Replying to @traceygetts “my first job after prison.” #lifeafterprison #startingover #coldwalking #rebuilding

I had dinner tonight in Los Angeles with a physician who was just released from prison. And over dinner, he was complaining that he couldn't find a job. I pride and learned that he's had some job opportunities, but felt those jobs were, how do I say it, beneath his skill set. One of those jobs, apparently, required cold walking, selling solar panels, door to door. Now, I've cold walked before, it's hard. In my opinion, it's better than sitting at home, complaining and thinking about the life that we once had. When I came home from prison, I worked as a receptionist for more than three months at Sotheby's International Realty. In Calabass, as I was grateful for the opportunity to work, all work indeed is honorable. And it was a part of the journey of rebuilding and starting over. Indeed, too many people who come home from prison, who once had a lot of privilege and opportunity and success, struggle to embrace the idea that they're starting over. And at times, struggle, as this doctor did, to accept a job that might be beneath their skill set. I told him, get to work, start cold walking, it's better than sitting at home, thinking about the life we once had.