Help me decide if I should change careers

[RRA640]

I'm at a crossroads in my life...

First off, I'm going to be 39 this year. I am at an executive level in a large corporation and make VERY good money... about 6 times the starting salary, actually. About 3 years ago, I started volunteering with a local agency as a way of doing community service. I felt that I should give back about 40 hours per month to service, and chose the local PD as my beneficiary. I found out that I absolutly love doing this type of work, and I think I have "gotten the bug". I truely have no intention or desire to become an officer, but I just love doing this much more than my actual career. I get so much satisfaction from being a part of my community and helping others.

Recently, I have serioulsly been considering changing careers and trying to become a sworn officer.

Is this crazy at my age? We have always lived modestly and way below or means. I have a lot of money, so even though the paycut would be substantial, it would not be a problem for the family financially.

I would like to get thoughts from those out there that are close to my age, or that have made a similar career change. I think my mindset and what is driving me is much different than those that are in their early 20's. Maybe i'm wrong... who knows. I truely want to do this to make a difference in my community and the lives of others.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts and comments.

[TXICE]

I'm at a crossroads in my life...

First off, I'm going to be 39 this year. I am at an executive level in a large corporation and make VERY good money... about 6 times the starting salary, actually. About 3 years ago, I started volunteering with a local agency as a way of doing community service. I felt that I should give back about 40 hours per month to service, and chose the local PD as my beneficiary. I found out that I absolutly love doing this type of work, and I think I have "gotten the bug". I truely have no intention or desire to become an officer, but I just love doing this much more than my actual career. I get so much satisfaction from being a part of my community and helping others.

Recently, I have serioulsly been considering changing careers and trying to become a sworn officer.

Is this crazy at my age? We have always lived modestly and way below or means. I have a lot of money, so even though the paycut would be substantial, it would not be a problem for the family financially.

I would like to get thoughts from those out there that are close to my age, or that have made a similar career change. I think my mindset and what is driving me is much different than those that are in their early 20's. Maybe i'm wrong... who knows. I truely want to do this to make a difference in my community and the lives of others.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts and comments.


Become a reserve deputy/officer and keep your day job. With the prices of commodities going up as they are, in my opion, it would be a mistake. You can get all the satisfaction you want by going reserve. Good luckl.

[RRA640]

Become a reserve deputy/officer and keep your day job. With the prices of commodities going up as they are, in my opion, it would be a mistake. You can get all the satisfaction you want by going reserve. Good luckl.

The department I am involved with does not currently have a reserve program. If they did, i'm sure I would go that route. Other agencies in the area have reserves, but I am partial to the one I have devoted my time to... plus... that is the community where I live and want to make a difference.

Thanks for the comments. :)

[navy80]

I would see if they have reserves and do some ridalongs, also a full shift,
make sure its what you wanna do, some people cant make it, Im not saying you wont but if you choose to switch careers then give it everything you got

As far as age thats not a problem, In my academy class their was a 55 year old man who a heart the size of a basketball, he pass everything, Every weekend he had to get shots in both his knees, If your not concerned about money then youll make it without a problem

Good Luck

[SlowDownThere]

This is such a personal decision, and there are no wrong anwsers.

But I wouldn't do it, and not because of your age. You are still in the honeymoon stage with this type of work. Yes, it's fun at first. But that fades with time.

Don't get me wrong. I'm not jaded, cynical or bitter. I like my job, but I'm not jiddy about it. And I notice that you said nothing bad about your current job. If you absolutely hate what you are doing, by all means make a change. But since you didn't mention that, I suspect you don't hate it.

Obvioulsy, only you can make this decision. But since you asked, I'm saying I would stay where you are and enjoy that fat paycheck.

[RRA640]

I would see if they have reserves and do some ridalongs, also a full shift,
make sure its what you wanna do, some people cant make it, Im not saying you wont but if you choose to switch careers then give it everything you got

As far as age thats not a problem, In my academy class their was a 55 year old man who a heart the size of a basketball, he pass everything, Every weekend he had to get shots in both his knees, If your not concerned about money then youll make it without a problem

Good Luck

Thanks! I do a ride along every month with an officer and my work involves work out on the streets. I have worked side-by-side with officers for 3 years... mostly on DUI's. Assisting on the street as well as processing prisoners. I can meet the physical requriements, polygraph, background, etc... without any problem. I already went through the poly and background for my volunteer role.

