...before my career has even starts?
A little backstory:
I'm 23yrs old right now. Last September (2007), my girlfriend and I had a huge fight at my house (she has depression and was off her meds). Long story-short, after she attacked me and hit me a few times I lost control and punched her in the shoulder (enough to hurt for a minute, but there was no bruising or anything). No cops were called nor was any medical attention sought. Now, don't get me wrong, I knew I was dead in the water as soon as it happened. I couldn't believe I did it, let alone kiss my career goodbye. We calmed down, talked things out, and eventually we decided to go out separate ways (for reasons not relating to this incident).
Now, i'm forced to disclose this information during my backgrounds. I've applied with 6 agencies for Reserve, and 2 for full-time sponsorship........still sitting here waiting. I know for a fact, 2 agencies turned me down because of this incident. The others I just assume did the same.
Fast forward to today:
This is especially hard on me because I've been an explorer and and currently an adult volunteer at my local PD (I have 7yrs of service so far). I had a sit down talk with the Chief today (who previously discussed my DQ with me) and sought some advice from him on what to do. He suggested I put anywhere from 2-4yrs between me and the incident. He said that in the meantime, I should continue to apply myself as a volunteer, get my Bachelor's Degree, and maintain good performance at my job, and try again down the road.
Here's the problem. I'm 23 now, but by the time I get a BA degree (4yrs) i'll be 27. Add 6months for the academy and a year of patrol (probation) and that leaves me with roughly 21yrs of service that I can accomplish. If I lateral somewhere else, that adds two years with the first department, leaving me 19yrs left to serve.
I guess my question, really, is is this still worth it even though I'm coming in rather late (late to me, anyway)? I mean, what's the normal amount of time one puts into this career? Any other suggestions? I'm a young mind, go easy on me.
A little backstory:
I'm 23yrs old right now. Last September (2007), my girlfriend and I had a huge fight at my house (she has depression and was off her meds). Long story-short, after she attacked me and hit me a few times I lost control and punched her in the shoulder (enough to hurt for a minute, but there was no bruising or anything). No cops were called nor was any medical attention sought. Now, don't get me wrong, I knew I was dead in the water as soon as it happened. I couldn't believe I did it, let alone kiss my career goodbye. We calmed down, talked things out, and eventually we decided to go out separate ways (for reasons not relating to this incident).
Now, i'm forced to disclose this information during my backgrounds. I've applied with 6 agencies for Reserve, and 2 for full-time sponsorship........still sitting here waiting. I know for a fact, 2 agencies turned me down because of this incident. The others I just assume did the same.
Fast forward to today:
This is especially hard on me because I've been an explorer and and currently an adult volunteer at my local PD (I have 7yrs of service so far). I had a sit down talk with the Chief today (who previously discussed my DQ with me) and sought some advice from him on what to do. He suggested I put anywhere from 2-4yrs between me and the incident. He said that in the meantime, I should continue to apply myself as a volunteer, get my Bachelor's Degree, and maintain good performance at my job, and try again down the road.
Here's the problem. I'm 23 now, but by the time I get a BA degree (4yrs) i'll be 27. Add 6months for the academy and a year of patrol (probation) and that leaves me with roughly 21yrs of service that I can accomplish. If I lateral somewhere else, that adds two years with the first department, leaving me 19yrs left to serve.
I guess my question, really, is is this still worth it even though I'm coming in rather late (late to me, anyway)? I mean, what's the normal amount of time one puts into this career? Any other suggestions? I'm a young mind, go easy on me.
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