A real life decision I need to make.

clevohardcore - 6-29-2007 at 04:55 PM

Its now time. I have been doing the Sheriff Auxillary for for over a a year and a half. All the while continuing College to get a degree in Education grades 4-9 History and English. I still need a estimate 2 years to complete this.

I got accepted into the Police Academy last week. I start at the end of August. This lasts until April '08'. After that I still have to apply for a job with any department hiring. This decision to either stay in College or go to the Academy is hard. If I rated the to occupations of what I would most prefer I would say

1. Teacher
2. Law Enforcement

That said, both jobs pose issues.

Teacher- I have a almsot 2 year old. My wife is the main bread winner and it will take another 2 years to get the degree. I have accumulated a large amount of student loan debt and the credit cards I have been living on to support what my wife can't take care of and what I can't supply with side jobs. The pay will be starting in the low $30,000's. Not too good for a 5 year degree and all that debt, but I would love the hours and the job.

Law Enforcement- I am 30. I am worried about getting a job after spending $3,700 to get into the Academy. Once I would graduate I still have no definite job. I will have to apply to all departments hiring and hope I pass the tests and they like/hire me. I will be competing with younger guys and I am not sure if departments will look down on that. The cut off for most departments are 34. the pay will average $46,000 and have shitty hours with much hazards, but i would feel good doing something helpful and rewarding for any community. I need to lose at least 30- 40 pounds and make a run time of 12:25 in a mile and a half. I am now at 15:20 and my left knee is bothering me. It shouldn't be a problem when I get this weight off.

The Pros for these occupations that I have created are this..

Teacher- I have been going to school and following a program for it through the University. I am over 1/2 way through it. I would love the job.

Law Enforcement- I have been in the Auxiliary for a while and know many people within the Sheriffs Department. I have much of the same training you get in the real academy which means I could possibly do very well in the Police Academy. Also in the perfect world I would be picked up when I graduate witht he Sheriffs Department I already work for. However there is no gurantees and they are possibly laying off because of lack of funds and taxes. So that is a crap shoot.

Anyway, any input is appreciated. Its been on the mind for a while, but since I now know I need to make this decision I thought I'd get some outside views.

clevohardcore - 6-29-2007 at 04:56 PM

Man I typed alot. Sorry guys and gals.

BDx13 - 6-29-2007 at 05:28 PM

you've put so much time and money into college, i'd suggest trying to get something out of it. can you use the credits you have for an associate's degree now, then go to the academy?

Discipline - 6-29-2007 at 05:31 PM

That's a tough call. With all the time spent in college it almost seems silly to waste it. At the same time, I can see wanting to go to the academy as it will be finished quicker and you'd be able to start earning some cash a lot sooner.

I really don't know what I would do in that position. What does your wife think?

defstarsteve - 6-29-2007 at 05:37 PM

have you looked into teaching without the degree or doing substitute work...
I'd say teaching is a safer career choice but not so much anymore...

but is any job worth getting shot for?
look at the dude who was shot in the head this week by the skinhead fuck... dude was 60 almost to retirement and had a cush job of transporting prisoners....
no out on the streets chasing bad guys stuff, just straight routine

and in addition to that the punk rock parent in me says
the world needs more teachers and fewer cops...
dare to dream,
I mean if you are looking to make an impact in lives, teaching is far more rewarding

Murk - 6-29-2007 at 05:40 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BD
you've put so much time and money into college, i'd suggest trying to get something out of it.

crazyfists28 - 6-29-2007 at 05:44 PM

i've taken classes here and there but am going back to school this fall to learn how to be a stenographer. i put my two weeks in today and will take a part time job to make some bucks. i've been doing the same job for over seven years so i say you make the move that will make YOU happy. don't worry about the money, or the stuff you've done in the past. if you think teaching would make you the happiest, pursue it. otherwise go for the academy. no guarantees in life but to me, if you don't at least attempt something, you'll never know if it was meant for you

BDx13 - 6-29-2007 at 05:58 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by crazyfists28
i've taken classes here and there but am going back to school this fall to learn how to be a stenographer. i put my two weeks in today and will take a part time job to make some bucks. i've been doing the same job for over seven years so i say you make the move that will make YOU happy. don't worry about the money, or the stuff you've done in the past. if you think teaching would make you the happiest, pursue it. otherwise go for the academy. no guarantees in life but to me, if you don't at least attempt something, you'll never know if it was meant for you

congratulations. that's a power move! will you be able to get the training (and ultimately, a job) in your area, or might you have to move?

crazyfists28 - 6-29-2007 at 06:07 PM

there are options locally as far as government jobs if i take the civil service test but i also have a cousin who owns his own freelance business dealing with this in miami so i suppose i could talk to him about relocating as well...once you have the speed and accuracy, you can pretty much work anywhere. hopefully it all works out. i've had enough of manual labor!!!!