[bluecollar$]

You seem like you have made up your own mind.....
Go For It!

[RRA640]

This is such a personal decision, and there are no wrong anwsers.

But I wouldn't do it, and not because of your age. You are still in the honeymoon stage with this type of work. Yes, it's fun at first. But that fades with time.

Don't get me wrong. I'm not jaded, cynical or bitter. I like my job, but I'm not jiddy about it. And I notice that you said nothing bad about your current job. If you absolutely hate what you are doing, by all means make a change. But since you didn't mention that, I suspect you don't hate it.

Obvioulsy, only you can make this decision. But since you asked, I'm saying I would stay where you are and enjoy that fat paycheck.

Those are great comments, thanks. I don't hate my job, but it is not satisfying at all. Yes, the pay is great, but honestly... i'm a very conservative person. We have lived in the same 2200 sf house since 1998, and it's paid for. I drive a 1995 GMC pickup with 110,000 miles, and the last trip we took was to legoland 2 years ago. I guess i'm just looking for "more" and maybe my volunteer work is actually giving me that satisfaction.

My big worry is that I won't feel the same way about it when it is a "job". Maybe I love it because it's not a job. I go out of my wat to help and do whatever I can. Maybe it would be different if I were getting paid. I don't get giddy about being in a patrol car, or having a radio, or anything like that.

I also worry about the age gap. I get along great with officer's in thier early 20's as well as those in their 40's.... but I am starting to see an age gap between me and the younger guys.

Quite honestly... I thought I would get a lot of "go for it" comments. Thanks for the honest feedback!

[KIDFIRE79]

Those are great comments, thanks. I don't hate my job, but it is not satisfying at all. Yes, the pay is great, but honestly... i'm a very conservative person. We have lived in the same 2200 sf house since 1998, and it's paid for. I drive a 1995 GMC pickup with 110,000 miles, and the last trip we took was to legoland 2 years ago. I guess i'm just looking for "more" and maybe my volunteer work is actually giving me that satisfaction.

My big worry is that I won't feel the same way about it when it is a "job". Maybe I love it because it's not a job. I go out of my wat to help and do whatever I can. Maybe it would be different if I were getting paid. I don't get giddy about being in a patrol car, or having a radio, or anything like that.

I also worry about the age gap. I get along great with officer's in thier early 20's as well as those in their 40's.... but I am starting to see an age gap between me and the younger guys.

Quite honestly... I thought I would get a lot of "go for it" comments. Thanks for the honest feedback!

They say when you enjoy what you do, you never work. I would follow my heart, this might be your calling. If push comes to shove you could always go back to your previous employer.

What ever you decide to choose Good luck. I am sure you will make the right decision :)

[StateChamp]

Can I have your job? :p


JK man!! GO FOR IT!!!
Live life to its fullest and don't have any regrets. The best advice I received in my life is if you do what you love you won't have to work a day in your life.

[memphis PO PO]

Man, it changes alot when it becomes a job. Right now you are a volunteer and everybody appreciates your free work. You are probably friends with all the patrolman and the chief, and everyone in between. When it becomes a job, that chief is now your boss, not your friend. The patrolman will still be your friends, as long as you do your job and know that you are the rookie ( it seems you won't have a problem with this, you have a good attitude). You like seeing the fun stuff. When it is a job it is not as much fun, it is paperwork and hoping you do everything right so you are not sued for your house and tahoe (which you need to trade in before you make less money). You are volunteering when you want to. As the rookie you will be working a swing or midnight shift. That is hard on the family. Good luck.

[SuperCFD]

RRA640, I will happily trade with you!

I must echo the sentiments of my fellow coppers on here. If I were you, I'd be a reserve officer/deputy and go out and play whenever you want. I'd keep the day job with the better pay and schedule. Just my $0.02.

