Ray m's going for a career change

[ray m]

Since I consider this board more or less a third family, I wanted to let everyone know that it's time for a career change for me. I've been a law enforcement officer for just a tweak shy of 15 years, and I've decided that the job simply is not for me anymore.

This is a decision that I really struggled with for over a year now. After going back and forth, I decided to follow my heart and soul instead of the dollar sign. I think the biggest catalysts in my decision was mainly the sheer confrontational/dangerous nature of the job, plus I am so burned and stressed out that I can't stand it anymore. This is a job for young bucks, and I'm tired of hating to go to work everyday.

I could have stayed & retired in 5 1/2 more years, but life is too short to be miserable, ya know? So, I am taking the plunge and trying to go for a dispatching job. It'll be a bit of a pay cut, but my wife & I are OK with it.

Hope it won't be too much of a request for your prayers, etc. Thanks, folks!!

[Fast_Eddy]

Good luck, Ray

[Wolf359]

I can strongly identify with you on this topic. I'm leaving my great paying job of 9 years next September. The stress is just too much, and I feel the job is making me old before my time. No amount of money is worth it sometimes. Fifty plus hours a week for the last 4-1/2 years will waste a person. Beautiful central Oregon and an uncertain employment await me. Good luck.

[davesarman]

Good luck Ray! Hope it works out for the best!

[danno]

Good luck Ray !!!!

[I'mRocketMan]

Good luck, Ray and thanks for all you did!!

[corysdad]

Very admirable, good luck Ray and wolf359. Please keep us posted...

[wortchillergoal]

I wish you luck and thank you for a job well done.

[chazwicke]

Good Luck to both of you. I agree that money is not everything. I am fortunate to have a job I love and for a while I was thinking of retiring but then I thought What am I gonna do at the ripe old age of 47 when all my buddies are at work. Who am I goona play with. So I think I'll never retire as long as I do what I do best. Figurehead. From time to time a Fortune 100 company that I do work with asks me to set up offices in maryland or they have offered to make me in charge of their entire Virginia operation. Oversee several offices. I could even do this in conjunction with my current job. It would be loads more money. My answer has been consistently NO WAY!. The headaches would outweight the financial gain. Money is not everything.

My brother is in law enforcement. I worry about him a lot. And after seeing some of the things I know you have seen Ray, like the accident you told us about I would not blame you. Wolf, Not sure what you do but I agree money is not everything. Being happy is worth much more. Good luck to both of you guys.

[staronstage]

Good luck Ray!

[ray m]

Thanks very much for all the good wishes received thus far, guys.

Wolf, just curious, but why do you have to wait until September to leave? Are you in some kind of a contract? Regardless of why, I also wish you the best of luck!!:)

[Wolf359]

Things are kind of complicated, but it goes like this - the wife has to complete 1 year where she's at, then she goes up in June. She already has a great job waiting for here upon arrival. We'll purchase our house up there in June, she'll have the job, so not too many problems getting financed. I thought it best to remain employed at my current job as to also have no problems with the home getting financed. Guess I'm just being a little cautious.

[Stodbrew]

Best of luck, Ray! I'm sure everything will work out for you!

[hopjack13]

good luck ray!! and thnx again for your services! we all wish you the best!


stod check your pm box

[eddiefebuary]

I salute your courage. I have another 8 years until I am eligible to retire. If I had to do it all over again, I would not get into law enforcement.
I was up in your area last year attending SPI.

[brewmonkey]

Think of how grateful other officers will be to know that the guy on the mike is someone who has been in their shoes and understands what is going through their minds while they call the chase or are on scene at a robbery.

Money is not always the reason and is never a good one IMHO to keep a job.

Good luck in your new position.

[steveh]

Good luck Ray, and I echo Brewmonk's sentiments - the rest of the department probably feels lucky having someone at base that knows the ropes - and they won't have to break in!

S.

[ray m]

Thanks for the other replies & good wishes, guys.....I haven't changed jobs yet, but I do have an "iron in the fire".....I've submitted an application and have to take the test in mid-January. Until then, I'm kind of in a holding pattern right now. I'll definitely keep you all posted.

EddieF.....I definitely would not choose law enforcement if I could do it all over again. I don't know if you're in the same "burn-out boat" that I'm in, but if the retirement is the only thing that's keeping you in it and you want to get out, I'd say get out. I listened to too many people the past year who told me I have to stay in it because I "only" have 5 years to go. Then I listened to myself for a change and decided I've had enough. The stress just isn't worth my continued unhappiness and health risks. be safe in the meantime & keep your head down!!

[Jake]

Ray I know this is late but I really do wish you the best. My prayers and wishes are with you. Thank you for your 15 years of service.

[MeridianFC]

Ray you've lasted 15 years in a job most of us could not last 15 minutes in. Good luck with your new endeavor.

K.

[BREWERDLUX]

Ray, I feel your pain. I am twelve years on the job as a police officer and I have pondered leaving it everyday. I had a really bad incident in 1999 where I was involved in a shooting and I have really been on the edge of changing jobs myself since that time. I wish you well in whatever you do next and thank you for your service Brother.

[ray m]

Thanks for the additional well-wishes, guys!! :)

BrewerDlux.......check your PM's