View Full Version : Been thinking of a change...
So this weekend I had a lot of time to reflect... I fully understand that the decision is my own and any outside influence should be taken very lightly, but I wanted to know your guys' opinions on the matter and get some outside thoughts on the potential outcome- both good and bad.
For a little background, before I joined the Army in 2006 I was working on becoming a Sheriff's Deputy with Jeffco. I went on several ride-alongs, hung out with a lot of Deputies, and went to the range with a couple of my deputy friends. Then the time came to turn in my application to the academy (I was 21). Denied. Reason: "Admission of drug use, too recent." I called a guy I know in that part of the department and asked what was wrong- I thought I was displaying integrity, a valued trait in LEOs. He said "We like the drug use, if any, to be 5+ years, you admitted to 3 years ago and we really don't like that" (I smoked a little pot in College). So I joined the Army instead- and strangely got a Top Secret security clearance with the same marijuana use admission.
Now I'm approaching my 2 years since I left the service. As most know I'm working for my dad at the family owned insurance agency. I'm torn. I don't hate the job, per se, but I really don't exactly love it. I'm not the type to really like sitting in an office. I like to be out and about and prefer to never have the same day twice. You guys aren't dumb so you can probably see where this is going. My conflict is that I don't want to leave my dad high and dry, but I honestly feel as if I'm doing an even bigger disservice by not pursuing what I want to do. My entire life has revolved around doing my best to make him proud, but not enough to make myself proud. I've been thinking lately of making a career change (I use that term loosely as I've only been working here for 14 months) and putting in my application with Jeffco Sheriff for the position of Deputy (in hopes of getting Patrol). I understand this would be a drastic change (as the FNGs get stuck on graveyards, and the shifts are 10 hrs either Sun-Wed or Wed-Sat). I would plan on doing this, if I go through with it, around Nov/Dec time frame (although I'm not sure when the academy and application dates are).
Your guys' thoughts? I'd love some input from Kev and OneGuy (the only LEOs I know on here, and any other current/former LEOs- Bailey, looking at you buddy!). Thanks... [Beer]
DeusExMachina
07-30-2012, 11:36
Yes, this is horrible, this idea.
kanekutter05
07-30-2012, 11:41
Yes, this is horrible, this idea.
No one in this country can ever pronounce my name right. It's not that hard: Na-ghee-na-na-jar. Nagheenanajar
Sorry Ronin...can't resist a good Office Space reference...
I had a similar situation when I tried to get on Aurora PD a couple years ago. I wasn't working with my dad, but I definitely understand the wanting to make others proud but not really looking at what would make you proud of yourself. If it were me...I'd have a heart to heart with your dad and let him know where you're at with this whole situation. I bet that would give you a good starting point on where you should go.
i had no idea you could have smoked pot in the past and still be a LEO
buffalobo
07-30-2012, 11:47
If LE is what you wish to do, then the disservice to your dad is to not do it. He would never want you to spend your life "stuck" doing something you felt obligated to him to do.
Just an opinion from a dad who has kids your age who have worked in our family business at times for many different reasons.
Great-Kazoo
07-30-2012, 11:48
i had no idea you could have smoked pot in the past and still be a LEO
Weed is minimal concern with most LE depts.
Byte Stryke
07-30-2012, 11:51
whatever you do, make it YOUR decision.
you have to live with it, good or bad, right or wrong, success or failure.
Great-Kazoo
07-30-2012, 11:51
Ronin
You need to do what is best for you , both monetarily and career wise. I will not give you the lecture we gave out daughter, except to say, follow your heart. You're young and even if you decide 2-5-10 years down the road getting in to LE was not the right choice you could do something else.
Definitely talk with your dad, if he is understanding he'll give you his blessing then you can move on.
Of course this means your posting may be reduces, so we will miss some of the more classic ronin.