[ComicGuy]

We have lived in the same 2200 sf house since 1998, and it's paid for. I drive a 1995 GMC pickup with 110,000 miles, and the last trip we took was to Legoland 2 years ago.
I hate you with every fiber of my being...:p

[RRA640]

Man, it changes alot when it becomes a job. Right now you are a volunteer and everybody appreciates your free work. You are probably friends with all the patrolman and the chief, and everyone in between. When it becomes a job, that chief is now your boss, not your friend. The patrolman will still be your friends, as long as you do your job and know that you are the rookie ( it seems you won't have a problem with this, you have a good attitude). You like seeing the fun stuff. When it is a job it is not as much fun, it is paperwork and hoping you do everything right so you are not sued for your house and tahoe (which you need to trade in before you make less money). You are volunteering when you want to. As the rookie you will be working a swing or midnight shift. That is hard on the family. Good luck.


This is exactly where I struggle! I volunteer when I want, and do know everyone from command to patrol, and I feel that they appreciate what I do for them... at least that is what they tell me... :D I am fearful that my view would change if I were suddenly an "employee"! My rule of thumb right now is "third yawn... I head in and go home!" I like that!

Sometimes I go out and meet up with some guys I have come to know... I find out that their first 5 hours of thier shift is going to be sitting in a P-Lot writing reports. I don't have to do any of that, and it's nice.

I would like to see a reserve program in our department. I have spoken to our chief about it in the past and haven't gotten anything more than it being added to the General Orders. No funding or green light (really just uniforms, insurance, and equipment). I would like to see our reserve program be made up of "limited authority" officers that must work with regular officers to create 2-man units in areas that always require 2 cars to be dispatched. If one 2-man unit can be dispatched, the second unit that would have been dispatched can stay 10-8.

Thanks for all the suggestions and comments!!!

[TXICE]

I think the masses have spoken. In the end it's obviously your decision, but I think you know where we stand. Good luck bro.

[johnnylawman109]

With the economy the way it is, if your making good $$, dont leave it. Like others have said, initially everyone loves it, its exciting, you think you can save the world, blah, blah, blah. I do like my job, but there are some days that I struggle to put the pants on. I actually resigned once from a dept and got into a different career for awhile. That didnt work out so I had to go back to "copping". Dont get me wrong I missed it, but If I could make decent money doing something else I probably would.

Heres a suggestion. Take part-time classes, get your degree, and work some where part-time. There are always agencies looking for part-time help.

[just joe]

Why do you have to be a reserve at that dept.? There must certainly be other departments with a reserve program within an easy commute.

[RRA640]

Why do you have to be a reserve at that dept.? There must certainly be other departments with a reserve program within an easy commute.

Only because this is where I live and I want to do work in my community.

[memphis PO PO]

Man, Listen to everybody and be a reserve somewhere else just to see if you like the job. Then if you do can can go back to your preferred dept. full time if you like it.
Another question would be: Are you still going to be able to live in that community with the pay cut? Is it an upscale community that the police that work there can't afford to live there? Think about your family. Do you have young kids that the higher salary could help them go to college, etc.
I have been an officer for 11yrs in a large dept. I hate my job and tell everyone to not go into L.E. so take my advice as cynical at best.

[just joe]

There are many ways to serve your city besides being on its PD. If you are limiting yourself to one dept., then you are really limiting your chances of being hired. If you want to be an officer, go be an officer. Be a scheduled part timer at another city and see how you and everyone else adjusts to holidays, weekends, midnights, etc. That will give you and yours a taste of what it is like to be a full timer. I am not discouraging you from be an LEO, but I am discouraging you from making an uniformed decision when you have the opportunity to gather more facts before you make your decision.

