What do you think of a career change from IT to the police?

Question

I'm 30 years old and earn a respectable salary in my IT career that I've been doing for 10 years.

Now I'm totally bored of it and want a change, and thought about working for the police. But, I earn double the starting salary of a police officer, and wouldn't be able to pay my mortgage if I did that.

What do you think? Are there any options available to me?

Answer 1

Mate i can understand where you're coming from. I'm kind of in the same boat as i earn 40k and considered joining just because I love the idea of being a cop and bringing good to the world. But as you say, unfortunately you become too dependant on your income when your on a high salary so presents a big problem money wise.

Try joining the specials firstly and see if its what you really want to do, you choose your own hours and only work about 5 hours a week minimum. Good luck in your career though!
Craig

Answer 2

I just think that whatever you do in life, you should like to do. Life is short. Maybe you would be happier as an officer. There are a lot of qualifications you must meet, physically and there also is an age limit, I am not sure but I think it's something like 34 years old or younger to be an officer. I have read that many officers are picked right from the service (the army, etc...). You have to be in excellent shape and also willing to take all those risks. You can always sell your house and start over. Do what you can while you are young. It's so much harder later in life.

Answer 3

Keep the IT job for now (it's paying the Mortgage), but look around at other types of careers that you might be interested in, then do alittle research into those areas including pay levels, maybe you could do some courses in your spare time from somewhere like Learn Direct etc to gain a qualification towards that career change. (I'm trying to get INTO the IT industry, any tips)

Answer 4

Mmmm.... seems fairly self explanatory mate you can`t afford to be a full time police. If you`re a southerner you could always move up north and get a cheaper house?
We have an excellent class of charver up here that could do with apprehending. Try and be a community "hobby bobby" first to see if you like though, its not for everyone.

Oh and by the way "Gazza" it is probably your semi literacy and your self pitying, bordering on racist style that's going against you. I`m glad to say.

Answer 5

Pursue your passion. You're too young to give up the chance to tackle any of the "what ifs" you may ask yourself later in life.

If entering the police force is something that you'd want to do if money wasn't a factor, then you can find a way to make it work.

You could find a job that will support your lifestyle, but if your career carries more weight than your lifestyle at this point, then adjust your lifestyle to fit your career. Reduce your living expenses so they will be accommodated by your new income.
It can be done.

Many police officers support themselves starting out.

A friend of mine who faced a similar dry spell at age 29, decided to enter the National Guard. It's occasional/part-time work which allowed him to maintain his current job, gave him renewed enthusiasm and pride in what he contributes to society, and gave him extra income and free training/new employable skills.

Good luck!

Answer 6

It all depends on what aspect of IT you work in. Most IT jobs such as support and programming are being outsourced anyway. However, as a former IT corporate monkey who has gone back to college to pursue my PhD in French of all things, I would say to go for it. You can always adjust your lifestyle to fit your income and criminal justice will probably have good benefits and job security. However, if you are just looking for another job, but don't have a passion to be a cop, you will probably just burn out on that, too. Think hard about what you want and what you enjoy. It's worth your own happiness and peace of mind to choose an occupation you love. Since you were in IT, you are probably a pretty quick study and can do just about anything you want, plus you can always fall back on it for side work. (As a contractor, consultant, webmaster, etc...)

Answer 7

don't get discouraged in case you have been to hiring training, you have have been given one foot interior the door. i do no longer know with reference to the coaching you get at a railroad academy, even though it rather is valueless in case you get employed considering which you will could practice as quickly as greater, and you will lose money. would desire to besides get employed, and make money for the coaching you will finally end up paying for that would desire to be deemed ineffective. UP and the BNSF are hiring now via fact a lot of folk are retiring now so this may be your shot. There are some ex-officers that artwork for the railroad interior the service unit I artwork in. So, if the railroad is the exchange you're finding for....choose for IT!!! examine the railroad web content and stick to on line in case you could. desire to work out you on the rails!!!!

Answer 8

The salary is incremental and you get a whole load of allowances on top of that + loads of overtime if you're willing to work for it.

you don't join the police to make money, it join it to do a job that involves not having a clue how the f**k your day is going to end.....

Best job going. I've been doing it for seven years now and not bored yet.

Answer 9

You can work for Police forces as an IT Consultant. Don't just be a constable, try to aim something higher in the police force.

I believe you can negotiate your way in.

If you have many committments unless you have other income streams, I wouldn't recommend a move as that might jeopadise your mortgage.

Hope this helps :)

Answer 10

Join the specials to try it out. But think of what being in the Police means.. Shift work, working weekends, no time off, fighting to get a decent patch in the summer, paperwork til it comes out your head and a PC regime to drive you mad. Stay as you are and be bored.