According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, nearly 600,000 people are released from U.S. state and federal prisons every year. Sadly, around 76% are rearrested within five years.
Reentering society after doing time isn’t easy. You face legal barriers, job discrimination, housing problems, and even the weight of your own past. But with the right mindset, resources, and daily discipline, success after prison is absolutely possible. In fact, thousands of people have rebuilt their lives—and better.
1. Start With Yourself
The first and most important step is accepting that your future depends on you. Your mindset matters more than your background. Instead of dwelling on what went wrong, focus on what you can do right now. Every decision you make from this point forward will either move you closer to success or pull you further away. Owning that truth is powerful.
2. Make a Plan Before You’re Released
Getting out without a plan is like stepping into traffic blindfolded. You need to know where you’ll live, how you’ll eat, and what your next step will be. If you’re still inside, talk to your case manager or counselor about building a reentry plan. Even a basic outline—like where you’ll stay, how you’ll get ID, and which job boards to use—can make a huge difference once you’re on the outside.
3. Secure Stable Housing Quickly
A permanent address is one of the first things you need. It’s essential for job applications, bank accounts, and even just getting mail. Transitional housing, halfway houses, or reentry programs often offer temporary solutions, and if family or friends are supportive, lean on them until you find your feet. Check local housing assistance programs or nonprofits that support former inmates.
4. Gather Your Identification Documents
You’ll need:
- A birth certificate
- A state-issued ID
- Social Security card
Without these, you can’t apply for jobs, open a bank account, or sign a lease. Start the process immediately upon release.
5. Learn About Your Legal Rights
Many people returning from prison aren’t aware of their rights—or restrictions.
For example:
- Some states restore voting rights automatically; others don’t.
- Certain jobs are off-limits depending on your conviction.
- Expungement or record sealing might be possible.
Use free legal help resources like:
- Legal Aid
- Justia.com
- Local reentry legal clinics
6. Take Care of Your Mental Health
Life after prison can be overwhelming, lonely, and stressful. You’re not weak for needing help. Many former inmates suffer from depression, anxiety, or PTSD. Therapy, counseling, or support groups can make a massive difference. Look into local community health clinics or nonprofits that offer free or sliding-scale mental health services.
7. Choose Your People Wisely
The company you keep post-prison is crucial. Old friends who are still involved in crime or drugs can drag you back into the cycle. Surround yourself with people who support your growth and hold you accountable. Join support groups, attend recovery meetings, or find a mentor. You’re building a new life—fill it with new, positive influences.
8. Be Honest About Your Past—When It Matters
You don’t need to share your story with everyone, but when you’re applying for a job or housing and your record comes up, honesty is usually the best policy. Employers often respect people who are upfront, especially when they see you’ve taken steps to change. Keep it short, sincere, and focused on what you’re doing to move forward.
9. Look Into Second-Chance Job Programs
Believe it or not, there are many employers that hire people with criminal records. They understand that one mistake doesn’t define a person’s future. Look for companies and job boards that support second-chance hiring, such as those listed on Indeed’s Second Chance List. Reentry-focused nonprofits also connect people with these opportunities.
10. Invest in Learning a New Skill
Want to boost your job prospects? Invest in skills.
Free or low-cost programs include:
In-demand skills in 2025 include:
- Welding
- Truck driving
- HVAC
- Coding
- Construction management
- Digital marketing
11. Stay Busy and Structured
Structure might seem like something you wanted to escape from in prison, but in life after incarceration, structure is your best friend. Having a routine—waking up at the same time, planning your meals, job searching, working out—gives you focus and purpose. It’s not about control—it’s about freedom through consistency.
12. Create a Resume That Highlights Growth
Your resume doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to show you’re serious.
Use:
- Canva Resume Builder
- Local reentry support groups
- Job centers or Goodwill Career Centers
Include:
- Any training or certifications
- Volunteer work
- Jobs you held in prison (yes, they count!)
