Should I accept a federal law enforcement job or stay in my current job?

[BorderGuy101]

I’m currently working as a security contractor getting paid $38/hr, and my Border Patrol background check is nearly over. Assuming that I get accepted into a Border Patrol job, should I stay in my current job or accept BP? What would you do?

[9L81]

Not sure what the $38/hr has to do with your question. Is that good pay or crappy pay? I am pretty sure BPAs can make a fair bit more than that if money is a concern.

Really I don't get what you are asking. I assume you applied for a reason. Security contractor can mean a lot of different things so I have no idea how to compare one job to the other apart from the pay you mentioned. I've known a lot of BPAs and former BPAs and I think most were happy in the job most of the time.

[BorderGuy101]

Not sure what the $38/hr has to do with your question. Is that good pay or crappy pay? I am pretty sure BPAs can make a fair bit more than that if money is a concern.

Really I don't get what you are asking. I assume you applied for a reason. Security contractor can mean a lot of different things so I have no idea how to compare one job to the other apart from the pay you mentioned. I've known a lot of BPAs and former BPAs and I think most were happy in the job most of the time.

I should have clarified that the contract job pays well, but health benefits suck and there’s no career growth at all. I’m leaning towards BP because I can transfer my military time-in-service and better career growth/benefits.

[Camelbak]

BP makes sense in the long run. Sure, you'll be taking a pay cut initially, however the long term benefits far outweigh that. Plus a contract gig could disappear overnight.

[NolaT]

BP makes sense in the long run. Sure, you'll be taking a pay cut initially, however the long term benefits far outweigh that. Plus a contract gig could disappear overnight.

^^^^^ agree

[Iowa #1603]

I’m currently working as a security contractor getting paid $38/hr, and my Border Patrol background check is nearly over. Assuming that I get accepted into a Border Patrol job, should I stay in my current job or accept BP? What would you do?

NOBODY here can tell you what to do.
We don't' know your situation, life plans, dreams, goals or anything other than the 3 sentence post.

A Federal LEO job has a plethora of benefits attached such as insurance, pension, ability to transfer, and career ladder options.

A contractor job is basically you working for yourself under contract to someone else so MOSTLY you are responsible for all the fringe benefits ..

Your life, your choice

[emtguy89]

You will make up the pay difference within the first 3-5 years. Retirement is excellent, you can buy back military time, benefits are outstanding, union with free college benefit, TSP (like a 401k, some people cash out at $1 mil when they retire), you can move on to a lot of other agencies with the same retirement if you don't like it or get tired of it (5 years BP + 5 years ERO + 10 years HSI = retired). And once you're out of probation, it is nearly impossible to get fired.

[Winter_Patriot]

You can always go back to contracting if you need to. The opportunity to become a fed LEO may not happen again, especially if you’re facing an age timer.

[Ex Army MP]

Just curious, are you prior military? If so, buying back pension time is an amazing deal and typically way cheaper than what states charge. It's based upon what you earned while you served and not your salary as an officer.

Something to consider if it applies to you.

[BNWS]

I am an advocate of pension systems. I know what I would choose.

[Iowa #1603]

I am an advocate of pension systems. I know what I would choose.

I am not a FED retiree but a State retiree.

I LOVE my monthly visit from the Pension Fairy...................

[BNWS]

LOL! congrats. It's nice to know that the pension fairy is alive and well in Iowa. I wish you many more visits.

[Iowa #1603]

Going on 11 yrs now !

[BNWS]

7 years for me.

[just joe]

You need to think long-term, which is a government gig with benefits, a pension, and a possibility for career growth.

[BorderGuy101]

Thanks for the replies! Yeah, you guys pretty much helped me to solidy my decision to choose a Border Patrol option over the current contract job.

[Winter_Patriot]

Congrats and good luck.

[BorderGuy101]

Just curious, are you prior military? If so, buying back pension time is an amazing deal and typically way cheaper than what states charge. It's based upon what you earned while you served and not your salary as an officer.

Something to consider if it applies to you.

Yup, I’m a former 11B with eight years of TIS.

[NolaT]

Thanks for the replies! Yeah, you guys pretty much helped me to solidy my decision to choose a Border Patrol option over the current contract job.

Good luck!

Stick around and keep us updated.