BushMasterBoy
07-30-2012, 12:04
If I had to do it all over, I'd get a law degree. I'd get some kinda degree, anything really, even just a Bachelor of Arts. You will usually be passed over for promotion because some guy has a degree. So called "degreed professionals"...have a definite advantage over the rest!
funkymonkey1111
07-30-2012, 12:09
do what you want to do. would you dad really want you working there if you were miserable? if the answer is yes, well, you have your real answer as to what you need to do. if the answer is no, you have a green light, too.
hghclsswhitetrsh
07-30-2012, 12:10
Gotta take care of your self. And Good luck seeing as you are an "average white male". Noone has hiring quotas to meet to get you on board.
josh7328
07-30-2012, 12:13
Any reason you couldn't spread the love around and try a different department?
So your dad getting a new employee who doesn't spend hours on the internet (this site in particular) while he is at work is leaving him high and dry?[ROFL1]
Honestly do what you want to do, but I think there is a lot to be said working for a family business but then again it isn't for everyone. Has your dad expressed to you whether you will have advancement opportunities, taking over the business etc etc? Have you approached him about any of those? Or maybe expanding the business to another location that you could run?
Have you actually "listened" to the sheriffs and "heard" what they tell you. Not everything is glamorous. You aren't going to be a hero every day, most of the people you meet will loathe you either because you are writing them a ticket or taking away a family member or taking them to jail.
Based on your posts, I think you are scattered a lot on what you want, how you want it done etc. A cop has to use discretion but also has to have some pretty good focus, a good knowledge of the laws (although we see plenty of deficiencies since one man can't know every law), great communication, listening skills etc etc.
Also have you thought of what your daily life will be like as a cop? What about your future family life? I have a couple friends who are officers and they have said it is hard to come home and turn off the "cop mentality" and loosen up a little bit and enjoy time at home (not looking for every little thing being done wrong).
Also have you looked into what timeline you might be on to get an advancement to a better schedule, a better position, etc. Are you okay with being a patrol officer on nights for 5 years? Are you okay not being on the same schedule as your friends for that time, you WILL be working nights, weekends and holidays (something you aren't probably used to).
And lastly, what is your overall goal/expectation out of the job? What is it that you want to achieve, where you do want to go with it? What are your retirement goals and what does the Sheriffs office offer you for those goals?
So your dad getting a new employee who doesn't spend hours on the internet (this site in particular) while he is at work is leaving him high and dry?[ROFL1]
Honestly do what you want to do, but I think there is a lot to be said working for a family business but then again it isn't for everyone. Has your dad expressed to you whether you will have advancement opportunities, taking over the business etc etc? Have you approached him about any of those? Or maybe expanding the business to another location that you could run?
Have you actually "listened" to the sheriffs and "heard" what they tell you. Not everything is glamorous. You aren't going to be a hero every day, most of the people you meet will loathe you either because you are writing them a ticket or taking away a family member or taking them to jail.
Based on your posts, I think you are scattered a lot on what you want, how you want it done etc. A cop has to use discretion but also has to have some pretty good focus, a good knowledge of the laws (although we see plenty of deficiencies since one man can't know every law), great communication, listening skills etc etc.
Also have you thought of what your daily life will be like as a cop? What about your future family life? I have a couple friends who are officers and they have said it is hard to come home and turn off the "cop mentality" and loosen up a little bit and enjoy time at home (not looking for every little thing being done wrong).
Also have you looked into what timeline you might be on to get an advancement to a better schedule, a better position, etc. Are you okay with being a patrol officer on nights for 5 years? Are you okay not being on the same schedule as your friends for that time, you WILL be working nights, weekends and holidays (something you aren't probably used to).
And lastly, what is your overall goal/expectation out of the job? What is it that you want to achieve, where you do want to go with it? What are your retirement goals and what does the Sheriffs office offer you for those goals?
I fully understand the needs of the job- dealing with the mostly bad, being hated by more people, the hours, etc. That is part of the reason- addressing Josh here- why I'm actually glad Jeffco starts their newer patrol deputies off in Evergreen, I'd rather work my home town that I know and love and help make my community a better place. I worked nights in the Army, so I'm used to that kind of jacked up schedule, and I have no wife, no kids, and don't expect to for quite some time. Talking with my LEO friends I totally get that it will be boring, stressful, difficult, and require people skills- I think I have pretty good people skills and can be good at moderating tense situations.
