Need Job Advice.

[Catch and Grease]

I've been working at a tractor supply store for a little more than a year now I believe and I've always been part time, I've grown close to all my coworkers and I love my job.

 

That being said every since I was a little kid I've wanted to be a police officer (Yes I know they are underpaided and most people think it's a crappy job, I get it.) I plan on leaving tractor supply to work at the jail because they will pay for the academy if I stay there a year and guarantee me a job at the sheriffs department. Idk when this would be, could be a year, could be 6 months, heck might be next week. 

 

Now recently my boss is offering me a fulltime spot and a team lead spot, (kinda like a manager but not really...) Which would be a pretty good raise and I'd get a lot more hours... Should I take the spot knowing I'm gonna leave and that it may be soon? They don't know anything about me leaving because I've kept it on the down low. I just don't want to seem like I'm screwing them if I take the job then say "peace out!" Lol

 

Would you take the promotion?

 

 

[jr231]

First off . I like your little quote there at the bottom from nergeanu. 

 

If you know you're leaving ? Why bother ? Just go start working at the jail asap and get that year over with so they can pay for your schooling.. 

 

It all depends on how long til you can start working at the jail.. 

[Dwight Hottle]

Yes take the job. Your chance at the other job may not happen right away. The upgraded position at your current employer shows you're working hard & considered for more responsibility. That will look good on your work record. If the other job does come up be honest with your current employer for your reasons for leaving to pursue your dream & give adequate notice. You have to look out for yourself first then others. 

 

[Catt]

At 65 yrs young I can tell you there is a lot to be said about doing what you like!

[jr231]

6 minutes ago, Dwight Hottle said:

Yes take the job. Your chance at the other job may not happen right away. The upgraded position at your current employer shows you're working hard & considered for more responsibility. That will look good on your work record. If the other job does come up be honest with your current employer for your reasons for leaving to pursue your dream & give adequate notice. You have to look out for yourself first then others. 

 

 

Right but what if he can start the jail job soon ? Say.. a couple weeks ? 

 

There is missing info !

[Catch and Grease]

Well see, the current sheriff lost the election, and he doesn't plan on hiring anyone with the time he has left in office, so with the new sheriff taking office janurary 1st I really don't know yet... I've got friends and family in the sheriff's department trying to get me the job.  I was pretty close to getting it and would probably already be working there if the current sheriff didn't lose his election.

[Attila]

Above all you have to comfortable with the choice you make and where you'd feel the most comfortable working. Other factors to include might be how is this going to impact my immediate family or a future family, or how about it will impact your regular day to day obligations? Is the work shift overnight, and if it is, can you get used to working such a shift?

 

Just some thoughts to consider...

[Chowderhead]

31 minutes ago, Dwight Hottle said:

Yes take the job. Your chance at the other job may not happen right away. The upgraded position at your current employer shows you're working hard & considered for more responsibility. That will look good on your work record. If the other job does come up be honest with your current employer for your reasons for leaving to pursue your dream & give adequate notice.

 

It sounds like a great opportunity has been presented to you, I think it would be wise to accept it if you enjoy what you are doing.  As other posts have identified, the jail/police job opportunity may not happen for a while (or at all), and the best of plans do not always go as scheduled.   

[Bluebasser86]

Been working in a jail for a decade now. It ain't that bad and I actuallyget paid really well. We'recertified LEO's though so we get paid way better than most. It's not glamorous, but it pays the bills, has great retirement and benefits, and there's never a shortage of idiots keeping me in work.

[A-Jay]

Join the Service ~ Serve your Country.

 

http://www.military.com/join-armed-forces/military-service-branches-compared.html

 

A-Jay

 

[DogBone_384]

Follow your gut.

 

If you really want to be a Police Officer find out what you need to do in your state/county. In Mass, where I am, Police/Fire have to take civil service, physical ability, and psychiactric tests before earning consideration by a municipality. Veterans in MA get hiring prefernce too.

 

Talk to Police Officers in your town to get their opinion of the job. I'm a firefighter and interact with the Police every shift. What you see on the news represents a fraction of a percent of every day reality, and movies, well, are movies.

 

Lastly, my father always told me to consider a job that I could picture myself doing when I'm in my 40's & 50's. I give my daughter the same advice.

 

Best of luck with your career choice.

[slonezp]

2 hours ago, Yeajray231 said:

 

Right but what if he can start the jail job soon ? Say.. a couple weeks ? 

 

There is missing info !

That's a couple weeks with extra money in the check. Opportunity is being handed to him. The only negative is the 5 minutes of guilt he will feel when he puts in his notice to leave and work at the jail. While I sympathize with your opinion, business is business   

[Raul]

DO WHAT YOU WANT TO BE !

 

a "job" is not a job when you work doing what you love.

 

 

[Catch and Grease]

1 hour ago, A-Jay said:

Join the Service ~ Serve your Country.

 

http://www.military.com/join-armed-forces/military-service-branches-compared.html

 

A-Jay

 

 

I've considered it, but no that's not what I wanna do with my life I've decided... I don't want to move somewhere and have no say in it is one reason. 

1 hour ago, DogBone_384 said:

Follow your gut.

