Police officer thinking of changing careers

I too was a police officer for 17 years ( 3 years running a narcotics team) until going into Corporate Security. Funny thing is that I wanted to be a driver from the age of 10. But as with anything, career paths and goals change. Now I am going to persue my kid dream of being a driver.

What I can tell you is that you must have had some enlightenment of some sort. When you stop and look at how the LEO job has changed and the little pay and the chances we take as LEO's, its simply not worth it anymore. My Lt. almost lost his 20+ year career over a simple allegation. Its too much when the criminals have more rights that law abiding citizens.

Let me tell you that if you are as serious as I am about becomming a driver, this forum is the right place to start. There are so many helpful drivers on here that are willing to answer questions and guide you in your decision. They have helped me out a great deal.

I would also suggest going to a TS and talking to some of the drivers. I went to a local Petro and then to the Iron Skillet and spoke with a couple of drivers with many years of exp. who gave me some of the highlights as well as the bad parts of driving.

I guess for most, one of the biggest is being away from home. But if you keep in mind that your family is depending on you to feed them and provide shelter, it makes it easier. And to be honest, your wife would probably sleep a little better knowing that someone isnt going to stop by your house to say "your husbands been shot".

You could also look into companies with a rider program. After you get some time under your belt, you can take your wife or your kid out with you on the road.

I myself am looking forward to getting out there and while I am sure there will be moments of displeasure, this is what I want to do now.

No job is perfect and it is all in what you make of it. Good luck Brother!

 

Good luck in your new endeavor should you choose to drive. I woulndt want to retire in my 40s either, and in fact am not going to

I have the feeling there'll be many times you sure will wish you had your badge, sirens and lights on your truck.............

 

Hello there, I would try and hang in there if your not in a major city that would be considered a war zone, ie. Detroit, Indianapolis, Chicago, etc. as 17 yrs is a long time to throw a career down tubes. I had 9 in the Marines, long ago, and now wish I had stayed my 19.6 and out. Now 29 yrs later I am changing careers from a Mortgage Loan Officer to a Trucker, went through school, passed , was hired on with a good company, and....broke my arm in three places, now I am on Workman's comp, something I have never done in my life, trying to recuperate and get back on the road to complete my testing with the company that hired me. My thoughts are,... why should they keep me on after me breaking my arm from coming out of the truck, slipping on the top step, and down I went. The three step rule does not always work, and I found that out the hard way. I am telling you this because there are set backs we do not think of. Can you not put on that uniform and not try to help someone once your no longer a police officer? That is a question you will have to answer. I am from Indy, and have a neighbor as a police officer, he too has issues, but has to weigh the pros and cons. Being away from home, changing your lifestyle totally, and I do mean totally. Not knowing where your going to be heading till the last minute, make deadlines, etc, but...if this sounds good to you, then go for it. Me, no kids at home, but...a wife that misses me, dog too...LOL, and ... I miss my profession as a loan officer. The market is soft, no loans coming in, so I drive. And, I will most likely stay driving. Would like to wish you luck in either decision you make. Take care, and Semper Fi, Bob

 

My honest recommendation to you is to keep up with the posts in this forum as I am doing. These folks have a wealth of information, and the senior members (you can tell by the content of their replies) seem to be about giving honest answers. You may not like the answers but they are what they are. However, before you decide to leave the ranks of the 'thin blue', weigh all of the options with care, and for ##$%% sake, if your within 5 years from your pension, finish it out!

Be Safe, Watch Your Back, Have an Exit Plan!

 

He will still have about an 80 to 90% vested pension if his is like mine.

 

I know life here in MO can get stale, but just think about the retirement you loose. You can still go for your CDL to have it, and drive trucks in retirement. Heavens sake man!!! You're only 39! Lots of people drive trucks when they get older. Then you'll have your P.O. retirement and your driving money is gravy. Besides, the kids will just about all be out of the house then and you can take your wife with you sometimes. I know it's long winded, but it's just a thought.

 

Don't dump the police job, its like throwing away a winning lottery ticket. I work in law enforcement myself and am looking into this as a side business with a good friend. Get your class A cdl, get some experience, KEEP YOUR JOB & WHEN YOU RETIRE, then go for it full time if you enjoy it. Also you can work off hours on a part time basis doing the truck driving if your work schedule allows. The pension and benefits alone are worth finishing out the job.
Remember, nobody likes a quitter j/k. Best of luck and stay safe.

 

12 years can be an eternity if you hate your job. I can barely stand the thought of sticking it out 3 more months at my job before I can get out and start trucking. On paper a lot of jobs can seem great. One man's 'lottery' ticket can be another's prison sentence. I make 40k a year, work 7 hours a day, and I am home everynight, yet I have to psych myself up each day to drag my butt into work.

All jobs have their negatives, certainly trucking seems to have a ton of em, but the negatives in trucking a lot of us feel we can stomach moreso than the negatives with our current jobs. Going into the same building and sitting at the same desk day after day is just drudgery for me. Granted I'll be sitting in the same seat everyday in a truck but at least the view will always be changing.

 

....This may be one of the most important decisions of your life!!!!....It will have a tremendous effect on you and your family;....I raised my two daughters to age 16 and 18 in Vegas where I spent 10 yrs on the Fire Dept.

I didn't want to raise my 8 year old son there, too...so I cashed in my retirement and moved back to Southern Illinois.

Economically, the worst thing I've ever done....morally, for the sake of my family, the best thing I ever did !!

I realize at age 40, one doesn't think much about being age 65 some day (sooner than you think.)

I would highly advise you to stick it out on the P.D. for another 12 yrs....age 52..your family will be pretty well raised, and believe me, you would still have plenty of time to explore the world of trucking.

You know better than anyone, your personal situation, and be very leery of making the move on advice from others.

Print this....throw it in a box....read it again in 12 years, and let us know what you think.

Good luck with your decision !!