So after starting my training in retail management, I know I do not want to do this. I've applied to all kinds of jobs, with business analyst being the front runner right now. But, I'm trying to decide if business is really the right place for me... I have a degree in management from MAYS at Texas A&M, and I do like aspects of business, but I just don't know if I'll eve be fulfilled in this career path. My dad is a police officer, and I have always seen public service as one of the lost fulfilling and pride-filled jobs in the world. I am really contemplating applying for an academy, but don't know if it would be a smart move. I know there are Leo's on here with a lot of knowledge, and was hoping to have some questions answered. First, why are you still a cop? Second, what kind of benefits do most PD's provide? Is it better to work for a city or county? Is the pay enough to support a couple hunting trips every year? Sorry if any question is overreaching, just want to try and figure things out.
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You'll be the best educated cop I know.
MAYS is a tough business school and you've quite an accomplishment. Good luck with whatever you decide to do. It isn't all about money. If you don't enjoy your job, no money is enough. If you love your job, then you'll never feel like you're working.
I own and operate several businesses. I'm not passionate about all aspects of those particular businesses, but I am passionate about business. The decisions that I make daily either make money or lose money and I love the pressure that comes with putting my future on the line everyday. So it's like playing Monopoly. I love the GAME of business. Money is just a way of keeping score and is in no way tied to whether I enjoy my work or not.
Good luck and if you ever pull me over as an officer, remember these kind words I had for you.
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I agree that you should be very honest with yourself and focus on what makes you tick.
if you are like me and have to be around people, then an analyst job will probably be too isolated to keep you entertained.
but, if you are like my BIL, who is a film editor, the isolation is ideal and he would not enjoy my work being around so many people all the time.
so many other factors to career happiness, but i will address your other question about is the pay enough for some hunting trips.
my answer is this: if you learn to manage the money you make and are disciplined enough to live below your means and practice delayed gratification when it comes to spending money, then you will have no problems down the road putting money aside for hunting trips or other things that interest you.
but regardless of job or career path, if you try to get everything up front that you "want" versus what you "need" before you can really afford it, then you will never have enough to go on hunting trips without feeling guilt or pressure for the debt it would bring.
i know that's kind of heavy, but its advice that i got when i was 23 from some very wise folks. They made a lasting impression on me and the advice has served me well over the years.
if you make 30k, live on 25k
if you make 50k, live on 40k
if you make 100k, live on 70k
you get the point.... save, save, save and let your money work for you
plus, starting young and getting some money saved will allow you many more career options down the road, especially if you are not tied to living paycheck to paycheck.
good luck. its an exciting time for you
sounds like you are already asking the right questions and will be hard pressed to go wrong.Comment
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honestly city or county does not matter look at every agency individually. A lot of counties pay just as good as cities. I actually went from a city to a county and the pay was better. Yes the pay is enough to take hunting trips on but like any other job It just depends on where your priorities are and what your bills look like. Most agencies have great benefits....Insurance, retirement ect.... for the most part, the bigger agency the more pay (but not always the case). I would be more than happy to give you details of my agency to give you something to go on. just PM me.Comment
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Pm TVCComment
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I'm not a cop, but I can tell you Austin PD has great benefits and pay.
I know I work hard to fund them
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There is some decent money to be made in retail management. You will have a life commitment though. Don't think for a minute you schooling has prepared you to manage a large retail operation. Start as an assistant and get a little practical application under your belt. I hired a bunch of assistants right out of school with degrees. They had about a 35% survival rate. Spend a few years and get to manage a WalMart supercenter and you can drag home between 150,000 and 250,000 a year depending on your numbers.Comment
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Well, I have an interview today and next Tuesday for business positions. Depending on how they go I will make my decision. Right now my two PD choices are denton county sherrifs dept and Plano PD. Of course, there are quite a few more cities hiring, but those two are closer to homeComment
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My cousin is a Lt at Plano and has been there a long time.....I've got no pull though They make bank.
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PM SentComment
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I work for LEO. If you decide to go that route, I may be able to give you a contact or two.Comment
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Really leaning toward it. I will decide within a few weeks. I just hope I can find a PD with testing and an academy that will be ready for meOriginally posted by Geraldg6 View PostComment
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Try addison pd!!!Comment
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Plano, Mckinny, Allen, all those PDs pay pretty dang well for law enforcement. All have websites as well. Law Enforcement can be as fun as you want and make it. Or it can be just a job you will hate if you don't make it fun and put on a thick skin. Big pay difference between metroplex or big city departments and rural areas. I know for us retirement is a 2-1 match, health insurance paid, and full retirement at 20 years is an option.
Also, look at size of department and think about your career path. If you like narcotics work, does the department even have a narcotics unit? How many supervisors to patrolman, how many detectives etc? Determine minimum time to work out of patrol. You may not want to as patrol can be extremely fun and rewarding, esp early on., but it still gives you an idea about alternate routes in a department.
Many or most deent sized departments have recruiting officers, contact one and he/she can help you a lot with tours,, ride alongs, and other information.Comment
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Don't let the 2 employers you're interviewing with make the critical decisions on YOUR life. What do you want to do? If either or both offer you a job, think it forward 20 years- will these be a stepping stone to the career (and life) you want for yourself? Read Covery's 7 Habits of Successful people and focus on the 'start with the end in mind' topic.Originally posted by Maxxisman View Post
You're at a point where you can do pretty-much whatever you want to do. Responsibility and a lack of choices kind of 'creeps-up' on you. My son was banging nails making $12 per hour and no benefits in Cali a couple years ago. I told him it was just he and his lab Savage right now- do something that when you're 60 you'll always tell as a story as a great adventure, something he was passionate about. The heck with responsibility, do what you love and the money will follow.
He left almost 2 years ago for Montana and was a carpenter and now a crew foreman for a custom home builder, working with his hands and loving it. Works 4 10 hour days, pretty much hunts the other 3 if he's not doing side jobs to start his own company. Already has a contractor's license in Montana. While I miss him terribly, he loved Chris Ledoux music and Wyoming big skys as a kid and he's living his dream now.Comment
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