I (M32) was convicted of a misdemeanor simple assault charge in FL. I was sentenced to 2 years of probation, a $500 fine, 50 hours of community service, and mandatory weekly AA meetings. With good behavior, I can get off my probation early at 18 months.

I'm currently 10 months into my probation. I've paid off my fine, completed all my community service hours, and passed every UA I've been given. Overall, I've been sober for 16 months. Overcoming my alcohol addiction was incredibly difficult, but so far so good.

I started going to school in pursuit of my bachelor's degree in IT. I work full time at a crappy job but I'm doing my best to better myself. Somedays though, things feel hopeless.

Based on what I've learned, since my crime is a violent one, it will exist on my record forever. I'm not here to whine or complain, I messed up and accept the consequences. However, I'd like to be able to actually thrive and not just survive.

Is it possible to establish a legitimate career with the conviction that I have? Are my only options things like trades or long-haul truck driving?

I chose IT because it's a pretty flexible career path. Having a variety of different places to potentially work at hopefully means someone would be willing to take a chance on me.

Any of you get a job in IT or a relayed field following a conviction? Any other alternatives I should think about? Words of wisdom, even?