Goals- well long term for now would be a bit better retirement benefits than my "provide your own" that I have now. I do still have questions down the road like will my military service count towards retirement and count for substitution for education (I almost have my Associate's degree now and would plan on using time off to get my BA or BS). Short term would be get on patrol, get SWAT qualified (as that has always interested me), and eventually make SGT. Past that, I don't know, I'll have to see- maybe get into investigations or something and be a detective, if I go through with it I'll have to see what aspect I like more.
Thanks for the input so far...[Beer]
wctriumph
07-30-2012, 12:58
Do what you want to do. Your dad can always find someone to hire to take your place if you are accepted. It will be your life so make the choice that will benefit you and your family. Life is too short to waste doing what you don't want to do.
WFO boy.
TEA
I was in this same position two years ago. Working for family agency, not motivated, not really selling anything, not liking my job, but not sure what I wanted. I work an even crappier job now, bit learned how to handle money and am in a lot better position both financially, and emotionally. I recently decided to try and get back into my old field, and even MORE recently decided to opt out of working for other people altogether; so if I don't get this job I'm waiting to hear about, no big deal since I'll be retiring soon anyway.
My best advice is to got get ANY other job, just to change your environment. This will help you re-evaluate, and focus what you really want, and what is really important to you. You'll figire it out, just not as soon, or in the manner you'd expect.
ChunkyMonkey
07-30-2012, 13:40
^stu..hit me up on txt instead. I cannot open my pm here.
Maybe your dad is thinking "gee I wish my son would get outand make a career for himself". You shouldtalk to him and find out where he stands.
josh7328
07-30-2012, 14:06
If inclined, Pray about it. I find that is never a good idea to make these large decisions without praying about them first.
jhood001
07-30-2012, 14:13
Sounds like the others have touched on other aspects pretty well.
In regards to this:
I don't hate the job, per se, but I really don't exactly love it. I'm not the type to really like sitting in an office.
If this is the case, get out of the office now before age, a wage you have built up to or other responsibilities (family, kids, bills) make it impossible or difficult in the future. Time flies.
Ronin,
Follow your dream, do as YOU want. The old man will understand. I personally am not the popo, but I am married to it. Wifey and I met in the service. She was an MP, and I was a Tanker. After we both got out, we both worked for her dad for a few years. She was HR, in his main office. She finally decided to follow her dream, and became a Deputy. Ya, it was without talking to me first, but after I got over it, I knew that it was her dream. Her dad understood it too! So in lamin terms: Follow your dreams!! The ones that do not understand now, will later. So many people out there do not get a chance, or waited to long to follow theirs. So do what makes you happy Bro!
...So I joined the Army instead- and strangely got a Top Secret security clearance....
Is this one of those jokes? Like, Army intelligence? Because I was laughing my ass off for a while.... [LOL]
I kid JM [Coffee]
SideShow Bob
07-30-2012, 21:03
I think the Army hands those clearances out in the C rats, er ah MREs, hell, I even had one when I was in.
And as far as the career change, I think the public would be outraged when you start arresting people while wearing a "pink tutu"............[LOL]
Just yanking your chain, good luck to you if you decide to go through with it.
And remember to give us a break when you see our forum stickers on our vehicles, new ones or old ones.
gnihcraes
07-30-2012, 21:15
If I had to do it all over, I'd get a law degree. I'd get some kinda degree, anything really, even just a Bachelor of Arts. You will usually be passed over for promotion because some guy has a degree. So called "degreed professionals"...have a definite advantage over the rest!
Most new lawyers right now are working as clerks at the courthouse. Can't find jobs. Many have been working for years as just normal courtroom clerks. (not even law clerks for judges)
I was just thinking tonight about all the folks with BA degrees and me without one. My field of work usually doesn't have people with BA degrees of any sort. Yes, some do, but not all. All of us with and without are making the same money. (IT field) Just depends on what level you want to go to or make. Worker or Management track.
Same with LEO jobs, some require BA (Lakewood) and others HS/GED or Associates etc. I don't know the LEO field well enough to know if the degree pays off or not.
I know someone who started a few years back with a local PD, put in hard time and is a Detective now, doing well. No degree that I know of.
