Started in cable in 1979. My trainer was made the trainer because he lost his driver license for a DWI. After working there for about two weeks I realized that I was the only guy on the crew that wasn't a convicted felon yet.
Never had a problem getting hired on until recently. It's not about your record -- it's only about their money now. Normal people cannot do this kind of work on a daily basis. It's just a little too close to the edge for any kind of comfort zone. We built something amazing and we're the only ones that remember.