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...