This may be childish. Still I am curious

[zmtd8]

This post may go a little bit of everywhere, so just bear with me. A little background information. I am 23 years old and I am a senior in college. My major is Criminal Justice. I am not sure what I want to be yet, but I am pretty sure that I chose the correct field. Yet, I am still a little unsure. I mean, I am just not sure if I will be satisfied or appreciated. You know? Like I should make enough money to live comfortably and hopefully have some kids and a wife. But, does the feeling of wanting more ever go away? Should it go away? By more, I do not mean be rich or anything. I simply mean satisfaction. Do you ever reach that point in your life where you can say "I have done enough". I really enjoy helping people. That is why I chose criminal justice. Not to arrest people, but to help those in need. But I already know that there will always be more people that need help and I realize that it doesn't matter how much help you give most times it won't work. I guess what I really want to know is if any of you are satisfied? Are you happy with what you are and how you got there? Is there more you wish you could have done? And finally how do you come to grips with the fact that no matter what you do it probably won't be that great on the grand scale of things?

[Guest AmericanWorkMule]

How does Life Happen?

@ 2:18

[media=]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Tp46x8S4r8&feature=player_detailpage#t=138s[/media]

Edited July 1, 2012 by AmericanWorkMule

[zmtd8]

How does Life Happen?

@ 2:18

[media=]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Tp46x8S4r8&feature=player_detailpage#t=138s[/media]

Haha nice one

[DaveTN]

Get a degree in something you like to do and can find a job in. If you enjoy the work you will never work a day in your life.

With all due respect if I wanted to work as a cop (and I have) I wouldn’t waste my time on a criminal justice degree. Any LEO Agency would rather you a degree in something they could use; they will teach you everything you need to know about being a cop. If I wanted to work in criminal justice I would get a law degree and pass the bar. (That’s what I wish I would have done)

[zmtd8]

Get a degree in something you like to do and can find a job in. If you enjoy the work you will never work a day in your life.

With all due respect if I wanted to work as a cop (and I have) I wouldn’t waste my time on a criminal justice degree. Any LEO Agency would rather you a degree in something they could use; they will teach you everything you need to know about being a cop. If I wanted to work in criminal justice I would get a law degree and pass the bar. (That’s what I wish I would have done)

I don't plan on being a cop. I may go federal or TBI, but not a cop. Just never really interested me.

[BigK]

When I got out of MTSU with a CIS degree 8 yrs ago, I thought I'd be an IT manager by now. Instead, I gravitated toward one area and couldn't be happier that I didn't go the other route. I love what I do and that makes a huge difference.

The money being enough depends more on your lifestyle than your income. When I got out of school, I was making the same money I did managing restaurants for 15 years. The difference was I liked my job better, but increases in pay did come faster. I'd like to think that's mostly due to the enthusiasm that comes with loving what you do.

Whatever you do, don't chase the money. You'll be miserable! Instead, do what makes you happy and save all the money you can. Besides, a dual-income couple making an average salary can live very comfortably and not have to worry about money.

Edited July 1, 2012 by BigK

[Guest Lester Weevils]

I don't know if "burn out" is common in law enforcement. "Burn out" seems pretty common among medical folk and social workers. I haven't ever discussed it with physicians, but have a suspicion that physicians burn out but have spent so much time and money becoming doctors that they stay in the biz because it would be borderline-insane to quit. But lots of nurses and other assorted medical folks burn out and find something else to do.

It took me about 5 years total to burn out from social work.

The people who "take it to heart" tend to burn out quicker because things hardly ever get any better and if you care much about it, then after awhile the lack of success gets to where it will bug a feller. A higher percentage than average in those professions commit suicide.

Maybe I'm wrong, but the folks who last longest are either 1. People with almost insane religious faith which persists against all real-world evidence to the contrary. 2. People who are "not that involved" with the job. Not that they slack or do a bad job, but they might be working with gross misery all around, daydreaming about going fishing or installing new living room curtains, rather than obsessing about how miserable all these people happen to be.

People who work other fields only get hit in the face with misery of folks they know every once in awhile. But certain fields, it is wall-to-wall misery every day, and after awhile it can affect your attitude, thinking that misery is all there is to life.

