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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Am I too old for this?

13 replies

TeaIfYouPlease · 23/05/2019 18:08

I want a career change, I’ve always wanted to be a Police Officer but was pressured to go down different routes by my parents.

Im now 28, I’ve got a 8 month old baby and I don’t want to continue working in my current job role. There is a recruitment drive on for my local Police force and I would like to apply. However, I worry that I would be too old or that having a young family would not be compatible. I have enough saved up to cover me for any potential loss of earnings in the training period.

Are there any Police on here that could perhaps share their knowledge and experience?

OP posts:
Moomooboo · 23/05/2019 18:09

You have 35+ years of work ahead of you - if you can afford to and want to, you should do it!!!

tierraJ · 23/05/2019 18:10

No you're definitely not too old!

Sumsuch · 23/05/2019 18:11

You're good - go for it

UnicornBrexit · 23/05/2019 18:12

You aren't too old, our new recruits seem to be more mid 20's mature .

Watchingthetelly · 23/05/2019 18:18

Definitely not too old! As Moo said, you will be working a long time yet

AlwaysCheddar · 23/05/2019 18:26

Is your partner supportive/able to deal with shifts/childcare?

Aprillygirl · 23/05/2019 18:27

I think someone like you, who has wanted this for so long and who has had some life experience would make an excellent candidate. Go for it OP and good luck

Fatted · 23/05/2019 18:30

I know first hand people who have joined in their early to mid 30s. So your age won't go against you.

It is a rigorous selection process though and thousands will be applying along with you. Make sure you are prepared for the process. There are assessments, fitness tests and interviews after the papersift. It can take months between applying and starting so I wouldn't quit your day job anytime soon!

Aimily · 23/05/2019 18:31

Go for it, my cousins dh is 31 and he only became a policeman last year. They spent the last 6 years travelling the world and decided it was time to come home, he signed up as a new recruit and qualified in November I believe.

DontDribbleOnTheCarpet · 23/05/2019 18:41

I know people who joined after serving in the armed forces for a number of years, so you might be a fair bit younger than other candidates.

stuckasachild · 23/05/2019 18:44

Hi, you are definitely not too old. When I joined there were recruits who were 35.
Things to consider though - your life is no longer your own :
Shifts are hellish and subject to change as and when required.
You are often required to stay late to finish any enquiry/case you are dealing with. Holidays are only to be taking at certain time periods of which you have no say.
You will be working for at least 35yrs with some of the worst "bosses" there is
Childcare will be an absolute nightmare due to changing shift patterns.

On the plus side you get time during the week to see your family (shame they are probably at work)
It's a job for life
No day is the same and it's never boring

Whatever you decide you have to be committed to it and you do see/have to deal with horrible things which stay with you. You are also doing one of the most worthwhile jobs there is and certain people are so suited to it.
Good luck with your decision Smile

Bluerussian · 23/05/2019 18:50

Definitely not too old, you're a spring chicken. Go for it! Good luck.

mimibunz · 23/05/2019 18:52

At least apply and have a conversation with them. And best of luck!

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