What is a good career path for a felon?

Answer:

You didn't mention the nature of your conviction. Since it's on this page, I'll assume it was something to do with drugs.

How about something in the treatment field? There's usually openings for mental health techs and similar positions to start, and as you move along there are other opportunities. You will also make contacts and acquaintances who may be able to help you move onward according to your abilities. Some judges are pretty impressed by a few clean and sober years helping others.

Answer:

Many criminals of all stripes, from tax fraud to burglary, have made honest careers from telling folks how to avoid problems with people in their old field. Consultants in security , with a back ground in B&E can walk through a plant or home pointing out how they would have gotten in, what they would have taken, and what they would have been scared away by. Having a line of security goods (alarms, bars and locks) is a good side line, as is giving talks to Criminology classes at colleges.