But the worst has yet to come, particularly for small businesses and consumers like you and me. The federal minimum wage, previously at $5.15 an hour, went up to $5.85 last summer, and this summer, starting on July 24, will go up to $6.55 an hour. And next summer minimum wage rises to $7.25 an hour.

Don't get me wrong. I'm all for people making a living, and Lord knows with the way the prices of everything has gone up, one can't make it on $5.85 an hour. But the effect won't be marginal, but widespread on the way we currently live.

As the minimum wage goes up, so does the cost of a $5 value meal at McDonalds. You think Adriens or Piggly Wiggly or Wal-Mart or Albertsons or Winn Dixie or whomever isn't going to pass that cost on to me and you.

Put any business in the blank space here ____, and the cost of goods or services from that business is going to go up starting July 24 this year, and next.

I don't have the stats right in front of me, but I know generally, since we got over the oil bust of the 80s, the economy red line has been going up, with one major exception, and that is wages.

People, particularly those on the lower portions of the rung, will make more money. But they also will be spending a whole lot more of what they earn. Particulary if they want to go fishing with a box of worms.

Fortunately for you, there are plenty of career opportunities for convicted felons. The easiest career path for you is to become a career criminal. Think of your felony conviction as a diploma. It's virtually impossible to get a high paying job with your record. So, why not go into the field that would accept you with open arms.

The possibilities are endless. There are always openings in the fields of armed robbery, cat burglary, drug dealing, and many more. Like thinking up elaborate plans? Then maybe, the more higher profile position of bank robber may best suit you. If you don't mind the sight of blood, becoming a hit man might be up your alley.

Option 2:

If the first option is too risky for you, then maybe you want to succeed the old fashioned way with hard work. You might find working for minimum wage a viable option, if you like working long hours with very few rewards. Sure, it would be nice to start off at the bottom and work your way to the top. But of course you can't do that. No, you have to stay at that same position for ten years. Why ten years? Well that's how long it takes for a felony to not show up in a criminal background check (over 90% of employers do them).

So in other words, if you get a job as a cashier at a fast food restaurant, then you have to be a cashier for the next ten years. If you work hard and try to get promoted, you will be fired for lying on your application by checking no when asked have you been convicted of a felony(trust me you have to lie just to get the job).

So if this is your choice, be careful not to work too hard. Just remember, strive to be a good employee, not an exceptional one. Good employee gets you ten more years of honest work. Exceptional employee gets you the pink slip.

Option 3:

Enjoy life to the fullest. Take a ten year vacation. Travel the world. Why not take advantage of not working. Of course, you might have to hitch hike, eat out of the garbage, and sleep on the streets to accomplish this. But bumbs do it everyday, so why not you.

If you are unemployed with a felony on your criminal record you are screwed... just like me!