 

If you really want to be a Police Officer find out what you need to do in your state/county. In Mass, where I am, Police/Fire have to take civil service, physical ability, and psychiactric tests before earning consideration by a municipality. Veterans in MA get hiring prefernce too.

 

Talk to Police Officers in your town to get their opinion of the job. I'm a firefighter and interact with the Police every shift. What you see on the news represents a fraction of a percent of every day reality, and movies, well, are movies.

 

Lastly, my father always told me to consider a job that I could picture myself doing when I'm in my 40's & 50's. I give my daughter the same advice.

 

Best of luck with your career choice.

My dads been a police officer for going on 23 years now, my uncles been one going on 24, my other uncle has been in for around 5 years and my cousin just started... So they can give me a little info lol

 

In other words, trust me I've looked into it and I'm 100% sure I want to pursue it, there's not a day that goes by where I'm not asking my dad about his job... I mainly want to do it to help people, my dad tells me all the time that it can feel like the worst job in the world at times and you are definitely underpaided for what you do (at least around here). 

[A-Jay]

9 hours ago, Catch and Grease said:

 

I've considered it, but no that's not what I wanna do with my life I've decided... I don't want to move somewhere and have no say in it is one reason. 

 

My dads been a police officer for going on 23 years now, my uncles been one going on 24, my other uncle has been in for around 5 years and my cousin just started... So they can give me a little info lol

 

In other words, trust me I've looked into it and I'm 100% sure I want to pursue it, there's not a day that goes by where I'm not asking my dad about his job... I mainly want to do it to help people, my dad tells me all the time that it can feel like the worst job in the world at times and you are definitely underpaided for what you do (at least around here). 

 

Fair enough and it's not for everyone.    Here's something to think about ~ Big Picture Stuff. 

 

   A Man's worth & character is not defined entirely by his chosen occupation.  How he conducts himself, before, during & after "work" completes his story.   Honor, Respect & Devotion can & should be a part of any & every job description.  When they do, it's special.  "Working" with, for & alongside 'good people' doesn't always come with the biggest income but just may the single most valuable aspect of any & every short and especially long term employment.    

Believe in what You choose. 

Good Luck

A-Jay

 

 

 

[Columbia Craw]

I agree with Dwight's advice 100%.  I would also encourage you to research the minimum qualifications to even be considered for employment within your local Sheriff's Office and or any other police department.  I have no idea if Georgia's civil service rules compare with my state but selections are generally made by a testing process, a ranking list and the application of the rule of three by the hiring authority.  Good luck.

[Chris at Tech]

Take the job.

 

If and when the jail thing becomes available, give at least 2 weeks notice and offer sincere help to make the transition to whoever will be taking your spot seamless.

[Catch and Grease]

I talked to my boss about it and basically told him what the situation was, he said as long as I'm giving it 100% for the time I have the job it doesn't matter and that he will still give me it.

[K_Mac]

42 minutes ago, Catch and Grease said:

I talked to my boss about it and basically told him what the situation was, he said as long as I'm giving it 100% for the time I have the job it doesn't matter and that he will still give me it.

 

Well done. Letting him know your plans was the honorable thing to do. By doing so when you do leave, whether tomorrow or next year, you will leave with a good relationship and reference. That can pay big dividends down the road. Good luck.

[FATYAKKER]

I have worked in Prisons for going on seven years. If you have some questions send me a pm and I will be happy to fill you in on the good and bad and the ugly.

[Sam]

Follow your dreams.

 

Virginia State Police are seeking new officers, as is Henrico County outside of Richmond.

 

If you don't follow your dreams you will regret it when you get to my age and your working days are numbered.

 

Good luck.

[DogBone_384]

On 12/18/2016 at 11:00 PM, Catch and Grease said:

 

I've considered it, but no that's not what I wanna do with my life I've decided... I don't want to move somewhere and have no say in it is one reason. 

My dads been a police officer for going on 23 years now, my uncles been one going on 24, my other uncle has been in for around 5 years and my cousin just started... So they can give me a little info lol

 

In other words, trust me I've looked into it and I'm 100% sure I want to pursue it, there's not a day that goes by where I'm not asking my dad about his job... I mainly want to do it to help people, my dad tells me all the time that it can feel like the worst job in the world at times and you are definitely underpaided for what you do (at least around here). 

 

Best of luck, and Merry Christmas!

[carsnrockmusic]

A good leader, manager, etc. will encourage you to grow, learn, and progress.  That said, improving your salary and changing careers is a (usually necessary) risk.

 

If you're passionate about what you want to do, success will follow.

 

I recently accepted a project management role after managing in the technology field for the last eight years.  This was a huge risk as I was very comfortable in what I had been doing and I can't complain about my salary.  This new job, despite being outside of my wheelhouse, crossed off every one of my personal and career goals and I've already started really enjoying the first couple of projects I've been managing.

 

If I was in your shoes, I'd likely accept the FT promotion while actively seeking out a position that better aligns with my career aspirations.  The fact that you raised the question here is admirable and it shows that you like to collaborate and learn from others.  Those are great qualities that will help your career.

 

Best of luck to you and may you and yours have a Merry Christmas.