Am I selling out???

[ShawnNC]

I have been following this group for a year. I would to like thank every one for their posts. Most of which have helped or let me know that I was not the only one having the same concerns. Now to my story ;D
I was laid of from my job of 12 years last January. The job was in the computer/technical field. I figured I would pursue my life long dream of being a leo. I went though all the hurdles and was accepted into the police academy. I am supposed to start the academy in two weeks.
Before I was accepted into the academy I was offered a job in the technical field and figured I would do that until the academy started and it would help me level set.
The pay was about the same as the police dept.
Last week I put my letter of resignation in to the CEO of the company. He ask me what my concerns were and he fixed all of them right there on the spot.
I was given a 33% raise, which was equivalent to my previous job.
The job is ok, and the people are great. It is one of the few companies out there that is posting good profits(sorry not privately traded ) I think it is the best thing for my family and me.
I just worry that I am giving up my dream for some money.
I am 34 years old and have 2 kids and a wife. My wife is very supportive in what ever I chose.

I am not really shore what I am looking for here, but this group has a lot of wisdom to share so I figured I would run it past you all.

Thanks,

Shawn

[Hopeful]

Well Shawn:

I am an auto service technician. It is not a job that has much for career advancement opportunities. One of the big reasons I want to go into LE is that there will always be another step to take forward whether it be through promotion or just taking on different responsibilities.

I also have family and being able to get into a new career after only 22 weeks of training is a huge plus.

Whenever I think about options I just take the long view: Where do I want to be 15 years from now? Fixing the same old stuff or still moving forward with a dynamic career.

[Drakor]

Money shouldn't never be a motivator when it comes to being a cop. But the long view of things is that thru time and effort you will make good money as a policeman. You'll also have great benefits and retirement.
I'm sure the company your working for is a stable one but with all thats happening. I would think that being a cop would offer a more stable source of income. I also like to thing that the computer field would make a great place to fall back on if something would happen as a cop, as well I don't think being a cop is a fall back carreer. But only you can decide and you'll find that most here would choose to be a cop over computers and I know that each department has an IT section. Good Luck K.U.P.

[Romano]

Shawn, I think you really have to look long and hard at what you want to do. A friend of mine who is about your age, is married, with one child and owns a very successful business, always had the dream of becoming a cop. So even though it would be quite the pay cut for himself he decided to pursue law enforcement. A lot of people told him that he was crazy to become a cop because things are going so well for him with his business. However to him becoming a cop was something that he always wanted to do and it was something he thinks will make him happy. The point to this long story is that you should think what would make you happy and go after it, whether it is becoming a cop or working with computers. Just my thoughts. Good luck to you.

[Your not selling out]

;D SOLUTION: become a Reserve Police Officer! And, if this is truely what you want to do, well, then you will know! It will be a good test, and then you can decide! If you decide either way, BEST OF LUCK!

[Charlie]

ShawnNC--You've got some great advice posted here. I can only lend agreement and further support to what's already posted!

Ultimately, it is your decision.

Charlie