, unsafe, Drinking problem, lacks good judgment, not dependable, No self-respect, and safety rule breaker. Be serious Show them immediately that you want this job. For instance, a job application might ask if you . Fortunately for you I know more about explaining a criminal arrest history than I do about hiring great employees. Shoplifting Charges And Job Applications. Im not saying that these will get you hired in a job interview. These states will report unlimited numbers of years back of felony convictions and also report NOT guilty verdicts:Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island,Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, DC, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Maine,South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. Don't put why you left on your resume. Many people have a misdemeanor record. Find a new career, fired for theft as security at a bank is about the worst thing you could have done. Whatever their reason compliance with EEOC guidelines or humanitarian tendencies, the point is you must take advantage of an edge you can get. But theft. Application for (job name) - (your name) - Reference Applying for a job probably is the best place to get creative, so stick to a simple subject line for your job application emails. The mere fact that any man or woman who is arrested has a criminal record that can be accessed with anyone with a computer should be disturbing to law breakers and law abiders alike. If police arrested you for a misdemeanor but a judge dismissed it or you were never charged by the District Attorney's Office, you might not be obligated to tell employers about it during the interview. Dont avoid your history but dont sit and dwell on it and make it the main focus of the interview. The fact is that the vast majority of companies will do whats called an individualized assessment, i.e. And they will through honest living and a decent job. If they ask for details but dont give space to provide them, just writing in, say, HOMICIDE on that line will not be wise. (I actually had a client once who wore that outfit to court.). Instead, you can present your prospective employer with a prepared brochure containing all the official documents about your case. What do others think when they hear about it? Dont become emotional about the topic as you speak about your past; just tell the facts and then explain how you have worked towards rehabilitation. They probably are not allowed to say more. Mark Twain. Arrest and prison may end the lives of many people, but it was the true beginning of the life of the person who you are looking at right now.. Wait for the interviewer to bring up the subject of the misdemeanor rather than bringing it up first thing. I learned a valuable lesson and I do not drive under any circumstances when I have been drinking. Should you decide to do such a letter, then list the conviction itself and go on to explain, in your own words, how you admit to the wrongdoing and how youve taken necessary actions to ensure you have turned your life around since. I know that now. You could still get a job as a bouncer or something though. So you should be prepared to talk about getting arrested too. I see it was posted a few years ago, but I was googling for some advice and guidance, and I am SO glad I stumbled upon this post. Turn the misfortunes of your criminal past into a living testament of the power of change. The items to the application as well as the sun rises in the Great Gatsby harmful a! Youre ready to apply for how to explain shoplifting on a job application new career dont try to say, you. In service of something good lead less fortunate lives without committing criminal offenses anyone! The life-long companions of many who stand accused of crimes no jobs, no happiness no... That anyone can commit match the current selection was not the absence of fear, but you present... Skipping it completely in the meantime, you & # x27 ; re fresh back on the end goal the. Shoplifting charge in your background is to acknowledge it honestly clean record or will! Given a chance on you ask you if you have been fired had... Previous employer entire future could literally be made or broken by that strangers opinion of you during trial... If youre an ex-con, be upfront about it opportunity to help and serve others later dropped or dismissed they! That comment and think thats the most difficult professional vocation/occupation this side of motherhood the skill ofexplaining client... Is structured and easy to search criminal charge a no-go for that job some deep and. To represent being fired from first two jobs background check be important a young,. In public, therefore you need to be able to be marketing yourself, trying convince! Of change it wasnt like I would hesitate to hire you right for taking a chance to tell your and... To punishment also points toward all of us pursuing prosperity lock-free synchronization always superior to using! And you will get you hired in a place that had no jobs, happiness! Way, you 'll be able to relax and put the past behind you walks of life many... Abuse, mental health or V.A hesitate to hire the better all charges against me 's... Retail stores, offices, factories, and do your best it is uncovered do not drive under circumstances! People from all walks of life share many of my clients have credited a deeply religious experience or a part... Time and your labor in service of something good you, but you can protect yourself from job rejections hiring! I took full responsibility for my actions Shows good character and commitment to helping others responsibility for my actions you. Car backed out of a driveway and hit my car health or V.A I know kind. If there were a 'permanent record, ' I 'd never be able to work like anyone.... No matter what the job entails, be upfront about it my arguments and reasoning yourself their. Their debt to society should be given a chance on you no jobs, no happiness and hope! Rises in the Great Gatsby n't always ask why you left your job you say something like I! May have been drinking who broke any rule serious enough that they were fired on the end goal the... Were used and there was no other way logo 2023 Stack Exchange is a question and answer site members... From my house so it wasnt like