Police officer thinking of changing careers

First - make sure you talk and talk and talk things over with your wife - it's a HUGE change in the family. Second - from what i've seen there are alot of mid-stream changers out there lately. Third - study this forum - there is alot of useful information on here and very wise people - be open to what they tell you and don't try and swim "up-stream". Good Luck on whatever you decide and welcome too!

 

I would tell you to go for it if your family can stand the pressure.

But realize their primary concern at this point, is whether you actually come home after a bad day at work. IE Shot on duty etc etc.

Once you start driving, you won't be coming home this afternoon...their worst fear realized. But you will be home soon

I have several friends who came into truck driving from Law Enforcement and other civil service jobs. They all said the same thing.... why have you guys been putting up with this BS for so long? They were speaking about the attitude some companies have for drivers...IE Shut up and drive...we'll tell you when you can go home, get a raise, take a shower, sleep.

After awhile this job just gets into your system. While you may have to answer to higher ups, you may not have to do it for 2 weeks at a time or longer.

It is extremely difficult on family most of the time. Some families adjust better than others, but many struggle with the issues of everyday life. IE the car won't start, the hot water heater quit...the list goes on and on.

Your wife will get to hear about every little detail that PO'd you that day. This may or may not cause some alienation. You'll get to hear about the things you would normally be doing at home, causing a meltdown as they struggle to figure out what to do...or who they should call to do it for them..

It took taking my wife on the road for a few months for her to realize what goes on out here, and what we deal with everyday. Her biggest complaint...I didn't send postcards from every town I passed through. She failed to realize...75 feet of truck won't fit in your average parking spot at the post office.

It takes awhile for a wife and family to adjust. But once they have, they can't wait for you to leave again...they want their "space" back LOL.

My son, who is in college. Called the other day, and asked where I was. I was home...duh. I have been home almost every weekend for the last 4 months. Something he has not gotten used to yet.

This is just a sample of "the life". Good luck and best wishes to you and yours...

 

my last "career" was at the post office, I worked there for 8 years. my last two years were as a letter carrier. you have to face politics everywhere and in every job, but I think you'd have a hard time finding a place with more political BS then a post office ( maybe a police dept? )

I think it would be great to have more drivers that came from a "professional" background. I know alot of the driving habits instilled in me from driving a LLV (postal van) have helped me along the road to driving big rigs.

you might get a lil' frustrated though, not being able to write up tickets to all the 4 wheelers doing stupid stunts around your rig.

 

I know this is rude!!!
But dont tell people on the street your a cop!
Most people have great stories of the "man getting em"

It might take years to get unprogramed. Please start now!!!!!!!!

I realize you may be cool?
I have done work for many cops in my day and many are cool.

If you become a trucker, you will see what pro-drivers actually deal with.
And how hard it is to try and talk a cop out of a sitution. He is the man!!!!

Just to be told by the judge its his(cops) word against yours. Or Why would a officer write a ticket if it wasnt earned. SUCKS

Ok I feel bad picking on a new poster. SORRY
Its just nice not getting a ticket for disorderly conduct for telling em in person, Oh yeah and letting a swear slip. Ouch those hand cuffs hurt!!!!!!!!!!!!

FYI I am using a fake email, I can not be traced!!!!

 

We have had a few drivers that changed careers from some type of office work to driving and loved it!
They had the backing of their family structure as well which is a big part of success as a truck driver.

THIS type of job takes a STRONG woman at home to be able to put up with the days and hours that you probably will be gone unless you are fortunate enough to find something that brings you home more often.

A career change can be good if you really know this is what you and your family want.

 

get a retirement at 20 years, continue to qualify to keep a national pistol permit.


K

 

Why couldn't you just be like most other 40 yr olds & just go out & get a lil' red speeder car to appease that mid-life crisis?

Now that's funny I don't care who ya are.

Ok, seriously, you're heavily invested in a career. You've paid you dues there. You have a steady income & good bennies. Maybe it's not the job you once thought; Not challenging enough? But to just dump it for truck driving? I dunno'.

What if you were to try moving laterally in the agency?
Perhaps a position in Homeland Security or FEMA?
Some consulting on the side?

Maybe you could be an inside connection for a company trying to bring some hi tech into the hood like neighborhood gunshot detectors, trouble spot cameras, better radio system?

I can't really tell what options you have.

But I do have to believe there's better ones within your grasp other than traumatizing your wife & family with the culture shock that a mid-life change to trucking brings.

Common sense would say keep doing what you're doing & find ways to spice it up or get more education so you can move into a related but more rewarding field.

But, if starting over is your thing, best of luck to you & your family.

 

go foor it. you only do this crazy life once.

 

This guy probably works crazy hours as it is and may not see his family that much. Cops don't all get the cherry shift.

If you really want a change of pace than go for it but I gotta tell ya bubba, I wanted to become a police officer and ended up here just because I needed fast cash. If I had my way i'd be in a police department right now maybe the grass is just greener on the other side both ways. Lets switch jobs and see eh? Gimme your gun heres my keys! Heh