Can You Still Find Employment After a Dishonorable Discharge?

If one wraps his man-meat with a condom or a bunch of paper towels, I doubt that anyone would ever notice that darned dishonorable discharge. So, I do believe that it is nobody’s business if he has a dishonorable discharge or if he doesn’t, including the hiring department.

Can an Individual with a Dishonorable Discharge Still Find a Job?

Yes, an individual with a Dishonorable Discharge (DD) can still find a job, but it can be challenging. The DD itself is a mark of disgrace and is not an asset on a resume. Additionally, a DD usually indicates that the person was convicted by a General Court-Martial of a serious federal felony and likely served time in military prison. In my experience, people with such sentences often receive both a DD and confinement. A sentence of Dishonorable Discharge is reserved for the most severe crimes. Having a felony conviction can prohibit work in many occupations, especially those involving positions of trust, such as banking, law enforcement, real estate, and corporate officer positions. You cannot work for the government, government contractors, or in many regulated industries. Many private employers may also opt not to hire ex-cons.

Employment Opportunities for Those with a DD

While obtaining a job with a DD can be difficult, there are still opportunities available. Some employers may be willing to offer positions, although they might not be in the field you originally intended. An alternative is to become self-employed. Starting at the bottom is often the most realistic approach.

Starting Low-Centered

Many individuals start at the bottom, engaging in general labor or low-skilled construction work. For instance, a former friend of mine from school received a DD. He had a rough start in life, with parents who barely completed high school and a challenging upbringing. He was involved in a hit-and-run gas station armed robbery while in the service and spent time in Army custody. Upon his release, he started working in general labor, eventually moving to a tow-truck driver position. This role could pay well, and he was able to start a family. Although he had a flatbed tow truck with a ramp, he aspired to become an elite tow truck driver.

He was careful with his actions, avoiding drugs (other than marijuana) and taking care of his family. However, one day, he faced a tragedy. While he was legally driving his tow truck on a green light without any drugs and being sober, he was killed by another driver who ignored the light. This unfortunate incident is a stark reminder of the risks involved in driving, especially with a criminal record.

Conclusion

Despite the challenges, it is possible to secure employment after a Dishonorable Discharge. While it may require starting at a lower position, there are still opportunities available. It's important to remember that a DD does not define a person, and with hard work, determination, and some luck, one can find a place in the workforce and build a better future.