[uga0466]

This is not a job to stay in if you hate going to work everyday. Normally, the pay and hours suck so you may as well love the job if you're going to do it. I would expose myself to L.E. and then make a decision. Sounds like you've done so if you've been doing ride-alongs. Keep it up, volunteer, or even start the academy. But don't be afraid to back out if you feel it's not right for you. This is not the career to have if you're not right for it. Remember, as it's been mentioned before, there may not be a right or wrong decision. Faith is not always following a black and white path God has laid out for you. Sometimes its having confidence in the decision you've made and knowing that you'll make it through it.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

[memphis PO PO]

Why do I hate my job? Well, if I had started at another dept. I might not hate it as much. Now though the pay has trapped me in as we are the highest paid in the area, and we retire after 25 years, so I am not going to start over while I am making 52,000 (and getting an extra 5% this year) and have 14 years to go. There have been no promotions in years, I have never been offered a promotions test as an officer has to have 5 yrs on and the last one given I had 4. The dept will fire officers over the complaint of drug dealers, we are not backed up at all, and some of the officers i work with are known gang members learning the L. E. ropes so they can learn the inner workings of the job. The citizens hates its police officers and feels we owe them for giving us a job. The city council dictates where we live (residency, lifted by mistake for some of us, yay). I could go on and on about that, but as I said I am still a patrolman after 11yrs. If I had failed a promotional test then that would be on me, but not getting to take on really gets on your nerves. Being on the street with no break gets to some people. I am tired of touching the aids infested crackhead homeless drunks that **** on themselves, and then pushing my toddlers away from me when I come home and thy try to hug me. I am tired of leaving my family home alone on the weekends without a father there to protect and raise them, while some ghetto witch calls me to disipline her son that won't take out the garbage because he was out smoking dope all night, and she is already drunk at 7 in the morning. I am tired of working 3 car accidents in the rain in 30 degrees and my hands are so frozen I can't write or 100 plus and the asphalt is melting under my boots. Basically I just don't care about anyone but my friends, family, and defensless children, elderly,or animals anymore. And that is why I hate my job.

[Hairygary]

Check this out, I believe this to be somewhat accurate as every officer goes through these stages. The years it says and the divorce part may not be accurate, but the rest is true.

If you are a cop, were a cop, live with a cop, or are close to a
cop you will recognize alot of the following:

FASCINATION STAGE - 1st thru 4th year of Law Enforcement.
For most officers, this is their first time outside of the
middle class bubble.
They have never seen a dead body, never seen life-threatening
injuries, never dealt with a family disturbance, never witnessed the
squaller some people call "living life", and never really understood the phrase "Man's
Inhumanity To Man" until now.
Everything is new to them. You can ID them by the amount of fancy new equipment they
carry...a ten BILLION candlelight power flashlight, "state-of-the-art"
holster, pens that write in the rain, a ballistic vest rated to stop Tomahawk
missiles, and an equipment bag large enough to house a squad of Marines.
They love it, showing up early for their shift.
They work way past the end of their shift without even
considering an OT slip.
They believe rank within the department is based only on
ability and those in the upper ranks got there by knowledge and skill in police
work only.
They believe the Department runs with the same attention to
detail and efficiency as Joe Friday's Dragnet TV show....everyone is
dedicated & committed, everyone is competent, everyone is on the same page and working
towards the same high-minded goals.
When they finally go home to their spouse/ significant other,
they tell them everything they did and saw; they are wired up.
Some of the more "eaten up" purchase a police scanner at Radio
Shack so they can hear the radio calls while at home.

HOSTILITY STAGE - 4th thru 6th year
They now show up for work about 2 minutes before their shift,
and they are hiding out about 30 minutes before end of shift, writing reports
so they can just throw them in the sergeant's in-box and leave ASAP.
They have to get to their second job to earn money to pay for
the divorce that is pending. Their spouse is no longer interested in hearing about all the
gore and heartache. They get the "you spend more time with the cops than you do
with me" speech. They now know how the lieutenant got those silver bars on his
collar. They consider the FOP, the city, and all brass to be as
dangerous as any viper.
They gripe about everything, drink excessively, chase women,
and hate the public, politicians, media, etc.
They feel they have more in common with the hookers, thieves,
dopers, etc.. but hate them too.
Those pens that write in the rain are no longer needed. Writing
traffic citations can be a lot more trouble than they are worth, even on
a nice day To write one, or to write anything while standing in the rain, is a
sure sign of an insane person.