13. Rebuild Relationships Gently
Coming home doesn’t automatically mean everything goes back to normal. Family and friends may need time to rebuild trust. Be patient. Focus on showing—through actions, not words—that you’ve changed. Apologize where needed, but don’t push people to forgive you right away. Healing takes time, for everyone involved.
14. Stay Sober, If Substance Use Was Part of Your Past
If addiction was part of your past, you’ll need a rock-solid plan.
Tools that help:
- 12-step programs (AA, NA)
- SMART Recovery
- Sober living homes
- Accountability partners
15. Avoid Old Neighborhoods (If They’re Triggering)
Going back to your old neighborhood might seem comforting, but if that environment was part of the problem, it could be dangerous. If you’re serious about change, you might need to change your location too. If relocating is an option, consider it. If it’s not, at least limit your contact with people and places tied to your past life.
16. Celebrate the Small Wins
Got your first interview? Celebrate it.
Reconnected with your kids? Celebrate it.
Stayed sober for a month? Celebrate it.
Progress isn’t always loud. Sometimes it’s just you, quietly showing up every day.
17. Learn How to Handle Your Finances
If you didn’t learn financial literacy in prison, now’s the time. Budgeting, saving, and managing credit are essential life skills. Many banks offer beginner classes, and sites like MyMoney.gov break it all down. Don’t ignore money problems—learn to face and fix them.
18. Set Realistic Goals
Make your goals:
- Specific (Get a job at X company)
- Measurable (Apply to 3 jobs per week)
- Achievable (Start part-time if full-time isn’t available)
- Time-bound (Within 30 days)
19. Lean on Faith or Spirituality (If It Speaks to You)
Spirituality or faith can give you the inner strength to keep going when things feel impossible. Whether you follow a religion or not, practices like meditation, prayer, or journaling can help you stay grounded. Many people credit their faith as the biggest reason they stayed clean and focused after prison.
20. Volunteer to Reconnect with the Community
Give back and rebuild trust by volunteering. It:
- Helps others
- Builds your resume
- Boosts your confidence
Places to start:
- Food banks
- Community gardens
- Reentry programs
21. Stay Away From New Legal Trouble
Even a minor legal slip can send you back. It’s not fair, but it’s reality. Know the rules of your parole or probation inside and out, and stick to them. Avoid people and situations that can get you caught up. Staying out of trouble isn’t just about fear—it’s about freedom.
22. Get a Mentor or Reentry Coach
A mentor who’s been through the system can be a game-changer. They’ll understand your challenges, offer advice, and hold you accountable. Many reentry programs match you with coaches or mentors. Having someone in your corner who’s walked your path can make the journey feel a lot less lonely.
23. Focus on One Day at a Time
- Reentry is a marathon—not a sprint.
- Don’t rush the process. Some days will be harder than others. That’s normal.
- What matters is showing up—again and again.
24. Forgive Yourself
You’ve served your time. Now it’s time to start healing. Carrying shame won’t help you move forward—it will just keep you stuck in the past. Everyone makes mistakes. What matters now is what you do with the rest of your life. You deserve a future that isn’t defined by your worst moment.
25. Don’t Stop—Keep Going
Reentry isn’t easy. You’ll face setbacks. Some doors will close. But keep going. Keep learning. Keep growing. Every day you stay out, stay clean, and work toward something better, you’re proving that you’re more than your past. Keep at it—you’ve got this.
Final Thought
Rebuilding your life after prison isn’t just possible—it’s powerful. Every step you take toward stability, growth, and self-respect adds up to a future that’s worth fighting for. Yes, the road is tough. But you’ve already overcome harder things. Keep moving forward, one choice at a time. Your past may shape your story, but it doesn’t have to define your future. You deserve another chance—and you have what it takes to make the most of it.
FAQs
Can a felon really get a decent job after prison?
Yes. Many employers participate in second-chance hiring, especially in industries like construction, trucking, food service, and tech.
What are the best reentry programs near me?
Start with your state’s Department of Corrections website. You can also check CareerOneStop Reentry Help.
How can I get my record sealed or expunged?
This varies by state. Visit Justia.com to search by your state’s laws or contact a local Legal Aid clinic.