Siczine.com - 6-29-2007 at 07:23 PM

I agree with what's been said so far. You already put yourself in debt and put the time in, might as well get something for it. And like defstar said, teaching is a much more rewarding job and it is what you really wanted to do. So I would say go for the teaching.

clevohardcore - 6-29-2007 at 09:17 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BD
you've put so much time and money into college, i'd suggest trying to get something out of it. can you use the credits you have for an associate's degree now, then go to the academy?

^^^^^^^ I have 3 final courses that do not apply to my Bachelors degree to take if I want the Associates which isn't too bad, but it still is bullshit.

clevohardcore - 6-29-2007 at 09:19 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by defstarsteve
have you looked into teaching without the degree or doing substitute work...
I'd say teaching is a safer career choice but not so much anymore...

but is any job worth getting shot for?
look at the dude who was shot in the head this week by the skinhead fuck... dude was 60 almost to retirement and had a cush job of transporting prisoners....
no out on the streets chasing bad guys stuff, just straight routine

and in addition to that the punk rock parent in me says
the world needs more teachers and fewer cops...
dare to dream,
I mean if you are looking to make an impact in lives, teaching is far more rewarding

^^^^^^^^ I'm with ya on this. It's weird for me to even be considering this occupation, but for some reason I'm feeling it. Teaching what I most want to do though. In the State of Ohio they will not allow ANYONE to teach at all without a bachelors of Arts degree. I will be student teaching for free in 2 semesters though if I continued this.

clevohardcore - 6-29-2007 at 09:28 PM

Quote:

^^^^^^^^ I sold beds for nearly 10 years and hated it. Good money but hated it. Once my son was born my wife and I decided since she was fine with her job and we do not have family to help with our son we thought it best that I finish College and begin a positive career.

Attempting things is exactly why I did this. I got accepted into the Sheriffs office and went through the Auxiliary Academy because I wanted to give it a chance. I like it, but it would be much better to get paid over $20.00 and hour doing it though. I htought it either Law Enforcement or Education happened first then thats what I do. Now my delema involves delaying one for the other and paying money to do so.

clevohardcore - 6-29-2007 at 09:36 PM

I want to say something. All you guys have lives and things going on in your lives. I fuckin appreciate your time helping me sort this thing out. You all are cool as fuck and well I value your opinions. ....I mean it. Thanks.

Sure I want an answer, but only I can make that decision. It's just cool to have a point of view and another perspective. When you are bogged down with everyhting and dealing with the situation, sometimes you forget what its all about and what you really want. Thanks again. This also applies to anyone who posts in the thread in the future.

DaveMoral - 6-29-2007 at 10:06 PM

I'd say stick it out and go for the BA. My wife wants to teach, but between our one year old and working in an after school program at a private school and home stuff she has a hard time doing the work... and that's with mostly online courses. Still, it's worth it. I mean, what would you rather do? Work with the lowlifes, many of whom it may be too late to head off into the criminal life and you're not really in a position to actually help them get out of crime just there to enforce the existing laws OR teach kids, get 'em on the right track early and hopefully keep them from becoming lowlifes?

Plus you've put so much time into it. I guess you gotta figure out which is your calling really... it's like Joseph Cambell said before he died, "follow your bliss."

BDx13 - 6-29-2007 at 10:27 PM

i couldn't leave all that time and money on the table.
i'd have to get the degree.
preferrably a BA.

Murk - 6-29-2007 at 10:57 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by clevohardcore
I need to lose at least 30- 40 pounds and make a run time of 12:25 in a mile and a half. I am now at 15:20 and my left knee is bothering me. It shouldn't be a problem when I get this weight off.

no matter what you choose, this ain't a bad idea.

newbreedbrian - 6-29-2007 at 11:18 PM

I'd say go with your gut, which looks like it's going after a teaching position. Money definitely isn't everything in life and you'll be happier in the long run if you do what you know you really want. You're already on the way as well, which helps. Ultimately though this is your decision and only you can make it. Good luck to you man.

random - 6-30-2007 at 01:11 AM

Clevo,

I think you already know the decision you should make, but you're fully aware of the sacrifice that not only you but your wife and child will have to make if you pursue it (and lot's of respect for it, since you're taking them into account with this decision).

