Expert: Loren Stevens - 10/8/2009

Question
I will try to keep this short and to the point, I have since I was small, wanted to join the Military, and didn’t work out.  Dreams changed of being in Law Enforcement, Didn't work out. As a Father of 6 Children and one more on the way, my calling was for something else. I am 34 years old and, currently work for a Major Hospital working for the IT department; I have worked IT, for the last 12 years.  I don't want this anymore; I have felt this way for years.  I am at my wits ends with this.  I constantly dream of having a fulfilling Career in Law Enforcement, I am not particular about what now, but Just law Enforcement would be a Dream for me.
I currently make 85k year, I live near Houston TX. I don't know if it matters or helps, but I have attended Technical School for what I do years ago. NO Degree however. I have a clean background, and am Physically Fit, and have passed a CHL.

Paul


Answer
Hello Paul,
OK, what's the question??
If police work is your passion, you might have to weigh that with your other duties, in terms of providing for your large family.
I'm guessing, that you currently work "normal" hours, with "normal" days off.
In police work, you will be a rookie, and need to "pay your dues" with the less than desirable days off and shifts. Most certainly, you can figure on working first watch...grave yard for atleast a few years. Don't figure on a summer vacation for atleast a few years or more. And, you'll start off with a substantial cut in pay.
Maybe the "dream" you speak of, may just be past, in that you had the opportunity to go after your dreams prior to all this family obligation?? I don't know, it's just something that pops out of your statement.
What you didn't include, is what your partner (wife) has to say about all of this.
You now have a lot of "votes" at home that have a stake in what you do, and how you proceed.
Why don't you sniff around the city and county police agencies around where you live, and see which of them has a Reserve Program. It is a volunteer initiative, but gets you into the game a bit.
Most reserve programs will allow you to work as many shifts as you want. They also require a minimum per month.
If it's the excitement you seek, this might be the answer, without tipping your family upside down.
You might also consider enhancing your personal life insurance if you go this route.
You have a lot of mouths depending on you, and it's not beyond the possibilities, that you could get clipped as a reservist.
The age issue, is generally not an issue. Some agencies try to cap the age thing, but there are so many age discrimination cases on file, it's tough.
The feds do have an age cut off of 37...go figure.
I have given your saga some thought, and figure it is not impossible for you to change careers, but man, you gotta a LOT of reasons to stay with what you are doing.
I think a police reserve officer may be just the thing for you.
Also, I should say, that doing anything for 12 years can get old. In that regard, there are aspects in police work that are very repetitive, and get old in a hurry.
So, in your final analysis, you have much to put on the scales of decision making. Certainly a lot more than just your personal dreams.
You might just need to stay put.
But, think about the reserve thing. I've known many of them, that couldn't afford the pay cut, but hungered for the action, and this fit the bill.
Good luck, think smart,
and Regards.
loren