Trucking or Police Officer?

[sildavin]

Alrighty...(this might turn into a long post, I have a habit of rambling, sorry) Since I was AT LEAST twelve, I have known what I really want to do "when I grow up". I'm 18 now, and that has not changed at all, in fact, I feel more strongly about it then ever I truly believe that driving an 18-Wheeler is my dream job, and I just cant see, or fathom anything better. BUT

Police Work has also been an interest of mine for my whole life(like trucking) the past 2 years, even going as far as completing a 6 month long Internship at a Local Police Department, and, I am Currently enrolling in a Community College for "Criminal Justice - Law Enforcement" as a major. Once again, everything about being a Police Officer I find exciting, it has always been my passion to help people and a sort of dream to be a first responder, to be a Police Officer in a car chase, to be the guy who saves the life, and the guy who caught the criminal, and the guy who runs into a burning building, not the guy who runs out. etc.

Now here is where I am stuck. I want both, but obviously, being an over the road trucker, and a Full time Police Officer, just, isnt possible. Theres also another problem, I know for a fact, I can't be trucker until im 21, thats a DOT requirement (Department of Transportation) and, also a few Speeding Tickets that need to get old. Also, I know I cant get a job as an officer, until AT LEAST 25 if im lucky

I know the opinions of my friends, and family, they dont want to see me become a trucker, they want to see me as a Police officer. I love both, and I cant decided, one or the other, either way, I am getting my degree in Criminal Justice, and I will be getting my CDL (Commercial Drivers License).

So Im wondering, what is YOUR opinion, please be open minded and try not to bash me, I know it isnt often someone at my age wants to drive a truck for the next 50 years, but literally, I've dreamed of it for years. Thanks guys.

[Death]

Out of the two, I'd personally prefer to be a police officer. This will probably be harder to get and do, but I'm quite sure it'll get you more pay to compensate. Besides, people tend to respect police officers more; except criminals obviously. But, when it comes down to it, it's your choice.

[INFERNO]

I would have to say be a police officer. In addition to better pay, once you gain more experience, you can specialize in certain areas that you may like. But I'm always interested in what drives people (no pun intended), so what is it about being a trucker that you love? If it's driving long distances, as a police officer you would be driving around too depending on your job. If it's knowing you're hauling a few tons behind you, as a police officer you'd be hauling a criminal away or driving a "paddy wagon" .

It is your choice at the end but I'd say for you to think about what makes you want to be a trucker so badly and a police officer so badly. There are going to be similarities so see if the similairites are strong.

[sildavin]

To answer your question, INFERNO, I think its just my passion for being on the highway, its the place where I feel least stressed. I can get on the highway, and drive for miles and my mind will be clear and focused. Also. I am addicted to Big trucks. the Bigger the better, I love the way they look, smell and sound xD Almost like an obsession.

My Uncle was a trucker. He would pick me up every summer and we would travel together, We'd start from my home in MA, and We'd end up in New Orleans and then Florida back up to Maine, over to Colorado, then back home. and We'd go again. The whole trip took most of my summer, and I love every minute of it! He recently died, in an industry related death. and I havent been in a truck since, and I greatly miss it.

In the end, Police work is exhilarating, fun, and well respected. Its just my passion for driving is fighting my passion to help people..... **shrug** IDK... I was never the average kid in school. I was always, a little, "different."

[Death]

Well, it appears that you like both. Although from your post, you seem to like trucking slightly more. So that leaves with you with a choice: Follow your "obsession", or go with the other for greater experience and pay, just like INFERNO said.

[emt.Cam]

Well Chris, I'm gonna go with law enforcement -criminal justice- because I share the same interest. I've wanted to be in law enforcement for as long as I can remember. I've still kept the same career field as I'm going into my sophmore year in college for criminal justice. I've broadened my scope into Emergency Services as I took my EMT-Basic and Firefighter 1/2 in high school and now work on my fire department as a call EMT/Firefighter. Like you -I'm sure-, I'm very compassionate, mature, affectionate, ect. I love not knowing what I'll do the next day; it's not your typical 9-5 job. I am big into family and I could never just drive for a living and be away for days at a time without my family. I receive a lot of commendations for telling people that I want to be a State Trooper after college. Please remember, that people like law enforcement or hate them. There WILL be a lot of those who look at you different BECAUSE your uphold the law. Follow your heart, and I'm sure it'll lead you just fine. Just remember, if you do finish your major in Criminal Justice, it'll leave your options open since you don't need to go to school to drive trucks and you'll have something to fall back on. Feel free to send me a PM with more questions and such, it's getting late and I'm just unfocused :p

[Antares]

I think being an officer is much better than driving trucks because you actually get to interact with people rather than sitting in a cab for hours upon hours. That is what I think you should lean to but it really is whatever your heart takes you to.

There are many possibilities to do both also.

[RElk]

Police officer. That's what I want to do as well.

[Ender]

Police officer. That's what I want to do as well.

me 3 :D :D

[Patchy]

Police officer I'd say.

Your day to day varies, you're out and about meeting different people not just sitting behind the wheel of a truck driving day in and day out.

[nightrider250R]

Well I have been interested in both also. Also the one who say police get good pay, for what you are doing it is not enough for what you are doing. BUT if you want to do trucking you have to buy a truck and you are gonna want one with a sleeper, and that is well expensive. I am a motorcyclist so I would go with the trucker, you work your own hours and the pay for sitting around moving a wheel around is excellent.

[ray8806]

i say cop. but it's your choice.

[Belton21]

Well coming from a trucking company owners son,I'd say trucker.They make a hell of a lot more money..each one of our trucks average making about 90,000 dollars a year and we have five trucks...We have five 2005 peterbilt 379 stand up sleeper trucks for the drivers.they ride in luxury and style..they aren't that expensive new they cost about 150,000 but if u buy a used truck it'll range about 25,000-40,000..but you can go to a company like SWIFT and they will pay for your cdls..they give good health insurance..they send you to their cdl school for 6weeks pay for food and lodging and you'll bring
home about 600 dollars a week..

[The Madness.]

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