To Change Careers or not to change careers...

[champ]

I am considering making a major career change into law enforcement. I am currently an Archictect, but have always wanted to be a cop.

There a few things that are really weighing on my mind.

1) While I am only in my mid-20's now, eventually my Wife and I will have kids. I am worried that the odd shifts and time away from my family will be detrimental.

2) I understand that it can be difficult to get time off. Does everyone find that getting vacations scheduled and holidays off is a consistent problem?

Basically, I'm asking myself a mirade of questions that I'm sure everyone that makes a career changes asks themselves.

Thanks for any advice anyone can send my way.

[Gooch]

Didn't we help you out on this 3 months ago? Did you take a police test yet? Have you done anything since the last time you asked? I only ask because if you haven't done anything and you are still on the fence about it then you should probably not make such a big change. Police work is something that you gotta KNOW that you want to do. If you are not sure, it might not be worth the changes that you and your family would have to go through and you might not do as well as someone who is sure about it.

[Airforcop]

How about you look into a reserve program with a local PD? That way you get a taste of law enforcement action, but keep all the benefits of your current job.

[kirch]

If you're going to do it, do it sooner rather than later. Invoke the Nike Rule -- Just Do It. Especially if you're looking at having kids. The sooner you get some seniority under your belt, the sooner you'll get the chance to choose (and get) shifts that are closer to 'normal' working hours.

And actually, working nights can be beneficial when you have young kids. My brother was working overnights when his daughter was a baby and he and his wife worked it out so they didn't have to use daycare. He would work through the night while his wife and baby slept. Then he came home in time for his wife to head to work and he would take care of the baby. His wife was home by 4:00, so he could lay down and sleep before his shift. Didn't get to see his wife too much for 4 years, but saved a ton on daycare. When my niece started kindergarten, he was able to change his sleep schedule and sleep during the day while wife and baby were at work and school. Then he spent the evenings with them and, when they went to bed, he went to work.

Ya gotta make do with what ya got.

[Airforcop]

Also, make sure your wife is in full agreement and knows what lays ahead. I know a deputy who lost his wife because he became a Deputy. Almost rhe same boat as you. He was a General Contractor making very good money, but being a cop was his true love. He made the leap, but it cost him his marriage in the long run. Just something to keep in the back of your mind.

[markheel]

I was in a similar position to you a few years ago. My wife was hesitatnt and I had the same questions about raising a family. I started a new career in telecomm. and have done reasonbaly well.

I figured I gave the corporate world a good shot, but now I am going through the hiring process and hoping to get started ASAP. I passed oral boards a few weeks ago.

I'll give up some $ and I guess I'll be a little late in getting started, but I think my family will be better off adjusting to a different lifestyle than seeing Daddy come home frustrated and ******ed off every day.

[markheel]

I was in a similar position to you a few years ago. My wife was hesitatnt and I had the same questions about raising a family. I started a new career in telecomm. and have done reasonbaly well.

I figured I gave the corporate world a good shot, but now I am going through the hiring process and hoping to get started ASAP. I passed oral boards a few weeks ago.

I'll give up some $ and I guess I'll be a little late in getting started, but I think my family will be better off adjusting to a different lifestyle than seeing Daddy come home frustrated and ******ed off every day.