[runco]

This is odd but I remember 25 years ago setting in my college dorm room pondering the same or similiar thought. Didn't have a gun forum to bounce my ponderment off of, but I settled on a frame of mind that I only wanted to live a happy life and just do the best that I can in my chosen career, vs. the love of money and the pursuit of wanting more. I could have moved away from East Tennessee many years ago for more money, but I didn't becuase it was never a priority. Today, I still have the same outlook on life, just be happy, and try to be the best professional that I can. My salary is ~3x what it was when I graduated college, wife and I do and buy just about everything (within reason), we live in a modest house, have modern newer cars, go on family vacations with our 3 sons, and shhh don't tell anyone, but I have amast a modest armory over the course of 30+ years of collecting guns. My life has been a blessing so far, and money and the pursuit of wanting everything has not been a priority, just a secondary accident. So if you are money hungry and want everything, you will never be satisfied, I recommend on just setting sights on living a happy life, and being the best professional in your career as you can be, and everything else will just happen, be patient. BTW living life for the Lord doesn't hurt either! I do recognize he made the difference in my life.

[zmtd8]

But certain fields, it is wall-to-wall misery every day, and after awhile it can affect your attitude, thinking that misery is all there is to life.

This is exactly what I am talking about. That is why I am leaning more towards game warden. Riding around in a truck all day in the mountains seems nice and peaceful.

[quietguy]

I have a criminal justice degree, and have yet to use it. I worked in a completely different industry while in college, and have stayed in that field. I had a few job offers in the law enforcement field, but nothing that I couldn't turn down.

As far as money, build your life around your income. There is nothing wrong with striving to do better, but most that let that consume them are miserable.

[BigK]

This is exactly what I am talking about. That is why I am leaning more towards game warden. Riding around in a truck all day in the mountains seems nice and peaceful.

A friend I went to HS with was a game warden for many, many years. He LOVED it! I agree, that would be an awesome job.

[Guest Lester Weevils]

A friend I went to HS with was a game warden for many, many years. He LOVED it! I agree, that would be an awesome job.

It does sound like a funner-than-average job.

Dunno what the state pays, but at one time got the impression the federal park rangers make pretty good pay. Not that money is everything, but it ain't nothing either.

[Ropin4gold]

Can't be a game warden (TWRA) in TN without a degree in wildlife biology. If you want to go TBI or Federal, you are better off getting some experiance at the local/county level before applying. You might also look at THP, they have been hiring the last couple of years. Good luck to you. I have some friends that went to Metro (Nashville) PD and they are happy, plus you can't beat the pay...

[enfield]

If you're lucky, you'll reach contentment. It's not the same as wealth or fame, but it's much more satisfying.

[zmtd8]

Can't be a game warden (TWRA) in TN without a degree in wildlife biology.

From what I read and one of the things I read was a List of Careers for Criminal Justice in our departments office and they had Game Warden listed. So no offence, but I sure hope you are wrong. If not I will be sorely disappointed.

[scoutfsu]

Ah, a Criminal Justice degree......a sure sign of a slacker.

[zmtd8]

If you're lucky, you'll reach contentment. It's not the same as wealth or fame, but it's much more satisfying.

See that is what I am wondering. Is contentment reachable? Plus is it really a good thing? Shouldn't you always strive to be better and for more? How do you turn that switch off?

[Guest Lester Weevils]

There must be many degrees associated with fed and state parks? After second wife burned out on nursing she went back studying forestry but got sidetracked into other professions (which was cool too). Just saying, other than lumber companies surely the forestry degrees get jobs with gov agencies that have lots of forests?

Edited July 1, 2012 by Lester Weevils

[zmtd8]

Ah, a Criminal Justice degree......a sure sign of a slacker.

I want to be offended by this. But you sir are indeed correct. Although I would rather work hard at an easy job than be lost at a hard job.

[scoutfsu]

I want to be offended by this. But you sir are indeed correct. Although I would rather work hard at an easy job than be lost at a hard job.

Don't be too offended. I've got a CJ degree from FSU. I wish I could get that time back. I'm now back in school again for a BSN.

[TrickyNicky]

Satisfaction IMHO comes from within. Chasing jobs, money, social status, none of those things are worth a damn in the grand scheme of things. The things that really matter are are much simpler, friends, family, a sence of community, personal interests and hobbies.

I guess what I'm trying to say is don't make the mistake of letting a given career path define who you are and where your going.

