Self-Surrender Checklist: Jobs and Quarters

After serving more than 23 years in federal prisons of every security level, I’ve come to the conclusion that two of the most important factors to an easy adjustment concern jobs and quarters. In my books I’ve written about the steps I take to make the most of both, regardless of what jobs prison administrators assign, or where they assign me to sleep. In my most recent book, Prison! My 8,344th Day, I describe for readers how such strategies are a part of my life now, as move through the final months of a lengthy federal prison term.

Those who are new to the system may not know that prison administrators assign jobs or “work details” to all federal prisoners who are able to work. The jobs serve a purpose of providing administrators with accountability of all prisoners and supposedly reduce idleness. In reality, many of the jobs are makeshift. They can frustrate an individual who hasn’t mastered the art of self-direction.

Jobs in federal prison do not pay much. Monthly incomes may vary from as low as $5.00 per month to as high as perhaps $300 per month for those who have seniority in a few coveted prison industry positions. I would say an average prison job would yield an income of between $18 and $25. The pay isn’t enough to cover the basic costs associated with confinement.

As I’ve written about in the books I write, I’ve come to the conclusion that a prisoner would serve himself best by focusing on creating opportunities that will help him emerge from prison successfully. Prison jobs may or may not generate an income that lessens the pain of confinement. Yet I’m convinced that it’s more important to prepare for the challenges that await release than it is to ease time inside.

With that in mind, I always recommend that prisoners find job that will offer freedom of time. That time can prove valuable for prisoners who know how to discipline themselves. As I’ve written in my books, a man who disciplines can create meaning in his life and open opportunities that will enable him to leave prison stronger than when he comes in. It is important, however, to position oneself to find the right prison job. For me, the right prison job has always been one that allows me to work on independent development projects.

Besides the prison job, prison quarters are also crucial to a productive adjustment. Ordinarily, prison counselors or other staff members assign quarters in federal prison. After an initial assignment, prisoners may request a quarters change that he thinks would be more suitable to his productive adjustment. Yet the prisoner must prepare himself for the reality that not all prison staff members give a hoot about an individual’s productive adjustment. I’ve heard prison counselors say that it isn’t their job to provide the prisoner with the quarters he wants. They must only provide quarters. More often than not, counselors will obstruct a prisoner’s efforts to ease his way into a productive adjustment. Those types of obstacles I have found are part of the prison reality.

Through my books I’ve shown the strategies I’ve embraced to thrive in spite of the restrictions, limitations, and obstructions wrought by confinement. I urge new prisoners to read those books. They may help him find strategies that lead to the best prison jobs, the best prison quarters, and the best strategies that lead to success upon release.