Dad keeps asking "why"? Any suggestions?

[n4rb]

Ok, so I have my mind set into persuing Law Enforcement. My wife and everybody seems to be supporting me, but my dad keeps saying "I don't understand, with $35,000 / year, how are you going to support a family, you can barely afford an apartment" (note, he makes close to $100,000 / year).

I never really know what to say, beside "because I want to".

Any of you have any good things for me to say to something like that? :confused:

[Protect-N-Serve]

Dad this isnt a job you take for the money, its a job you take so you can be on the tv show COPS and be in hot pursuits! :D

Really though just tell him why you want to do it and that you can always get pay bumps later with promotions. Parents should support your dreams, not hinder them, so dont let him be the one to stop you.

[Guams]

It's not for the money. It's for the pride you get when filling a niche in society that many choose to hide from. It's not sitting behind a desk and pencil-f***ing paper all day long. It's helping that kid who wants to go fishing get across the street safely. It's making sure that the person who fell out of their wheelchair doesn't feel ashamed of themselves for calling you at 0300.

Plus... you get guns and fast cars!!! :D

In all honesty, tell him it's a calling. He won't ever understand "why" unless he gets that call himself.

[Protect-N-Serve]

It's not sitting behind a desk and pencil-f***ing paper all day long.

I just got a very disturbing vision just now.... haha :rolleyes:

[VChopefull]

35K a year....Are you using that number for the story to make a point or is that really what you make on the east coast?

Just curious because in Southern CA the difference between COPS paychex and the "pencil pusher" paychex isnt that big.

[just joe]

35K sounds right for his area--it might even be a little on the high side from job postings I have seen.

You might want to elaborate on the "why" part of "because I want to," but that's about it. Wanting to should be reason enough. If he doesn't get it, he's just not gonna get it.

[n4rb]

35K a year....Are you using that number for the story to make a point or is that really what you make on the east coast?

Just curious because in Southern CA the difference between COPS paychex and the "pencil pusher" paychex isnt that big.

It's usually between 29k - 33k around here to be exact. Thats the east coast for ya. I really liked what Guams said, Ill have to think about it.

[mulligan3193]

Do what you want to do to be happy. The money will work itself out. I have come to find out that my family can live on alot less than I ever thought we could, not that I enjoyed it, but I made it through. Alot of your dad's protests may be because he only knows policing from what he sees on tv and in the news, like most civilians. It's like I told my mother once, "I am trained for the job. They train me to be a police officer. I don't know how to balance a spreadsheet with this training, but an accountant won't know how to clear a room safely either."

Tell him that above all, you need his support to be the best police officer you can be. That, in turn, will also make you a safer police officer. If pay is the issue, remember that most people with big paychecks have big bills to go with them. Live within your means and you'll be fine.

[n4rb]

If pay is the issue, remember that most people with big paychecks have big bills to go with them. Live within your means and you'll be fine.

That couldn't be any more true. I know (don't ask me how ;) ) that he makes close to 3,000 / every 2 weeks, yet still has a debt of about $10,000.

[Tex4720]

Tell him it’s for the health benefits. A man/woman doing what they love for a living is healthier than those who are not. 25 years of looking forward to work every day or 25 years of dreading it? It’s an easy decision to make. The years fly when you’re having fun!

[Bighead]

You need to consider this question for yourself, for your family, and for your future employer. You are likely to be asked this by people who will want to know something beyond "because I want to" (like your Dad). We can't answer this for you, you have to answer it for yourself, but here are some things to consider:

Dedication to the law, protection of the innocent, and the pursuit of justice.

Defending and improving your community. The idea of brotherhood, of helping others in a common worthy goal.

The job security of government work (this includes good benefits/retirement in many areas).

Sense of adventure. Something new and different every day.

Freedom of movement, not being tied to a desk.

A love of writing reports :D

[Ex Army MP]

Ok, so I have my mind set into persuing Law Enforcement. My wife and everybody seems to be supporting me, but my dad keeps saying "I don't understand, with $35,000 / year, how are you going to support a family, you can barely afford an apartment" (note, he makes close to $100,000 / year).

I never really know what to say, beside "because I want to".

Any of you have any good things for me to say to something like that? :confused:

A little background here might help. First, do you currently have a family? If so, does your wife work? How many kis do you have? If not and he is referring to a future family, is he aware that you won't be making 50K 10 years from now? Moreover, that your futre wife will probably work like most wives do?

I don't know many cops who are collecting food stamps.

[Ex Army MP]

I should have read more carefully. I see that you are married.

What does your wife do and will both of your incomes allow you to get by?

[NYCTNT]

Im a cop and I made a very nice living... but I am a NYPD cop.

Why is pay so low at $35k? is that starting salary only? what is top pay?

[ChopperCopper]

My parents were extremely proud when I became a deputy. My whole family is also blue collar, meaning we were poor.

I am actually the most financially healthy in my family, and I only make $40K.

Your dad is wholly concerned with money, not with job satisfaction.

Nor does he sound like a person who would be proud of you for serving your country.