That's right! It's my first post. I'm still working for a money manager here in southern california as an analyst - we have almost $500 billion in assets under management. The finance world is definitely unique, but rather boring. I've always wanted to enter LE, but as a non-US citizen (I hail from Canada) my options are basically nil, especially here in california. I apply for citizenship in december, so I should have it within a year from now. That being said, I'm so frickin tired of the corporate/investment world - sure the money is there, especially at my company - portfolio management is quite lucrative. But even at age 23, I've learned that money is only a tool. I'd much rather have job satisfaction and enjoyment than hate my job but be a millionaire. I know several people at my company that have more money than they know what to do with, but they lead unsatisfying lives. Job satisfaction isn't the end-all to this, but it definitely helps. Anyway, I know some others in LE, a few CHP's, a few Sheriff's, and it's something I've always loved and dreamed about. I know the real world now, and I know LE isn't all love and joy, not to mention job satisfaction, but I'd bet money it beats the hell out of sitting in front of an office looking at a computer and crunching numbers all day. I'm sure there are others that have done what I would like to do -shift from corporate to LE. I'd appreciate any input from anybody. I'm planning on applying to Irvine PD - it's close to where I work now in Newport Beach, they have a reputable, well-respected force and good community, not to mention good pay and as usual, excellent benefits (for now anyway, we'll see how public pensions for new hires pan out over the next decade...). I'm on these forums to gain as much information as possible about LE, and to network as well. I'd love to hear from any southern cal LE, especially Irvine PD or anyone who has applied to Irvine PD in the past. As a background, I have a Bachelor of Science (B.S. LOL) in Finance, and have worked various positions in the investment community for 2.5 years now. I'm married; no kids. I also had a pilot's license at age 14 (canada) - since expired because I didn't fly enough. I have done several CHP ride-alongs, and many many hours of volunteer work that will probably work out in my favor when I apply to Irvine. The funny thing about all of this is that my wife doesn't know - oh, she has always known I'd love to be cop, and I actually watch Cops (she hates it, but loves Judge Judy - go figure) but she doesn't think I'm actually serious about it. Perhaps I should tell her - knowing her, she won't be too thrilled, mainly because she'll be worrying about me all day. I'm wondering how I can present this in a manner that she will more readily accept - other than me just telling her this is what I'm doing.

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