In light of JDarr's recent thread about being happy with your current job... it got me really thinking what my next step might be.

I just recently graduated from the UW with my BA in Psychology with hopes of eventually getting my way into law enforcement and ultimately becoming a detective or moving up to the federal level. I've tested with a couple of different agencies but due to a major influx of qualified candidates seeking very few jobs, it has been extremely competitive and difficult getting in with any agency.

I've also tried applying to places that would utilize my degree. All the jobs are located in Seattle and the commute is a little further than I'd like. ( I reside in Tacoma.) And the pay for most of these jobs is decent, but still not quite worth the commute. I would also, if possible, prefer to stay in Western Wa because of my horrible fishing addiction.

I also still haven't flown the coop and live at home with mommy and daddy. I don't quite have the money to move out yet and fortunately only find myself with a small amount of debt from school. I'd like to eventually get my master's but the money for that isn't available at the moment. The little lady is also hinting at wanting a rock on her left hand sometime in the near future as well. (No money for that obviously, either.)

I'm seeking some free advice. What avenues would you pursue to gaining self-sufficiency given my situation or what ideas would you look into? I'm open to hearing almost anything. Is it worth possibly starting all over? If you were a young buck in the same shoes... what would you do?

Consider participating and contributing to a construct system of living. Observe whats going on around you, and see what works and recognize those things that don't work. The current global destruct system is finite, and fast approaching the end of it's days. The Earth will not support us in continuing our current destruct system of living. As George Carlin say's "Mother Earth is going to shake us off like a bad case of flies." The choice (construct) is a responsibility of all of us, in order that we relieve ourselves of much of the misery and suffering we are in witness to today. The choice of being dependent on, and rewarded for work that is dysfunctional and destructive, is contraindicated, selfish and shallow.

You have an opportunity to be at the front of the line, in paving the way for a brand new day of enlightenment and opportunity. Things will have to change one person at a time, in order that we provide a future of constructive opportunities for our kids. You have to go inside yourself to find the answers that you seek. Do some soul searching and the answers will come. Note: The military and prison system should not be the only sources for survival and a lively hood.

Mental illness is at critical mass today ( Hence John Stewart's recent "bring us back to sanity day") . Anxiety neurosis, is at an all time high, because of the uncertainty of today's living. For example, you may pursue a career that specializes in treating these, and other related conditions with a focus on a more contemporary brand of Psychology. The important thing is to not make choices that will compromise your own mental health or your life itself.

Good luck to you and everyone else at that crossroad of life.

You could get a job at a High School trying to get adolescents to share their feelings with you and then make fun of them in the break room.

Either that or enrol in a tech program and become an electrician.

Getting started as a Police Officer is tough right now because a lot of Departments are either laying off or are not filling vacant positions. In addition a lot of agencies are hiring experienced Officers to save time on training.

Kirkland PD is getting ready or is in the process of hiring a number of Officers because of an annexation. You might give them a call.

When I was trying to break into L.E. back in the 70s it was tough then too. There were two things working against you: 1 a hell of a lot of applicants and 2 affirmative Action hiring. I remember testing for one large Western Washington agency and during the orientation process one candidate asked the HR person if they were going to be hiring only minorities. After some double talk, he admitted they were primarily looking for minorities. A number of people got up and left. I didn't, because that guarantees you won't get the job.

IF L.E. is you goal, then you need to get it in your head that you may have to take a job away from where you want to live right now. I did. Even if it is a small agency, with low pay, take the job. After 18 months you will have completed the Academy and probation. At that point you are eligible to take lateral entry tests, meaning for experienced Police Officers only.

Agencies like to hire people with life experience. It doesn't sound like you have a lot of that right now. So, my advice is start testing anywhere and everywhere and take the first job that comes up with the idea of returning to Western Washington within two years. In the meantime take a job doing anything and get out of the house and start living on your own.

It's not a bad idea to live at home and save money, but I can tell you after sitting on a lot of hiring boards, your lack of life experience is going to hurt you, so I would go start getting some, even if you don't like it. But, learn how to do things you don't like, because in L.E. you will be doing things you don't like, but you have to do them well.

PM me if you want to talk and I will try to help you out.

Good Luck

I seldom offer advice, even when asked, because what is right for one person is often not right for another. So, take this not as advice, but observations,

There have been some good comments here, with some long term, personal perspective.

It is often helpful to list possible options and then list the pluses and minuses of each of them. For example, what are the pluses and minuses of living with mom and dad.
Possible pluses: cheap rent, good roommates, no drama, nic4 significant other.
Possible minuses: bad roommates, high drama, potentially maintaining distance relationship.

I don't know your situation, make YOUR list.

And what are the pluses and minuses of moving away.
Pluses: More job options. Contacts with others in my field.
Minuses: More expenses. Distance from loved ones? Others?

Bottom line from professional and personal experience Change is always difficult. Even when you do our own "due diligence" and reach a clear best decision, change is difficult. But if you give it your best shot, you will make the best decision. Not perfect, but hopefully, the best for you.

Warmest Regards,

Tough times we're in. Don't move out, until you've gotten moneyed up. And don't get tricked phucked by some girl. Be patient and things will work.

Mf

great advice given... forget the ring too. still liven at home and some chick feels she needs a rinf. [censored] that! get some life under your belt first. then follow the advice.

Thanks all for some of the advice... it definitely helped with jogging the mind.

Mike@North Bend,

I definitely feel like I'm not lacking experience... I certainly feel like I've been out there and experienced quite a bit for a 24 year-old... but I am also aware of the fact that I am still somewhat of a young buck. I will likely be PM'ing you in the future. Thanks for the offer.

One more thing. Wear a rubber. Some bitches will do a "whoopsie! Im pregnant!" just so you'll finally marry her ass. Happened to my brother-in-law.

Military, Officer Candidate School. From there request law enforcement. You'll never regret it.