Good luck with whatever you choose.

[TMF]

I really enjoy helping people. That is why I chose criminal justice. Not to arrest people, but to help those in need. But I already know that there will always be more people that need help and I realize that it doesn't matter how much help you give most times it won't work. I guess what I really want to know is if any of you are satisfied? Are you happy with what you are and how you got there?

Are there any LEOs on here with 10+ years service that are anywhere near this idealistic?

zmtd8, if the sentiment you expressed above is really your motivation for entering that field you should go in with your eyes wide open. Law Enforcement is one of those fields that is highly respected, but not just for what they do for the community. Their mortal lives aren't the only thing they stand the potential to sacrifice when they put the uniform on, ya know?

[BigK]

See that is what I am wondering. Is contentment reachable? Plus is it really a good thing? Shouldn't you always strive to be better and for more? How do you turn that switch off?

I think it's possible to be reach contentment without becoming complacent. Self-improvement and ambition don't have to be tossed out to be content with what you have "right now".

[MiddTennTaco]

As a former police officer now pursuing a criminal justice degree...

Trust me, you wont get anywhere fast without a degree no matter what department you work for. It doesnt really matter what you major in as long as it isnt something absolutely useless like basket weaving or art. Law Enforcement is a respectible career to choose but it really has to be something you want to do. You wont make it if all youre doing it for is the money. If you want money, be an accountant or doctor. Dont get me wrong though, there is certainly money to be made.

Within a police department, you will still have to start out like everyone else. The difference is and where it REALLY counts is about 5 years down the line when promotions come youre way. Or you may find that patrol is your calling. A lot of police officers do end up staying in patrol. Anyway, my point and the good part is that once youve gotten more experience and a degree under youre belt, the FBI and the like begin to drool. You will have a decent selection of opportunities depending on what you want to do and at what point you find yourself satisfied.

To reiterate, law enforcement is an excellent lifelong career choice. Within a metro sized police department, you will find there is a large variety of jobs available and lots of room for advancement. Its also one of those careers that can adjust to your lifestyle changes as you get older. You can get patrol work out of your system while youre young and put youre degree to use to slowly work your way off the streets.

Sent from my HTC Inspire using Tapatalk 2

[gregintenn]

This post may go a little bit of everywhere, so just bear with me. A little background information. I am 23 years old and I am a senior in college. My major is Criminal Justice. I am not sure what I want to be yet, but I am pretty sure that I chose the correct field. Yet, I am still a little unsure. I mean, I am just not sure if I will be satisfied or appreciated. You know? Like I should make enough money to live comfortably and hopefully have some kids and a wife. But, does the feeling of wanting more ever go away? Should it go away? By more, I do not mean be rich or anything. I simply mean satisfaction. Do you ever reach that point in your life where you can say "I have done enough". I really enjoy helping people. That is why I chose criminal justice. Not to arrest people, but to help those in need. But I already know that there will always be more people that need help and I realize that it doesn't matter how much help you give most times it won't work. I guess what I really want to know is if any of you are satisfied? Are you happy with what you are and how you got there? Is there more you wish you could have done? And finally how do you come to grips with the fact that no matter what you do it probably won't be that great on the grand scale of things?

At your age, you are far ahead of the game in your way of thinking. I'd like to share a few observations with you.

I am 39 years old, have a wife and two kids. We have worked hard, and now have everything we need, and most of what we want. I have discovered in recent years that even the most successful among us are but a fart in a whirlwind in the grand scheme of things. I've also discovered that doing something you have a passion for is much more fulfilling than simply making a big pot of money. As I age, I place less and less importance on a dollar.

The things I find more and more important are family, health, and helping others. You will continue to mature with age and life experience. Do what you think you love. If it turns out it's not your calling, try something else. If you do something you really like and have an interest in, you'll be great at it, and the money will come. Life is too short to spend all week doing something you dread and hate. Money is just green paper. You can spend it, save it, or give it away. Short of that, it isn't very useful. Don't obsess on it.

As far as wanting more from life, if that feeling ever goes away, what point is there in living? You need to be improving, learning, and striving to do everything better as long as there is health left in your body. The key is not to obsess over it. Sometimes you just need to sit back and enjoy life for what it is.

Edited July 1, 2012 by gregintenn