80k? What would you do?

[coobs]

Hi everyone,

Again - I've found these boards to be very useful in helping me along in the applicationg process for the NYPD.
Right now I only have the Physical test (wed) left to do and a meeting with my Investigator next week. So far - it looks good.

However, As i've mentioned in the past - I struggle with the decision of whether to accept a position (if i pass) or not.

I am idealistic I suppose, so I want to get a sense of satisfaction in my job (after all - you devote about 2,100 hrs a year to ur job). I 'slightly' feel satifsfied in the computer industry I work in, but I dont think it would come close to the personal satisfaction I would have as a cop.

SO, in the process of applying to the NYPD, i've gotten an offer for another job to make 80k yearly.

For those of u on the Job, would u say that your Job is not measure by the $$ you make (or dont make)?
If you were in a position to make 80k in another field or 35k starting out in the nypd - which would you choose?

Im not the type of person to base a career decision on the words of strangers I don't know, but I am curious to see what those of you who have been on the Job - would choose.

Thanks,

[wild800]

That is a decision that only you can make, but for me the decision would have been an easy one because the pay was not a major motivating factor in my decision to enter this profession. Good luck to you either way.

[Jynkxxie]

Can you not do the computer thing on the side?

[Blackjack78]

Coobs,

FWIW if you feel that LE work is a calling than one would not expect to get rich. If you take the job just to have a job,then the answer is plain to see. I wouldnt trade my 25+years in this business for a million bucks. Thats me,there are others on the job that would disagree. I would rather go to a job that I liked/loved and made a living then go to WORK and be unhappy. Life is all about choices... Good luck in your endeavors no matter which way you decide.

[coobs]

On the side? Well - not for 80k, thats for sure.
I could do some computer stuff on the side (and I know alot of cops have a 2nd job), but apart of me doesn't want to work too much that I'll never see my wife/kids.

Comp. stuff is tricky because there is a need for specific kinds of comp. guys.
The stuff i do would probably require more of a full time status.

Ugh, i just dont like the corporate scene and would rather be in the nypd and try to work my way up, but when you have responsibilities like a wife and bills - you have more then just yourself to look after ya know?

I love my wife and love to provide for us, but it just seems like doing something I 'may' love would require a substantial financial loss.
And at this point after talking to a diverse group of cops and reading different boards, it seems like the general population of cops want to do 20 years and get out....so maybe its not something people love as much as I think it is?
I dunno =)

[Jynkxxie]

It is none of my business, but have you discussed your wifey working? Is that an option? I don't know about that department, but you can double your pay by working overtime. And with court and stuff like that it won't be too much extra time. Just a thought. I know a lot of people that run their own side business out of their home. That is why I suggested an on the side type thing.

[Blackjack78]

Coobs,
Also keep in mind that there is much chance of advancement and there are a number of Computer related positions,some Investigative and others just MISD type stuff.Furthermore,if you take the job and don't like it , I would think that there are other 80k jobs out there somewhere. Think about the vacation,the retirement,medical benefits etc. If you have to pay for these in the 80k job,that can add up.

[coobs]

This is true. When i've asked people about advancement - ive generally gotten 2 replies.
One from an inspector i know who said that there is room to move up, but it takes alot of studying, (usually a hook), and luck. Sometimes it gets slow where theres somewhat of a freeze, but that only lasts a few years here and there (if at all). But his thinking was that you CAN move up/around and that its flexible.

Other people have said that it really isnt as easy as people say it is - to move around. Like my investigator said that they've been stuck in theyre job for 4 years and they havent been able to move around.
Others have said to get into something like computer forensics would DEF. take a hook.

My wife will be working after her masters degree is complete (2 years). BUT - if we have kids, she'll only work part time from home doing what she does. Its good money, but im not going to rely on her income.

Im not into misd really (from what ive researched its just networking stuff). Im more into security....finding pedophiles, investigating cybercrimes, etc. There a division for that?

