I (46M) spent over 6 years in isolation in Texas prison. While some around me didn’t make it, I feel like I found myself in that cell. AMA.
Would you say you are wealthy?
No, I wouldn’t say that. My net worth is not there. But my wife and I average $27k a month income, so not hurting either.
I never should have shared that income number. I realize that now.
If you’ll let me explain just one thing: I work in the oil business in Texas where incomes like mine are fairly common. Yes, even for ex-cons. There are guys in the oilfield right now 25 years old making 6 figures. I made 6 figures by around my third year in the business. Now, I own my own consulting firm and have people who work for me. That’s the trick.
If you want to make decent money after prison your best choices are oilfield and truck driving. And by oilfield I’m including pipeline. If you’re not getting paid what you want, I recommend looking at CDL school or oil field/pipeline. Work your ass off, save your money, get your tattoos lasered off, go to school and get some valuable certifications. That’s what I did. I’ve started and lost so many businesses since I got out. I’ve had to tear down an entire 3,000 sg ft metal coating shop I designed and built myself during an oil crash. That was harder than ad seg. You know good and well nothing comes easy after prison. I still get denied for housing—until I show them my bank statements.
Like I said. You can get 6 figures in the oil business. I have nearly 20 years experience and have worked for every major oil company and a slew of smaller ones. Now I have people who work for me. You can always change your life through hard work and honesty. There are a TON of college educated white collar workers who do jack shit all day. They’re all checked-out since the pandemic. It’s easy to work circles around them. If you have the drive and the ethics, you can make whatever you want happen.
Also, as I’ve said elsewhere, that’s household monthly income between myself (about $17k) and my wife (about $10k).
And finally, it was an offhand comment, so I didn’t explain. We earn well now, and have for about 3 years. But that’s after a slow climb up from about $4,000 a month when I first got out almost 2 decades ago. I’ve had an entire career since then. I am at the top of my pay scale in my field now. If I had been a welder or electrician for the last 20 years, I’d probably be making even more. Along the way, I’ve invested in my own businesses. Some have failed. A couple hang on still. It’s been a rough ride.
If you’re going to take anything away from this ANA I hope that it’s this:
If somebody else can do it, you can do it.
I never thought I’d survive isolation, but I did. I never thought I’d get a chance to work inside and not in the heat, but working hard in the heat earned me a spot in the shade. Just don’t give up and stay away from toxic people and thoughts. Just work, exercise, and save. Invest in yourself.
Thank you for all your comments and questions. This has all been very thought provoking for me as well. And thank you for your humanity and forgiveness. I spent 10 years in prison for stealing $700. Now I earn more than that legally everyday. It’s a hard pill to swallow, but I did it to myself. I have more appreciation for life and peace than you would believe now.
I wish you all the best.
Sending you lots of respect + positivity. You're a gift!