Reserve Officer advice

[bdbaskar]

I have debated for 3 days whether or not to ask this question. I keep telling myself it will be no big deal. However, since it is still eating at me, I decided to seek advice.

I have been accepted to my local S.O. as a candidate to be reserve deputy. I start the evening academy in the middle of April. I have a full time job that I thoroughly love taking care of kids. I am a 24 hour employee on a 28 days on/6 days off schedule. I have some latitude with my schedule as long as it doesn't interfere with taking care of my kids.

I have also previously worked as a police dispatcher in a small town. It was considered training to ride with the officers. I did so quite often. So often in fact it should have cost me my marriage. I spent more time in a police car or at work than I did with my wife the first year we were married.

I felt that was important info. in order to set the stage for my question. I have a fear that the same drive will come back. I fear that I will enjoy LE so much more as an actual deputy. I MUST be careful when it comes to this because not only could it cost me my marriage, but also if I lose my marriage, I lose my job and extended family.

I feel that I am much more mature now. I KNOW my wife is more vocal now. But I just can't shake that nasty gut feeling that once I get back into this field, it will begin to consume me again.

Especially to all reserve deputies/officers, how do you handle both a full time job and family, and scratch the law enforcement itch without it costing you.

Obviously Full timers are welcome to submit too, but ya'll do it everyday and your off days are probably precious to you.

Well, there it is. I never intended it to be such a long post. Sorry.

[P01IC3M4N]

i used to be a reserve. loved every minute of it. it's far better than full-time work. just put yourself on a schedule and work that same schedule. i worked mondays from 3-11. i didn't work any other days. family just anticipated that i'd be working on that day and no problems.

[TX-LEO]

I'll be on my 2nd year as a reserve in August. I love it. But I want to do it full time.