Regarding the teacher salary, keep in mind that the 30K is a 9-month salary, so you can still work in the summer months. Also, if you're willing to take a job in the right (or should I say "wrong") area, there are programs to forgive your student loan debt.

As for doing something positive, you can look at it like this: would you rather be helping kids get their life straight and have some opportunities that most don't get, or would you rather be locking them up and making sure they never see those opportunities? That being said, I'm really not anti-cop. But cops are ideally there to help when shit has already gone bad... a teacher is ideally there to help make sure that life doesn't reach that point.

I actually have no desire to teach kids and don't really like being around kids all that much, but I'm currently tutoring part-time. It's seriously an exciting thing to see kids trying their hardest to improve themselves... I haven't seen motivation like this in a long time, and it's damn near absent from "the scene" (pick one), despite all the rhetoric about rising above the situation, self pride and self respect, etc. Too many people are content to just be drunk or drugged out losers.

The police academy does take less time, but you have to be honest with yourself about the drawbacks. You still have some weight to lose (though I agree with Murk that you should work on it either way), and age probably will be an issue when you're out looking for a job in 9 months.

Basically, it sounds like there are a lot more risks with going the police route. If it's what you really wanted to do, I might be encouraging you to go for it. But it sounds like you really want to be a teacher, and you're just worried about the extra burden you'll be putting on the family. By the time your kid is old enough to realize what's going on, you'll be in good financial shape with either job. If your wife is fine with making the sacrifices (and she's probably more OK with it than you want to admit to yourself, since you don't want to make her give up anything for you), then go for the teaching job.

PS - I still haven't forgotten about the offer on some Oi CDs. Just haven't saved anything to my hard drive yet. If you name a few albums in particular, I'll get it done sooner and will mail it out to you.

Siczine.com - 6-30-2007 at 01:34 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by DaveMoral
I'd say stick it out and go for the BA. My wife wants to teach, but between our one year old and working in an after school program at a private school and home stuff she has a hard time doing the work... and that's with mostly online courses. Still, it's worth it. I mean, what would you rather do? Work with the lowlifes, many of whom it may be too late to head off into the criminal life and you're not really in a position to actually help them get out of crime just there to enforce the existing laws OR teach kids, get 'em on the right track early and hopefully keep them from becoming lowlifes?

Plus you've put so much time into it. I guess you gotta figure out which is your calling really... it's like Joseph Cambell said before he died, "follow your bliss."

Exactly. Couldn't have said it better myself.

clevohardcore - 6-30-2007 at 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by random
Clevo,

I think you already know the decision you should make, but you're fully aware of the sacrifice that not only you but your wife and child will have to make if you pursue it (and lot's of respect for it, since you're taking them into account with this decision).

Regarding the teacher salary, keep in mind that the 30K is a 9-month salary, so you can still work in the summer months. Also, if you're willing to take a job in the right (or should I say "wrong") area, there are programs to forgive your student loan debt.

As for doing something positive, you can look at it like this: would you rather be helping kids get their life straight and have some opportunities that most don't get, or would you rather be locking them up and making sure they never see those opportunities? That being said, I'm really not anti-cop. But cops are ideally there to help when shit has already gone bad... a teacher is ideally there to help make sure that life doesn't reach that point.

I actually have no desire to teach kids and don't really like being around kids all that much, but I'm currently tutoring part-time. It's seriously an exciting thing to see kids trying their hardest to improve themselves... I haven't seen motivation like this in a long time, and it's damn near absent from "the scene" (pick one), despite all the rhetoric about rising above the situation, self pride and self respect, etc. Too many people are content to just be drunk or drugged out losers.

The police academy does take less time, but you have to be honest with yourself about the drawbacks. You still have some weight to lose (though I agree with Murk that you should work on it either way), and age probably will be an issue when you're out looking for a job in 9 months.