[Blackjack78]

Coobs,

The promotions are Civil Service,except in the Detective ranks,that being said you do well on the test you get promoted. The problem comes as you go higher in the dept the "Hook"becomes big for choice assignments. Yes there is a Computer Investiagtions Division or whatever it's called these days. I for one think that 4years on the job,not at top pay,is still a Rookie and Patrol is where they should be. It doesn't always work out that way but thats my .02.

[md123]

I have been making 80k for some time now. I am looking to leave for a career as a LEO. I am not saying I would do it for NYC pay (especially if I lived in the city), but I plan on taking a big hit none the less. I already bought my house, and my wife works to help with the mortgage, so my situation might not be the same as yours. I am willing to make the sacrifice. It will either be the smartest, or stupidest thing I've done. We'll see ;)

[inquiring mind]

I don't know if you've discussed this before, but when you leave one career to go into policing, alot more will change than just your pay. Not sure how much you've researched it, what your family thinks about it, etc, but those are definately factors that come into play, as well as the money factor. My husband has been at work many holidays, and very seldom gets to be a part of the neighborhood impromptu BBQ ~ he's usually working when everybody else is home. That's just part of life when you're in LE.

In our area, we have a reserve program. My hubby has a friend that has been a reserve cop for over 30 years. He works about once per week on the street doing patrol, just like one of the other guys. But, he still works his day job for a heck of a lot more money. He gets the best of both worlds. Not sure if something like that is available in your area, but it's just a thought if you're still unsure whether you want to make the jump or not.

[Samuel]

If I were making 80k (and enjoyed what I was doing), I would consider keeping that job and being a reserve officer/deputy.

[coobs]

I only know of the aux. police around here (especially nassau/suffolk county).

The cost of living in ny is crazy and so that adds to my situation.

I know my wife isnt crazy about the hours and isnt crazy about the cut in pay, but she wants me to be happy with what i do.

Its a hard decision to make. Some guys love their job, some guys are just waiting for the 20 years to be up to move on.

After talking to a few cops who were stationed to sit outside a hotel or financial building all day - they say that they would not have joined the nypd if they could do it over again.
They say the hours can suck, you gotta wait around until someoone relieves you (not like a 9-5 job obviously) and that your outside rain, snow or shine, and the politics make the nypd horrible.

So, i guess it depends on what kind of personality you have and what your looking for in the job.

For nypd guys - do u find that the work you do really leaves you feeling satisfied with your job? And if it does, does the low pay, bad hours and thus not seeing your wife/kids, city politics and such override your feeling of 'satisfaction' from the job?

[md123]

For nypd guys - do u find that the work you do really leaves you feeling satisfied with your job? And if it does, does the low pay, bad hours and thus not seeing your wife/kids, city politics and such override your feeling of 'satisfaction' from the job?

Again, I am not a cop, but lets try to be realistic. (not that you are not, or are not trying to be) I am sure that there are cops who like what they do (I know NYC cops who do). I have also met NYPD who can't wait to retire. But, if you are going to be able to make the best of your days with the NYPD, and make the most of your career there, and be glad you are no longer a computer programmer then you'll probably be ok. If you think you might say to yourself that 'this' was not worth the pay cut, and constantly compare police work with what you used to do, you are probably going to be miserable.

I think it comes down to how you feel in your gut. How badly do you hate your job now? If you are pretty content, then maybe you should stay put. If you gotta make a change in career for whatever reason, and policing really appeals to you, then maybe you should go for it.

This is what has been going through my head. Hope that helps.

[Blackjack78]

Coobs,

Each to there own but when I have come across the cops who say how the job sucks etc I just tell them to quit. There is not a gun to their head making them stay against their will. Now I realize if they only have short time to go,over the years it takes its toll,thats another story than the guys w/4 years on. When I tell them to quit they just stare at me. None of them ever quit.