Criminal offenders can spend large sums of time in jail, completely segregated from the outside world. When they are released, it has been shown that these individuals often lack necessary life skills which would help them find employment. Education for these men and women is crucial to having a successful reintegration into society, and to hold and maintain a legal steady income. After an offender is released, making social ties can be a very positive step towards finding a job. These social ties can also be negative, by putting these newly released citizens on the same road to destruction which they have previously walked on. There are several barriers that are faced by ex-offenders that can inhibit their self-worth, determination and confidence to find work. Many stereotypes and biases are attached to them, which serves to further the oppression they face. This paper will discuss the benefits of education, social ties, and changing attitudes for both offenders and employers to help encourage successful reintegration and better employment opportunities. Offender’s attitudes towards employment and their internalized process of their crimes and the punishment they received vary due to their life experience (Scott, 2010). Many of these ex-criminals feel labeled and stigmatized by society, leading them towards feelings of victimization and unjust societal scrutiny (Scott, 2010). Scott (2010) reveals, “participants believe that the jobs available to them are monotonous, manual jobs that provide poor wage” (p. 49). This can result in poor attitudes and drive to search for a stable legal employment opportunity. Many turn to self-employment because it is easier to accomplish and they will often draw upon family and friends to provide them with opportunities (Scott, 2010). Additionally, there are numerous barriers that offenders face while trying to maintain life outside the jail walls. Some of these barriers would be intrapersonal issues (ie. psychological health, lack of qualifications, substance abuse etc.), feelings of instability, lack of social and emotional support, and employer