Basically, it sounds like there are a lot more risks with going the police route. If it's what you really wanted to do, I might be encouraging you to go for it. But it sounds like you really want to be a teacher, and you're just worried about the extra burden you'll be putting on the family. By the time your kid is old enough to realize what's going on, you'll be in good financial shape with either job. If your wife is fine with making the sacrifices (and she's probably more OK with it than you want to admit to yourself, since you don't want to make her give up anything for you), then go for the teaching job.

PS - I still haven't forgotten about the offer on some Oi CDs. Just haven't saved anything to my hard drive yet. If you name a few albums in particular, I'll get it done sooner and will mail it out to you.

^^^^^^^^^^ It's like poetry. Awsome.

clevohardcore - 6-30-2007 at 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by newbreedbrian
I'd say go with your gut, which looks like it's going after a teaching position. Money definitely isn't everything in life and you'll be happier in the long run if you do what you know you really want. You're already on the way as well, which helps. Ultimately though this is your decision and only you can make it. Good luck to you man.

^^^^^ When I think of beign a Cop. I think I am on the right track but will carry the burden after work. As a teacher I see no burden.

clevohardcore - 6-30-2007 at 01:43 PM

Quote:

^^^^^^^^ AHHAHAHAHAAHA

brooklyn - 7-2-2007 at 10:34 AM

tough one. But I would say first of foremost have a decent chat with your wife and see what she says. Then your heart clearly is more into the teaching than being a cop. If the financial situation for the next yaesr (college) might be a strain on the relationship (including the kid) then maybe the dream of being a teacher has to give in to hard reality that you need an income and thus the cop route as it's shorter. But then again also the world indeed needs more teachers. Good luck with this one but I feel it should be a common decision between you and your wife.

Six66Mike - 7-2-2007 at 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by clevohardcore
I have been doing the Sheriff Auxillary for for over a a year and a half. All the while continuing College to get a degree in Education grades 4-9 History and English. I still need a estimate 2 years to complete this.

I got accepted into the Police Academy last week. I start at the end of August. This lasts until April '08'. After that I still have to apply for a job with any department hiring.

Law Enforcement- I am 30. I am worried about getting a job after spending $3,700 to get into the Academy. Once I would graduate I still have no definite job. I will have to apply to all departments hiring and hope I pass the tests and they like/hire me. I will be competing with younger guys and I am not sure if departments will look down on that. The cut off for most departments are 34. the pay will average $46,000 and have shitty hours with much hazards, but i would feel good doing something helpful and rewarding for any community. I need to lose at least 30- 40 pounds and make a run time of 12:25 in a mile and a half. I am now at 15:20 and my left knee is bothering me. It shouldn't be a problem when I get this weight off.

Law Enforcement- I have been in the Auxiliary for a while and know many people within the Sheriffs Department. I have much of the same training you get in the real academy which means I could possibly do very well in the Police Academy. Also in the perfect world I would be picked up when I graduate witht he Sheriffs Department I already work for. However there is no gurantees and they are possibly laying off because of lack of funds and taxes. So that is a crap shoot.

I know a few people who got jobs here with the police in their mid 30s. The guy across the street tried for over 5 years to get hired and finally did a few years ago pushing 35. I don't know that finding a job would be that hard, they are always looking for police somewhere. Hell the police in South Australia are openly recruiting cops from the UK to fill their massive shortage & advertise like crazy for more recruits. It all depends on the area I suppose.

Since you are already an auxiliary and know a lot of the staff, you already have great experience and character references, people who can vouch for the work you do so with these guys standing up for you getting a job may be easier than the 25 year old coming out of the academy, you are better prepared for the job than they are.

clevohardcore - 7-2-2007 at 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Six66Mike

Quote:

^^^^^^^ This si true. Also the open ernollment thing is going on in ARIZONA too. They need people bad out there.

Six66Mike - 7-2-2007 at 02:20 PM

Yeah all depends how far you are willing to move to get a sweet job with decent pay & your wife can still exist with her line of work at a comparable salary I imagine.

clevohardcore - 7-2-2007 at 02:22 PM

I'd be down to live in Az. See some NSK shows.

Six66Mike - 7-2-2007 at 08:25 PM

Slayer + SOIA + every other band I love couldn't convince me to move to the Arizona heat I imagine lol.

