In recent years, the landscape of work has undergone a significant transformation. More and more individuals embracing the flexibility and convenience of online jobs. This shift has opened doors for people from all walks of life, including those with previous criminal convictions.
If you’re a felon looking to rebuild your life and find gainful employment, the online job market offers a multitude of opportunities. In this article, we’ll explore various online jobs tailored for individuals with criminal records. We will help you navigate your path to success and redemption.
Best Online Jobs for Felons
#1 – Freelancing on Upwork or Fiverr
When it comes to freelancing platforms, Upwork and Fiverr are powerhouses in the industry. There are over 5.5 million active buyers on Fiverr alone. These platforms provide a vast marketplace where felons can offer their skills and expertise.
Whether you excel in writing, graphic design, programming, or digital marketing, freelancing on Upwork or Fiverr allows you to showcase your talents. You can secure projects that align with your strengths so you can grab a passport and go anywhere.
#2 – People Per Hour
Another excellent platform for felons to explore is People Per Hour. This platform offers a wide range of job categories, allowing you to find freelance opportunities that match your skill set. By building a compelling profile and delivering high-quality work, you can attract clients. This allows you to establish a positive reputation within the People Per Hour community.
#3 – Amazon Mechanical Turk
If you prefer microtasks and have an eye for detail, Amazon Mechanical Turk may be the ideal platform for you. Here, you can complete small tasks remotely, such as data validation or content moderation, earning income on a task-by-task basis. While the pay may be lower for each individual task, the cumulative earnings can add up over time.
#4 – User-Generated Content Reviewer
Authenticity is highly valued in today’s digital age. Over 90% of consumers emphasize its importance when deciding which brands to support. As a user-generated content reviewer, you can play a vital role. You will ensure brands maintain genuine interactions with their audience.
Platforms like social media management tools, content curation companies, and market research firms often hire reviewers. You will assess and provide feedback on user-generated content. This unique job allows you to contribute your insights while working remotely. Your felony doesn’t go away when you’re 18, but that doesn’t have to stop you from earning a decent living.
#5 – Remote Virtual Assistant
Numerous reputable companies, including American Airlines, Facebook, Koch Industries, PepsiCo, Apple, and IBM, offer remote virtual assistant positions. As a virtual assistant, you can provide administrative support, manage schedules, and handle correspondence from the comfort of your home. These positions offer flexibility and the chance to work for well-established organizations that value your skills and experience. This is a great way to find a job as a felon.
#6 – Translator or Medical Transcriber
Becoming a translator or medical transcriber can be a rewarding online career if you possess language proficiency or medical knowledge. Many translation agencies and medical transcription companies hire freelancers. You work remotely and companies don’t care if you have a felony or misdemeanor. You can contribute to essential projects while building your online career by leveraging your language skills or medical expertise.
#7 – Call Center Representative
The demand for remote call center representatives has surged in recent years. Companies across various industries now hire individuals to handle customer inquiries and provide support from home. This growing field offers felons a chance to showcase their customer service skills and earn a stable income.
#8 – Website Tester
As companies strive to improve their online presence, the need for website testers has risen. Website testing involves evaluating user experiences, identifying bugs or glitches, and providing valuable feedback. By becoming a website tester, you can contribute to the development of user-friendly online platforms while working remotely. That will help you earn a decent living and start looking for a felon-friendly apartment.
#9 – Data Entry
Data entry positions are widely available online and offer a good starting point for felons seeking remote work. Companies often outsource data entry tasks, such as transcribing information or inputting data into spreadsheets, to remote workers. This field can provide a steady income stream while allowing you to work from the comfort of your own home.
#10 – Online Surveys
Participating in online surveys can be an additional way for felons to earn income. Numerous survey sites are looking for individuals to provide feedback on products, services, or general opinions. While the pay per survey may vary, you can still grow an income. This can be a convenient option to supplement your earnings in your spare time.
Why Work from Home Online?
Working from home offers numerous advantages that have attracted millions of individuals to this lifestyle. It provides unparalleled flexibility and convenience, enabling you to work on your own terms. For felons, working from home holds even more benefits, including:
- Avoiding Background Checks – Unlike traditional employment, many online jobs do not require a background check, providing felons with equal opportunities to showcase their skills and qualifications.