SUPERIORITY STAGE - 7th thru 15th years
This is when cops are at their best.
They have survived changes in administration.
They know how the political game is played, both inside and
outside of the department.
They know who they can trust and who they can't.
They have select friends within the department, and stay away,
as best they can, from the nuts and boot-lickers.
They know the legal system, the judges, prosecutors, defense
attorneys, etc.
They know how to testify and put a good case together.
They are usually the ones that the brass turn to when there is
some clandestine request or sensitive operation that needs to be done
right.
These cops are still physically fit and can handle themselves
on the street.
They will stay around the station when needed, but have other
commitments; such as a second job, a second spouse, a second
boyfriend/girlfriend (sometimes both), etc. They have most of their friends outside of
Law Enforcement now.

ACCEPTANCE STAGE - 15th to ????
Now the cops have a single objective... retirement and pension
Nothing is going to come between them and their monthly check
The boss, the city (or State, or county), the idiots around the
station, and the creeps on the street can all go to hell... because they
could come between them and "sitting on the beach".
There is no topic of discussion that can't somehow lead back to
retirement issues.
These guys are usually sergeants, detectives, crime scene
technicians, station duty, or some other post where they will not be
endangered.
They especially don't want some young stupid cop getting them sued,
fired, killed, or anything else causing them to lose their "beach time".
These guys are usually hard to find when the "clusters" hit.
They spend a lot of time having coffee, hanging around the
station, and looking at brochures of things they want to do in retirement.
Then the retired cop usually dies within the first five years
of retirement, saving the city (or State, or county) a bunch of
money.

[TXICE]

Check this out, I believe this to be somewhat accurate as every officer goes through these stages. The years it says and the divorce part may not be accurate, but the rest is true.

If you are a cop, were a cop, live with a cop, or are close to a
cop you will recognize alot of the following:

FASCINATION STAGE - 1st thru 4th year of Law Enforcement.
For most officers, this is their first time outside of the
middle class bubble.
They have never seen a dead body, never seen life-threatening
injuries, never dealt with a family disturbance, never witnessed the
squaller some people call "living life", and never really understood the phrase "Man's
Inhumanity To Man" until now.
Everything is new to them. You can ID them by the amount of fancy new equipment they
carry...a ten BILLION candlelight power flashlight, "state-of-the-art"
holster, pens that write in the rain, a ballistic vest rated to stop Tomahawk
missiles, and an equipment bag large enough to house a squad of Marines.
They love it, showing up early for their shift.
They work way past the end of their shift without even
considering an OT slip.
They believe rank within the department is based only on
ability and those in the upper ranks got there by knowledge and skill in police
work only.
They believe the Department runs with the same attention to
detail and efficiency as Joe Friday's Dragnet TV show....everyone is
dedicated & committed, everyone is competent, everyone is on the same page and working
towards the same high-minded goals.
When they finally go home to their spouse/ significant other,
they tell them everything they did and saw; they are wired up.
Some of the more "eaten up" purchase a police scanner at Radio
Shack so they can hear the radio calls while at home.

HOSTILITY STAGE - 4th thru 6th year
They now show up for work about 2 minutes before their shift,
and they are hiding out about 30 minutes before end of shift, writing reports
so they can just throw them in the sergeant's in-box and leave ASAP.
They have to get to their second job to earn money to pay for
the divorce that is pending. Their spouse is no longer interested in hearing about all the
gore and heartache. They get the "you spend more time with the cops than you do
with me" speech. They now know how the lieutenant got those silver bars on his
collar. They consider the FOP, the city, and all brass to be as
dangerous as any viper.
They gripe about everything, drink excessively, chase women,
and hate the public, politicians, media, etc.
They feel they have more in common with the hookers, thieves,
dopers, etc.. but hate them too.
Those pens that write in the rain are no longer needed. Writing
traffic citations can be a lot more trouble than they are worth, even on
a nice day To write one, or to write anything while standing in the rain, is a
sure sign of an insane person.

