I need some career advice, please. Can some of you help a brother out?

SSG Steven O'Connor — Thu, 16 Aug 2018 09:51:45 -0400

I’m 39, I have a wife and 5 kids and I’ve been a police officer for 7 years, in addition to my 8 years as an MP back in the day. I have 17 more years to go until I can retire. I can’t do it anymore. I don’t enjoy anything about this job. It’s nothing more than a grind and it’s affecting my personal life and relationships with family members. But it’s all I’ve ever done. I’ve got associates, bachelors and master’s degrees in the field. I have a top-notch resume...for a police department! I don’t even know where else to look. And the thought of starting over terrifies me. What can I do?

Response by SSG Ed Mikus made Aug 16 at 2018 9:54 AM

SSG Ed Mikus — Thu, 16 Aug 2018 09:54:16 -0400

Have you thought of personal security? Bounty hunter, highway patrol, border patrol, FBI? School police?

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 16 at 2018 9:57 AM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 16 Aug 2018 09:57:27 -0400

Are there any other career opportunities within the Police department for a person with a Master Degree

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 16 at 2018 9:57 AM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 16 Aug 2018 09:57:57 -0400

Response by SPC Joseph Wojcik made Aug 16 at 2018 10:25 AM

SPC Joseph Wojcik — Thu, 16 Aug 2018 10:25:11 -0400

Consulting and/or advising law enforcement agencies might be a good opportunity for you.
Other than that, it seems like people want to push vets into IT and teaching (I wouldn't blame you for not wanting to do those jobs).

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 16 at 2018 10:30 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 16 Aug 2018 10:30:03 -0400

Your issue isn't that you don't know what to do, it's that you're afraid. The measure of a man's strength isn't how hard he hits but how many times he gets back up.
You just have to accept that, like your first jump out of a plane, it's terrifying and you probably won't die. After you're over the emotional part, planning and training takes over. You're clearly capable of planning if you've earned your masters.
I suggest teaching, but I'm sure there are plenty of other business fields that would benefit from your experience and leadership skills.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 16 at 2018 10:31 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 16 Aug 2018 10:31:58 -0400

What interests you? You know policing isn't your passion, but if you could do anything in the world, what would it be? Let's start there...

Response by SGT Joseph Gunderson made Aug 16 at 2018 11:55 AM

SGT Joseph Gunderson — Thu, 16 Aug 2018 11:55:02 -0400

Teach.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 16 at 2018 1:11 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 16 Aug 2018 13:11:13 -0400

Check on usajobs.gov for Title 5 positions at JFHQ or McClellan. There are usually positions available with DOMS or PMO as well as other divisions within the NG that you'd probably be qualified for. Don't sell your experience short.

Response by SFC Dale Treece made Aug 16 at 2018 2:52 PM

SFC Dale Treece — Thu, 16 Aug 2018 14:52:39 -0400

You have a lot of options opened to you. With a masters degree your door is wide opened. You need to evaluate what you would like to do, plan on how to accomplish that goal, then execute that plan to your benefit. The worst thing you don't want to find yourself into is a job that is affecting your relationship with family and friends. Your health and welfare will be affected. All that will spell disaster for all involved. I have a decent paying job, there are places I could go that could pay more. but I like my job and the people I work with. There's something out there for you.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Aug 16 at 2018 4:02 PM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Thu, 16 Aug 2018 16:02:46 -0400

I guess I am confused but will do my best. If you are a stellar police officer with the MP background and degrees in criminal justice you should look into Federal Law Enforcement. I could provide you with clearer insight by asking some questions if this is a possible path for you. If you would like to discuss send me a private message and we can go from there. Thank you for your service.

Response by MSG Johnathan Mathes made Aug 16 at 2018 6:47 PM

MSG Johnathan Mathes — Thu, 16 Aug 2018 18:47:56 -0400

there are other avenues than becoming a burnt out police officer... go into the nondestructive testing field... find something that you can wake up to every day and say i'm glad to be here and alive... something with less stress ...have you ever thought of doing something in the security field... like developing security plans at a nuclear facility for a example... you have the education .. put it to work... don't be afraid to start over.. its worth it it in the end!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 16 at 2018 10:26 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 16 Aug 2018 22:26:15 -0400

I joined the corps in 99 as a diesel mech. Did 11 years and 8 months active and decided to get out for some of the same reasons you mentioned. Civilian life was cool for a bit, but the same job that I disliked in the corps, j didnt want to do in the civilian world. Fast forward 3 years to 2014 and I joined the army reserves as an 88K. Great job but by this time I was ready to come back in active duty. Later that same year, I got a civilian job as a contractor fixing trucks for the Marines on base. Hated every bit of it...fast forward to may of this year, finally the door opened for me to come back on full a active duty status. SSG with 16 years of service. 12 of those active. Just turned 37 in June and sitting 13 weeks into a 20 week AIT surrounded by a bunch of privates. Love every damn minute of it! Point is, dont let your age affect you in what you want to do and dont be afraid to start over. It's about what you want to do and what you have your mind set to. I'm determined to go to 30, hopefully retire as a CW4 at the least. You have to commit. Army has a bunch of MOS's available for reclass for E6's....

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 17 at 2018 8:56 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 17 Aug 2018 08:56:16 -0400

One of the biggest hurdles is the financial part of this. If you need X amount of money in your new job it will limit your choices. But I understand that while money isn't everything, it does in fact matter. Do you have an area that you're interested in already? Or do you just hate your current job? Either way, it sounds like you need to bite the bullet and change something. You deserve it as well as your wife and children who no doubt are impacted by this. I have seen plenty of people older than you start over in new careers. I'll throw out one idea for you. A lot of companies these days have loss prevention/security departments that ensure retail and corporate stores/offices are safe and protected. They oversee internal investigations when "something" happens and they make sure employees have active shooter training and whatnot. Most of these positions are filled by guys with LE experience. It's a 9-5 desk job in a typically cushy environment. Just a thought.

Response by SFC Terry Fortune made Aug 17 at 2018 12:45 PM

SFC Terry Fortune — Fri, 17 Aug 2018 12:45:30 -0400

Brother Steven, Understand how you feel. I was able to retire as a LEO, but toward the end I too was hating the job. When I got into Law Enforcement it was fun. But not no more. With your degree's try getting teaching job at your local comm. college teaching on-line classes, try your luck with insurance company's they like people with investigate skills dealing with fraud cases, or try looking in working for the state that you live in. Maybe their D.O.T. Law Enforcement Div. My son works for Miss.DOT. it's kind of lay back, and you're on boss. or any other jobs. If I can help you send me a message. Hope this helps you out.

Response by SSG Sidney Dale Barnes made Aug 27 at 2018 5:23 PM

SSG Sidney Dale Barnes — Mon, 27 Aug 2018 17:23:05 -0400

If you have a H3 Identifier, (Physical Security Inspector. You can work civil service as a civilian once you get out as a Physical Security Specialist. Most place start a GS-9 and can work up to GS-11 or 12. It is a lot different than police work.