- Wide Range of Job Options – The online job market is vast and diverse, offering felons the chance to explore different industries and find work that aligns with their interests and abilities.
What You Need to Get Started:
To embark on your journey towards online employment, there are a few essential requirements:
- Quality Internet Connection: A reliable and fast internet connection is crucial for seamless communication, project delivery, and access to online platforms.
- Laptop or Tablet with a Keyboard: A dedicated device for work purposes is essential. Ensure it meets the technical specifications required for your chosen online job.
- Quiet Space in Your Home: Designate a dedicated workspace where you can work without distractions and create an environment conducive to productivity.
Benefits of Working from Home
- No Background Check: Unlike traditional employment, many online jobs do not require a background check, providing felons with equal opportunities to showcase their skills and qualifications.
- Variety of Work: The online job market offers a wide range of opportunities, allowing felons to explore different industries and find work that aligns with their interests and abilities.
- No Earning Limit: Online jobs often provide the potential for unlimited earnings. As a freelancer or remote worker, your income can be directly influenced by your dedication, skills, and ability to secure projects or clients.
- Convenient with a Flexible Schedule: Working from home offers the convenience of setting your own schedule. You can choose the hours that suit you best, allowing for a better work-life balance and the flexibility to fulfill other commitments.
- More Time for Family: By eliminating the need for commuting and offering flexible hours, working from home allows felons to spend more quality time with their families and loved ones.
- Great Way to Build Your Resume: Online work provides an excellent opportunity to build a strong and diverse resume. You can gain valuable experience, acquire new skills, and showcase your achievements, positioning yourself for future career advancement.
- Good When Taking Classes: If you’re pursuing further education or taking classes, working from home can be highly beneficial. The flexibility of online jobs allows you to balance your work commitments with your educational goals, making it easier to further your knowledge and improve your qualifications.
- Allows You to Travel: With online jobs, you have the freedom to work from anywhere with an internet connection. Whether you choose to travel domestically or internationally, you can continue earning income while exploring new places.
- Be Your Own Boss: Many online jobs offer the opportunity to work as a freelancer or start your own business. This allows you to be your own boss, set your own rates, and have control over the type of work you undertake.
Frequently Asked Questions about Online Jobs for Felons
Can a felon get a job at Amazon?
Yes, Amazon considers hiring individuals with criminal backgrounds, taking into account the nature of the felony and time passed since the conviction. They believe in second chances and provide employment opportunities.
Does Netflix hire felons?
Netflix evaluates candidates on a case-by-case basis, considering the nature of the felony, its relevance to the job, and the individual’s qualifications. They don’t have a specific policy regarding hiring felons.
Can a felon do cybersecurity?
Yes, felons can pursue careers in cybersecurity. While some positions may have strict background checks, there are opportunities in the field based on skills and qualifications rather than past convictions. Certifications and experience enhance chances.
What work can I do online?
Online work options include freelancing (writing, design, programming), customer service, virtual tutoring, content creation, e-commerce, transcription, data entry, virtual assistance, online surveys, and language translation.
How can I get a quick job online?
Consider micro-tasking on platforms like Amazon Mechanical Turk or Clickworker, offering freelance services, participating in online surveys, applying for virtual assistant roles, or exploring content writing opportunities for quick online jobs. Conduct research and ensure legitimacy before applying.
Conclusion
Working from home has become a significant trend in the modern job market, offering felons a chance to rebuild their lives and find fulfilling employment. The number of people primarily working from home has tripled between 2019 and 2021. By embracing online jobs, felons can overcome the barriers often associated with traditional employment.
With a variety of opportunities available, from freelancing on platforms like Upwork and Fiverr to exploring call center positions or becoming a virtual assistant, felons can forge a new path toward success and redemption. Take the first step today, leverage the power of the internet, and unlock the opportunities that await you.
If you would like to learn more about changing your life after a felony conviction, check out the guide Getting Out: success after incarceration, available on Amazon.