Murk - 7-3-2007 at 01:00 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by clevohardcore
I'd be down to live in Az.

u like heat? :cool:

it ain't that bad since the humidity is low. if you're not in direct sunlight, it's just warm. "winter" is perfect.

i lived in Tempe/Phoenix for 9 months and loved it. cool city, lots to do, lots of places to go, lots of satelite cities. San Diego, LA and Vegas are all 6hrs driving and 90 minutes flying. i can personally vouch for this place:

http://www.chebahut.com/menu.php

monsoon season ain't that great, but that don't last long and the experience of 95-100 degree temperatures at midnight and beyond is kinda wild. on the hotter days, i was always tempted to crack an egg or put a hot dog on the side walk, but never did.

if there's any chance of you becoming a police officer in the Phoenix area and you don't understand/speak Spanish, start learning, seriously.

godabandonedme - 7-3-2007 at 03:13 PM

Being a cop has pretty much drove me nuts. I like it though. Don't be disillusioned(sp?) by thinking about that whole "make a difference" thing, maybe a small town suburbia cop, but definitlly not here anyway. Last night I was chasing some toad threw a shit strewn germantown alleyway as fast as I could and got fucking clotheslined by some vine or cable line or something, it probablly looked hilarious, except I hit my head and lost about 4 or 5 minutes there. That was only after dealing with a shooting at 27th and Clearfield, and putting some stick time in at 33rd and Alleygheny cause some shitbag wanted to spit boo's at a friend of mine. I think I'm taking tonight off, I'm sore and tired. Blah. Honestly, theres no better job then this, it's fun, you get paid to drive like a maniac, and kick people in the face. Sure, there's alot of downsides, but hey what can you do? 4 guys in 2 years have been shot in my district (39th) alone. My friend Mike was shot point blank in the face over a stolen car. I don't really have a point, go for a ride along with the local larger city pd and get to know some of those guys to see how it really is. Teaching's cool too. Whatever you really think is best, I'm sure you'll figure it out. Although whats with paying for the academy? Are you talking about that stuff on TV? You don't need that, the local pd has to send you to an academy anyway.

clevohardcore - 7-3-2007 at 03:49 PM

In my area you need to pay for the Academy to show your desire to be a Officer. The departments do not want to pay for you to go becasue they claim no money from voters and taxpayers. Plus not many people are retiring around here. So they are not hurting to people. IF you test in my area you are competing with about 100 people each test. Some cities are more. And when a city actually does a test you are lucky if they are hiring 2 or 3 people from it. Most departments test and hire once a year. On average 2 people.

clevohardcore - 7-3-2007 at 07:04 PM

I'm going to the Academy. I am doing this.

Murk - 7-4-2007 at 12:05 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by godabandonedme
Last night I was chasing some toad threw a shit strewn germantown alleyway as fast as I could and got fucking clotheslined by some vine or cable line or something, it probablly looked hilarious, except I hit my head and lost about 4 or 5 minutes there.

damn. when you say "lost", do you mean you were out or that it took 4-5 minutes to get going again after whackin' your head?

godabandonedme - 7-4-2007 at 08:13 PM

I saw a flash of light, popped up, realized I was in an alleyway with a police uniform - checked and made sure my gun was there, looked up and toad was still running.......put 2 and 2 together and got back to work.....only I lost the time from when I got up and for a few minutes more. I woke up (yesterday after I posted that) and was throwing up so I think I got banged up a little bit but that's life. *Apparentlly my sgt. gave me a ride home cause I was mumbling some nonsene about god knows what. Either way, I got the night off, got drunk (maybe a little easier then normal (?) ), and had to go home and argue with my girlfriend about how much of a piece of shit I am. So, answers to both of your questions???? 1. Lost = yes NOW I realized I got knocked the fuck out. 2. Save yourself the trouble and become a teacher............

godabandonedme - 7-4-2007 at 08:25 PM

Still kinda foggy with everything.....No for the last few days I have LOST those 4 or so minutes. What I typed was mostly told to me about what happened. (SIDE NOTE) Before I crushed my phone on the bar last night cause I was pissed and drunk and still out of it, I got a hilarious little phone call from a guy I know in the AirTac unit (PD Helicopter). Apparently after I took my little spill they came over saying "we saw the male trying to hide in the alley under the bushes" and I came over the air saying "3922, thanks airtac 1 but that was probablly me you saw getting fucking clotheslined....." and then they qued up their mics and just laughed.....fuckers............................

Be a teacher. Sorry I got off the subject.

XHonusWagnerX - 7-4-2007 at 08:43 PM

after reading only your first post.... I go with the Teacher, but thats just my personal preferance.