So I am in thiis sort of situation and I dont know what to do. All my live ive dream of moving to New York and becoming a NYPD officer. But these pass few years ive been living in Gainesville, Florida and have thought about switching my career to teaching. Because I love school so much. My teachers and friends say I would make a great teacher, but they also say I’d make a great cop.Also my concern is ive been living in Gainesville nearly all my life, and ive grown attached. If I move to NY I would have to start over not knowing anyone. What should I do?? Is there anyway I can be a cop and a teacher??
Why is your dream to “become a cop” dependent on “moving to NYC” ? Why can’t you train to become a cop in Florida? If your dream is to become a cop, then you can pursue that most anywhere. If your dream is to move to NYC, then there are lots of different job opportunities there in addition to becoming a cop.
Teaching skills are useful in many professions. Are you currently in college? If so, head to your career center and ask for help with career testing. If you aren’t in college, check online for both personality tests and career tests and take them. Results can be one of many factors you consider in making a decision, along with trying to shadow people in careers you might be interested in.
Gathering lots of information from different sources about potential careers, along with getting honest feedback from respected authority figures in your life who know you well, might help you make your decision.
I have just always wanted to join the NYPD, I have thought about joining the Gainesville PD, but I’d like to move to a big city. And there is plenty to fo in NY. Gainesville is more of a college town
Change can be scary, but fear of change can trap you into a life you end up regretting. Yes, it is scary to move somewhere new. I have done it several times, and the transition is always a bumpy ride. Am I glad I took chances? Yes. I am a better person with a variety of life experiences because I took some chances along the way.
Decide what you want to do and Do It while you are young. And even if you end up not liking NYC, at least you will know. Time spent reflecting on the path not taken can eat away at you.
Have you ever visited NYC? Do you have any family or friends that live there? I would find a way to spend some time in NYC before making a career choice just based on random thoughts (or from tv shows or movies that portray life in NYC as exciting or dramatic.)
I was born in NYC so I am familiar with the place. I have cousins that live up there.
I’m confused. You wrote
also
Sure, they could be your first and second careers.
@4kidsdad I was born there but left when I was 2, my cousins I dont know personally but my dad does. Im pretty sure id be able to get together with them and stuff.
Have you visited NYC recently? Do you have enough information from more current visits, or are you assuming your feelings based more on what your father is telling you? I would be careful not to make any decisions without having a long visit to the city. Spend time exploring the different residential areas, reconnect with your cousins and let them take you around town. Get their realistic input about their city and about NYPD as a possible career.
You need more factual research before making any decisions. How old are you, and are you in high school or college now?
17 I am a senior in high school
Have you visited NYC since you left at age 2 ?
I live in NYC. Mayor de Blasio has alienated a lot of the police force with his overt hostility against the police. With NYC’s high cost of living, combined with constant hostility from the city’s executive, I’d skip becoming a NYC cop, which is unfortunate since we in NYC really, really need a strong police force.
@powercropper no I haven’t
Seriously??
Do you have any relatives or friends who are police officers? Having honest conversations with them about the realities of their workday would be helpful to you. If you don’t know any police officers, then you can contact your local town or county police department and ask how you can connect with a tour or a meeting to learn more about police work.
It is okay to be 17 and not know what you want to do for your future career.
which don’t just stop-and-frisk the minority. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stop-and-frisk_in_New_York_City
Thats ridiculous
@powercropper I do not have anyone in my family who is a police officer. No-one in my family really has a good career. I would like to change that.
Please, let’s not get into a political debate about the mayor of NYC.
OP, there’s no reason for you to decide right now. But a good idea to schedule a visit to NYC. Since you have family there, it will be easier and cheaper than for someone who does not have people to host you, but NYC is a very big place and be sure to see more of the city than the neighborhood where your relatives live.
Have you been there before?