AirbornePathogen
07-30-2012, 21:20
I say if it's what you want to do, go for it. FYI, from what I've seen and heard, at most SOs, you start out in the jail, not on the road. Might want to take that into consideration.
Unless you take on a huge debt in obtaining a college degree, it is hard to see how finishing a BA would hurt regardless of your future occupational goals. While in school, seek out internships and work study programs. These opportunities expose you to real world work in your degree field, something many of your college professors may not have a lot of experience with while instructing. Also, internships will give you some insight into new trends within a job field and that can help you choose elective courses while obtaining your degree. Most importantly, the thing most employers will value over any degree is first hand knowledge about you as a person.
Try to love what you do. You may be doing it for a long time. Regardless of what you do, always do your best. Others will be depending on you.
Be safe.
BPTactical
07-31-2012, 05:27
Only one person in the world you HAVE to make happy and only one person you HAVE to face everyday...
I fully understand the needs of the job- dealing with the mostly bad, being hated by more people, the hours, etc. That is part of the reason- addressing Josh here- why I'm actually glad Jeffco starts their newer patrol deputies off in Evergreen, I'd rather work my home town that I know and love and help make my community a better place. I worked nights in the Army, so I'm used to that kind of jacked up schedule, and I have no wife, no kids, and don't expect to for quite some time. Talking with my LEO friends I totally get that it will be boring, stressful, difficult, and require people skills- I think I have pretty good people skills and can be good at moderating tense situations.
Goals- well long term for now would be a bit better retirement benefits than my "provide your own" that I have now. I do still have questions down the road like will my military service count towards retirement and count for substitution for education (I almost have my Associate's degree now and would plan on using time off to get my BA or BS). Short term would be get on patrol, get SWAT qualified (as that has always interested me), and eventually make SGT. Past that, I don't know, I'll have to see- maybe get into investigations or something and be a detective, if I go through with it I'll have to see what aspect I like more.
Thanks for the input so far...[Beer]
There is nothing wrong with "providing your own" retirement. Aren't you a libertarian?
I think the Army hands those clearances out in the C rats, er ah MREs, hell, I even had one when I was in.
And as far as the career change, I think the public would be outraged when you start arresting people while wearing a "pink tutu"............[LOL]
Just yanking your chain, good luck to you if you decide to go through with it.
And remember to give us a break when you see our forum stickers on our vehicles, new ones or old ones.
But it's the new era... besides, pink tutus are all the rage these days. [Tooth]
Of course if I see a forum sticker I'd probably just look the other way. [Beer]
There is nothing wrong with "providing your own" retirement. Aren't you a libertarian?
I didn't mean it that way, I mean that this business- small business owner- and how we run it, I would really have to invest hard to save up for retirement as the business doesn't provide any type of investing opportunities or 401(K) kind of retirement, it would be nice to put aside and also have a pension- double your money! [Coffee]
But it's the new era... besides, pink tutus are all the rage these days. [Tooth]
Of course if I see a forum sticker I'd probably just look the other way. [Beer]
I didn't mean it that way, I mean that this business- small business owner- and how we run it, I would really have to invest hard to save up for retirement as the business doesn't provide any time of investing or 401(K) kind of retirement, it would be nice to put aside and also have a pension- double your money! [Coffee]
I know. Just giving you a hard time.[Beer] good luck with the search
Great-Kazoo
07-31-2012, 10:11
You're worried about a pension? I'm 56 and don't have shit. To busy spending it growing up, as i never took seriously living this long.
Invest wisely and set a goal when you'd like to retire or work part time because you can.
One of my clients told me he figured out how much it would cost for 4 years of college, rent, overall expenses etc. so he could focus on school and not worry about income. At the time i met him he was graduating, secured a job and hit the point where the savings he had was finally running out. Not to say in today's economic times that is feasible, however set that bar and go for it.
rockhound
07-31-2012, 10:43
as pink tutu may make you a protected class and get you ahead in line for promotion
as pink tutu may make you a protected class and get you ahead in line for promotion
[ROFL1]
Jim, I'm not really all that worried about pension, or retirement for that matter... I'm working on some investment stuff anyway, so I think I'll be okay. The main point is, I'm not happy doing what I'm doing, I don't want to do this for the rest of my life. I've always had a passion for wanting to do LE work and I seriously think I should chase that dream. And I can finally stop saying to myself while driving "If only I was a cop..." when I see someone do something blatantly stupid and dangerous. [Beer]
Ronin, what are you the best at doing? What do you enjoy the most as far as work. I wish I could put the smack down on everyone I see doing wrong, but I know I would not enjoy being a police officer.
