Question about career change

[Nubbs]

OK, so I am just turning 43 and recently completed my BA in business information systems. I am currently a police officer with a little under 6 years till retirement. My question is this. Should I try to make a career change now to the IT field or should I wait another 6 years and then make the switch. I know that once I retire I will need another job as our pension BLOWS!!! I just don't want to be in my 50's or 60's and still trying to chase people down. We just had a guy retire after 30 + years and he is in his late 50's. It really took a toll on him.

Any advise from you that are in the IT field would be great. Oh btw, I do not have any certifications at this time. Is it something I should look into? I have heard several negatives about certifications from guys in my area.

Thanks!

[ToeJam]

On average, men make the most money of their lives during their 50's. I say stick it out until retirement then make the career change.

[jlreeves]

With this economy, stay with PD and get the pension then change careers. Places aren't hiring new, they are just downsizing or worse, outsourcing. That doesn't mean you cant do some side work. Lots of that going on too and you can list 6 years of IT experience when you are back in the job market. Good luck either way you go.

[cactusjack]

You have 6 years to go until you can retire from the police force and you'll still be under 50? Get your retirement, then start the new career.

BTW, I have over 20 years experience in IT.

[AlabamaNomadRider]

6 more years will pass soon. Stay with it and then do the career change.

[Loafer]

I haven't worked for three and a half years due to health reasons. At 50 y.o. ( 11 years ago) I decided I had, had enough of what I was doing. Sold everything and thought I would try something different. Didn't turn out that way, I ended up working for corp. still doing route sales. There just wasn't that many opportunities available to make the change that I was looking for.
If I were you, I would stay the 6 years. In 6 years there will be a lot of people retiring and dieing off. Should be easier to make a change then, compared to now. Good luck with your decision.

[ringadingh]

I'd stick it out at the pd as well, Its a lot more secure job with the years you would already have served.

[markclark57]

I'd agree with the stay for retirement and add IT work on the side. Let your side work, experience, and resume grow for a while before you set your "Golden Goose" loose.

[blowndodge]

Where's Tim?? I keep waiting for him to gloat!!??

[Top Cat]

Originally Posted by blowndodge

Where's Tim?? I keep waiting for him to gloat!!??

I know nothing about the IT field Brad. Therefor I thought I would sit this one out. The only career change I made in 44 years was to RETIRE.
But as long as i have been drawn into this discussion
Nubbs, if I were you it would depend on how much more a month I would get from my retirement pension if I stayed the next 6 years.
If it is not a significant amount I would stay on for awhile while trying to get my experience in the IT field. Then when you feel ready or have another job lined up I would change careers. It may not take 6 years.
One more thing. You say "I just don't want to be in my 50's or 60's and still trying to chase people down" How about trying for a desk job till you retire.

[blowndodge]

You should have stopped your explanation about here...

Originally Posted by Top Cat

I know nothing.

[Top Cat]

Originally Posted by blowndodge

You should have stopped your explanation about here...

Your such a funny guy.

[Nubbs]

Thanks for all the replies. Sticking it out is how I was leaning, just had been hearing a lot lately that I would be "too old" by the time I retire for anyone to be interested in hiring me.
TC a desk job would be great however there is no room for advancement at my PD. All the desk jobs are currently taken by guys that are nowhere close to retirement and have no plans on giving them up.
I am working on trying to land some side jobs doing IT for the added experience.
Again thank you all for the advise.

[2x18wheeler]

Hi Nubbs, I was in your position 5 years ago. I had put my 25 years in with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. I had a Class 1 licence and had been running as a spare driver for people when time permitted so I had something to fall back on. I checked around and was able to get a job driving that suited my schedule. With my pension and the money driving truck I was making as much as when I was on the job.

I also spent time as an accident investigator for a large trucking firm. They liked that I had an investigative background. 2 years ago the chairman of a large food company in this area hired me as his chauffuer driving a 45 Prevost tour bus.

If there is one thing I learned after I retired, is there is work out there if you want it and aren't afraid to work.

My wife and kids also noted a big change in my disposition since I retired. All the stress is gone.

You are lucky that you have something else to go to. I saw a lot of our guys retire after 30-35 years and knew nothing else. They were miserable not knowing what to do with themselves. All I know is you have to do what is right for you and your family.

Send me a PM if you want.

[ponch]

Do IT in PD.