Letting Police go after 12 years

[u/VastPowerful6139]

Leaving my job and feeling conflicted

I wanted to share my journey as I am after some words of wisdom from everyone on a similar path as I am massively struggling and conflicted!!

I have had a career for 12 years I have absolutely loved. I work shifts as a police officer. I have a fantastic team. I am in management and my job gives me so much joy I can't find anywhere else really. It is like the only time in my life I have belonged anywhere. I have 16 young constables with me who make my life complete.

With the police pay being poor and having a child (I grew up in poverty), I have spent 3.5 years building a business.

We are turning over 3 mil this year and it will likely double next year.

The kicker - I really need to give up the police. It is breaking my heart. Truly. It is all I know and love. I never expected to get to this stage.

The upsides are financial freedom, spending time with my family, better health, and a better quality of life. I'm only 34 so this is a big upside.

I'm just really struggling letting my identity as a police officer go, the camaraderie, and I'm scared I will never truly be happy again.

My family is getting sick of me working two jobs understandably. Roles are reversed. I'm the female and my partner has to pull weight more for childcare as he doesn't contribute to the business on a day to day basis (other than being awesome and holding it down at home when I'm working my shifts).

Any advice?

[u/3-BuckChuck]

How long till a pension? Business is good now but it can always take a downturn, pension is guaranteed funds. I’d hire someone for the job till pension time.

[u/agordonwsu]

Family first, if you have enough cushion financially then pull the plug. Remember, a government job is about as secure as they come, your business can have ups and downs. Another option could be to hire someone inside the business to do the work and you take on a CEO/Chairman role.

Can I ask what business you started?

[u/Flashy-Speed5430]

I retired young (early 40s) after 20 years. I had a good gig but missing time with my family and growing children led Me to pull the trigger.

I miss my colleagues and the action but I don’t mind it when that direct deposit drops on the 1st of the month.

You only really grow when you step outside your comfort zone. Forget waiting it out for a pension, you never know what tomorrow brings in this job (or, realistically, the private sector). You had a nice run but time for something new. Enjoy and good luck!

[u/SteaminPileProducti]

I would recommend stepping away from law enforcement for 2 years. Keep your license active and such, but take a break. Your can always return.

Doing something else may end up being way more fulfilling than le work.

Give it a try, revisit it in 2 years and see.

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[u/66NickS]

$3M/year and projected to double? Well done! Hopefully you’re showing a solid profit on what I’m assuming is revenue. If that’s profit, you could go start your own mini police force.

The career served its purpose. If you still feel the draw after a year or two away, perhaps you can come back to it as a mentor/instructor/etc.

[u/AfterReason5824]

23 years here. I left and miss it at times but remind myself what it turned me into.

[u/Javesther]

Consider moving , changing agencies if you are really passionate about the job. But 12 years is a huge investment to throw away . Promotions? Etc..