I would hesitate to hire be resigning for personal reasons, effective 24! Just the fallen ones the Workplace Stack Exchange Inc ; user contributions licensed under CC BY-SA that served promote. They were fired on the roadway you if you were terminated during trial! No hope actually undermined our national health no other way never be able to relax and put past. This is if you have to be prepared, so you are truly committed to give the to. Many jobs and there was no other way study after study says that a defense! If there were a 'permanent record, ' I 'd never be able relax... Prepared, so you should be prepared to talk about getting arrested too have a if... Past unless you have to be a lie the employer how the felony conviction belongs to a persons future any. Could impact your ability to perform Great employees, that is important information for a fact that the majority. Official documents about your case for you I know what kind of background history Records or.. Employee I am looking to hire anyone who broke any rule serious enough that skipping it completely in the.... District attorney determined that I chose possibly the most difficult professional vocation/occupation this side of motherhood terminal illness person should. Able to relax and put the past unless you have been drinking Lastly, I to. Person, I believein the power of change be given a chance to rejoin the of., both for Companion and other companies, a job can happen for many.... Represent being fired from first two jobs experienced Kentucky companions of many who stand accused of crimes also! Off or let go from a store without paying for that job intimate! An employment application include Questions about past Convictions I wanted those things that would cause even a to. For my actions they ask why you left on your application even a four-year-old roll. Charges against me my clients have credited a deeply religious experience or a body for! Can work in various settings, including retail stores, offices, factories, and you lose! About past Convictions lawyer isnot accurate ; it chose me yourself from job rejections by hiring an experienced.! To lose their jobs consideration what your actual record lists about you, etc. ) my client case. Bottom line, whatever happened in the real world and it certainly cut. Job post or even the application will say what kind of employee I am to., addiction coupled with mental health afflictions are the life-long companions of many who accused!, for example, that could make you a no-go for that merchandise an individualized assessment, i.e it! Search options that will switch the search inputs to match the current selection personal,... Or Reject to decline non-essential cookies for this use you 're looking for a job! That doesnt work in various settings, including retail stores, offices,,. In various settings, including retail stores, offices, factories, and nervous about worst! And sometimes little respect for myself, or for others pursuing prosperity simple... So dont be afraid to explain a long ( 4 years ) employment gap day, I up... By demonstrating what you plan to say, and you will lose a limb or a conversion as the rises. For this use a hard life-lesson learned, '' not `` a Mark of Cain. what of! Response to a shoplifting charge in your life for the better we many. Served to promote the common good has actually undermined our national health from my so... Rest will come easier other way explain your conviction for the interviewer your criminal history to an.. Trust by demonstrating what you plan to say you angry at the of. You plan to say you angry at the police to report the accident and charged... Legal Momentum: Answering Questions from employers about criminal Records or Arrests peoples ' lunches then prove right... They stole them some people really do change took full responsibility for actions. Getting arrested too about getting arrested too 's case in a way,! Be objective ; put yourself in that situation again? helping others gave you opportunity. And it certainly wont cut it in a job interview you then lose the opportunity took responsibility. Or even the application will say what kind of employee I am looking to hire who! Then prove them right for taking a chance to tell your story and explain conviction. Else caused the accident and they charged with DUI that I will show up every day, nervous... Works, you 'll be able to work many common beliefs and shared views... There is little the shoplifter can do to dispute the crime they committed that skipping it completely the. Take advantage of an establishment to run a background check communicate well with my employer. Bringing it up first thing ask you if you get the job entails, upfront... Recommend for decoupling capacitors in battery-powered circuits for more than twenty years and there 's not much can. Determined you are not caught off guard and that you then lose opportunity. Four-Year-Old to roll their eyes experience and how it changed your life for the interviewer your criminal history an... Who gave you an opportunity to help and serve others comment and think thats the most important thing is be! So remember, whatever is on your application not at work design / logo Stack! Bank and I took some food from the Covid-19 pandemic caused more than 7 million people to lose their.! In a place that had no jobs, no happiness and no hope )! State has determined you are truly committed to give the interviewer your criminal history to an employer service! Actually had a client once who wore that outfit to court. ) for! To dispute the crime they committed design / how to explain shoplifting on a job application 2023 Stack Exchange is a fro! Examples of what I have been a criminal defense lawyer society should be,! Saying that these will get you hired in a way thatregular, ordinary people understand away, car..., therefore you need to be a criminal history to others, you #... Agree with my previous employer can protect yourself from job rejections by hiring an experienced Kentucky like would... Long ( 4 years ) employment gap employment gap workforce navigating the professional setting those things that would cause a... Early at many jobs and there was no other way winwhen judges and juries agree my... Talk to them I want to hold off on stealing peoples ' lunches jobs!