DeusExMachina
07-31-2012, 11:50
Ronin, what are you the best at doing? What do you enjoy the most as far as work. I wish I could put the smack down on everyone I see doing wrong, but I know I would not enjoy being a police officer.
Vigilante?
You could be Turtle Man!
Ronin, what are you the best at doing? What do you enjoy the most as far as work. I wish I could put the smack down on everyone I see doing wrong, but I know I would not enjoy being a police officer.
Personally, I love interacting with people, I think I'm good at solving problems, and I have been told I have scary situational awareness. A lot of my friends I've discussed this possible change with have voiced concern that I would "punish" stupid drivers by giving everyone a ticket... but really it's not about punishing anyone, per se, I'd more look at it like education, and unless it was really bad, I'd hear someone out before jumping to the conclusion of writing a ticket.
I have not done the job, but been on ride alongs and have seen what their daily activities are like- it seems like a job I'd really enjoy. I have monotony and would love to get into a job where no two days are the same and I'm not feeling like I'm wasting away sitting in an office shuffling papers and typing away on a keyboard all day.
I know I would enjoy following the same kind of lines one of my friends, a resident deputy down in S. Jeffco (near Deckers)- he looks at his work for JCSO as serving his community and interacting with them, letting his community know he's there to help and solve problems, not bust criminals and hassle people. [Beer]
[PoPo]
Great-Kazoo
07-31-2012, 13:14
Personally, I love interacting with people, I think I'm good at solving problems
Forget being a LE. With these quals sounds like Call Center mgt for you.
Hello my name is ronin, how may i help you sahib.
Personally, I love interacting with people, I think I'm good at solving problems
Forget being a LE. With these quals sounds like Call Center mgt for you.
Hello my name is ronin, how may i help you sahib.
What did I say about offices? [ROFL1]
I would hate that, especially IT... Their rules suck, first two questions you absolutely must ask or else are "Is it turned on? Is it plugged in?" [Bang]
Great-Kazoo
07-31-2012, 15:21
What did I say about offices? [ROFL1]
I would hate that, especially IT... Their rules suck, first two questions you absolutely must ask or else are "Is it turned on? Is it plugged in?" [Bang]
Did you restart your modem? Ok let me connect you to a second tier tech, please hold.
Once i'm back on my feet i have been giving serious thought to Tech Support. Some here can tell you i do a damn good imitation of George from the punjab province.. No worry my friend we will get it repaired for just right quick.
I've actually had them say that to me, dead give away. At least they're not paki's.
GLWJob hunt.
airborneranger
07-31-2012, 15:31
Good luck. Do what is best for you.
Well I have two things to add to this thread:
1) Jeffco is a cool SO to work for, however you will not work patrol right out of the gate. No one works patrol right out of the gate. I just went through their Academy in 2011 and they hired 20 and everyone of them were told they would be going to the jail straight away. Usually it's 3 years to get a chance at patrol is what I was told by many deputies. I was also told by multiple deputies that they have been in the jail for 9 years and could not get onto patrol. So be realistic about that upfront.
2) You stated that you don't want to be cooped up typing all day? I also thought this when I started the job. The average patrol shift follows a simple equation. 5 minutes of pure action, 2 hours of monotony, and 7 hours and 55 minutes of typing on a keyboard (report writing). I was told by an Officer that trained me that for every ten minutes of ass kicking you do you will follow that up with an hour of paperwork. I was blown away by how much paperwork is involved, and just wait until you start getting complained on.
Do I regret getting into it? Not sure yet. Would I do it again? Same answer. Regarding your scenario though if you really feel it's what you should be doing you need to level it with your dad and shoot him straight. If you truly respect him you owe it to him. Best of luck!
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