I had a misdemeanor in college that messed me up pretty bad for a while. I lost my college job because they couldn't hire someone with a record, and I was in danger of losing my college aid as well. It was rough for a few years after that and I couldn't really get a decent job. The record along with my useless degree and terrible GPA after college, not to mention graduating in a recession, the only job I could get was a busser in a restaurant and I still had loans to pay off. I had to live on a mattress in a living room of a 2 bed apartment with 7 other people to afford rent.

I could definitely say it picked up for me after that though. I was able to get the record expunged and managed to teach myself a useful skill through free online courses.

It's been about 10 years now since I committed my crime and life is great. My career is amazing and my wife and I make about 400k now and just hit 7 figure worth. My tough years taught me how to live frugally and not to take things for granted. I would even say that I wouldn't be where I am today if I didn't commit that crime, since I made choices I wouldn't have if I was more comfortable.

Let me know if you have more questions, definitely happy to help.