SUPERIORITY STAGE - 7th thru 15th years
This is when cops are at their best.
They have survived changes in administration.
They know how the political game is played, both inside and
outside of the department.
They know who they can trust and who they can't.
They have select friends within the department, and stay away,
as best they can, from the nuts and boot-lickers.
They know the legal system, the judges, prosecutors, defense
attorneys, etc.
They know how to testify and put a good case together.
They are usually the ones that the brass turn to when there is
some clandestine request or sensitive operation that needs to be done
right.
These cops are still physically fit and can handle themselves
on the street.
They will stay around the station when needed, but have other
commitments; such as a second job, a second spouse, a second
boyfriend/girlfriend (sometimes both), etc. They have most of their friends outside of
Law Enforcement now.

ACCEPTANCE STAGE - 15th to ????
Now the cops have a single objective... retirement and pension
Nothing is going to come between them and their monthly check
The boss, the city (or State, or county), the idiots around the
station, and the creeps on the street can all go to hell... because they
could come between them and "sitting on the beach".
There is no topic of discussion that can't somehow lead back to
retirement issues.
These guys are usually sergeants, detectives, crime scene
technicians, station duty, or some other post where they will not be
endangered.
They especially don't want some young stupid cop getting them sued,
fired, killed, or anything else causing them to lose their "beach time".
These guys are usually hard to find when the "clusters" hit.
They spend a lot of time having coffee, hanging around the
station, and looking at brochures of things they want to do in retirement.
Then the retired cop usually dies within the first five years
of retirement, saving the city (or State, or county) a bunch of
money.

Damn accurate, although i would flip flop the hostility and superiority stages.

[CHUCKnmnV]

Dang. This makes me not want to be a cop.

[CHUCKnmnV]

Sup 'Lonzo? Sorry, had to do that. I can't wait to be a cop. It's just crazy what Hairygary said and what I will be expecting in the years to come.

[bravo1]

All jobs become monotenous after a certain amount of time. The key is to be able to advance in your job, therfore creating new sights and sounds in your current field, as well as always keeping doors open, not to mention opening new ones. Never burn bridges, and you can usually back up if you have to.

[rangesgt]

Hairygary's post is awesome. Some of the traits are in the wrong category, but they're all accurate.

I agree with everyone else. Stay in your day job. If LE is truly your calling it won't matter what jurisdiction you do it in; go be a reserve somewhere else.

When you're the boot, you'll be the one working weekend graveyards. You won't have a Legoland vacation because the sergeant just informed you that you have OT that weekend since no one senior to you wanted it. etc etc etc. As my sig implies, I'm a sergeant, I have 20 years on the job, and my wife just spent Mother's Day without her husband there. That's just the way it is. Are you really willing to be the true grunt at this stage in life?

Be a reserve. Have the best of both worlds.

[SlowDownThere]

Hairygary's post is awesome. Some of the traits are in the wrong category, but they're all accurate.




Yeah, it's an expanded version of what I just told our guys that finished up FTO last week. I was too apatheic to put in all in writing, however.

Kudo's to hairygary for doing so.;)

[RRA640]

The post by Hairygary was great... I think i'll stick to doing what i'm doing with the PD, which I enjoy very much. If a reserve program get's approved, I will go that route. In the meantime... I'll just do what I do.

Thanks everyone for your input and advice!

[MPDCjock]

Good luck with whatever you decide.

[chktovegas]

AMEN HAIRYGARY !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm in my 5th year now. I believe I'm in the transition stage from hostility to superiority. I don't gripe as much, I have just survived two elections, I know who I can/cannot trust, etc......

[bto35]

Hi hear ya, im in the same situation as you. IM 36 and Ive been a reserve for 5 yrs and and just graduated last summer for LE and struggling to find a job. Im looking to go out of state and i test for the Border Patol in a few weeks.
Six of my fellow reserves all in their 30s some as old as 37 got the bug and became officers so your not alone. If its something you want to do then do it life is too short you may regret not trying it at age 50. The other posters made some good points about enjoying your reserve time cause when you hop to the other side of the squad car now it becomes work and responsibility then followd by stress. (Its nice to go home when you start yawning). Its made me ask the same question do I want to enjoy LE and stay a reserve or become a cop. I do hospital security now and it pays farily well and we carry tasers and batons and even get to rumble quit frequenlty with drunks and psychs.
They problem we have is time isnt on our side we only have a few yrs left. We dont want to be working til our 60s.
any questions just PM me

regards
Brent