I’m going to keep this short as I can. In the last 10 months, I’ve been laid off twice, got diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, spent $5,000 in diabetic care (my insurance is good), moved back in with my parents, sold my “toys” (first thing to go). Now I’m setting pretty well financially. The storm has came and went, now it’s clean up time. I work for a company that is contracted to do engineering for Caterpillar, and while they are very very profitable the job is unsecured (I got laid off twice this year from them).
I’m about to turn 26 and have 2 Associate Degrees in Mech. Drafting and Mech. Engineering Technology. I was going to go in to Army and serve for atleast 4 years, until I found out I had type 1 diabetes (This is not the kind you get from being lazy, fat, etc.). It has brought me down a lot, since it is a dream that I can not fulfill. Simply because I have no control over my pancreas. The more I looked in to ways of joining and how every branch I would be a no-go but type 2 could be a go. If he/she got healthier, I understand why the DoD set the guidelines on diabetes. In honestly the more I looked in to it the more hopeless I became.
Until talking with a fellow LEO he mention about being on the force and if you maintain your diabetes you can serve (which I do A1C 5.6). While is not the Military, it is the closes thing to military as I can get. Plus with my background it would open up another set of training that would be available to me that only LEOs can get.
You’re young, God how I wish I was 26 again! You’re intelligent, God how I wish I was smart again! Yeah, you got thrown a curve with the diabetes but you’re alive, financially above water, and have a whole life to look forward to, even if you can’t serve in the military. There are many ways to serve your country beside being in the military. You can serve your community like you mentioned about being in law enforcement. You can volunteer in many worthwhile organizations to help those who really can’t help themselves. You can mentor those younger who need some guidance. Dude, you’ve got a lot to look forward to. Carry on with the same drive that got you here.
The company I work for is odd. I’m “salary” but I get paid hourly through billable work. Basically it is a glorified staffing company and alot of big corporation hire these companies so when times get tough they can “trim the fat”.
Make 20 a hour or 41,600k a year. This year I’ll make around 35,000.
This is very true, I’ve been thinking along with the other 100 things running through my head about Charity of some short to help Military families. I use to help feed the homeless on the Saturday for about 2-3 hours.
I don’t know about you, but around here the average department pays 30-35k a year. I’ve seen a job posting for as high as 48k but that was City of Cincinnati. I know it’s the same with police jobs right now, but the market is tanked right now for Fire, EMS or LEO positions.
As for OP. I would say stay where you are but take a few civil service exams to see where it leads you. I wouldn’t quit your job to go through an academy on your dime. Most departments prefer to train you their way.
I’m kind of in your shoes about deciding the future so I know where you’re at to an extent. Best of luck with your choice and with battling your illness.
In my area, POST certified Officers and Deputies make about $25-30 and hour. Non Certified Deputies for my agency start at $21.50, $23 by the second year. LE makes way more than EMS and Fire around here…
Cost of living is low in Central Texas. Waco firefighters start out in high $30s and soon hit $40s. Most municipal jobs have excellent insurance and good retirement. Remember that your diabetes may make recovery from injury more difficult. Look into risk management.
Patrol LE in my area pay is pretty low. Start out is mid to upper 20k. I would suggest you keep your job & save up some $, then in the meantime get on as a reserve somewhere. Make sure it is for you before you jump feet first into a career like LE, as you will either love it or hate it. Plus being a reserve will help you to get to know the local guys and will definitely help in the hiring process.
Yes and no. Depends what/who you work for. I agree, private ambulance company, EMT-basic is $10-12/hr. Paramedic might be around $17/hour. Hospitals run around $14 for an EMT; if they hire medics it might also be in the $17-20 range.
Then again, San Fran F.D. paramedics were offering starting pay of around $70K … in 1997 when I got a random recruitment letter.
I know plenty of firefighters in CA making > $100/k year, with typically 1-2 OT shifts per pay period.
Generally, the average income for a LEO in the US is low, much lower then it should be.
However, there are some parts (like in CA, WA, AZ and anywhere in the Northeast, NJ, NY, CT, MA, PA, DE) that LEO’s make way above the national average. I make about 2x-3x what the firefighters in my area do, and around 4x what EMS does.
If you want to be a LEO, I’d highly suggest moving out to a state that will put you through their academy and won’t require you to pay for it.
Also, another aspect to consider, the federal gov. I know its a long shot, especially with zerO in the oval, but with your resume, you could probably land a federal LEO gig.
Why? Why not be able to serve and put food on a family of four’s table and still live comfortably? He doesnt have to serve, but if he gives up his current life he should do it in the most economically smart way.