| There comes a time when we have had enough. | | | | Computer skills |
| Working in Emergency Services, particularly in the | | | | Dedication |
| Police Force is tough. The years wear us down | | | | Discipline |
| until we become disillusioned. We become | | | | A caring for others and a desire to make a |
| frustrated with the lack of management support, | | | | difference |
| aware and protective of our own mortality, sick | | | | What emergency services and ex-Police are most |
| of working long hours, tired of the shift work and | | | | afraid of when we leave is venturing into the |
| of the seriousness of what we do on a daily basis. | | | | unknown out of our comfort zone and what we |
| We become mentally, emotionally and physically | | | | have known for so long. A fear of leaving and not |
| burnt out. | | | | being able to go back is common. A fear of |
| So, what can we do? Where do we go from | | | | making that break into the outside world and |
| here? What are we good for? | | | | missing the comfort of the camaraderie that is |
| Many assume that our qualifications and skills are | | | | second to none in careers where safety |
| only good for similar careers, such as security | | | | frequently depends on each other. Mateship is |
| work and private investigations, which leave us | | | | more than just friendship within the ranks of |
| disappointed or feeling that we have chosen to do | | | | Emergency Services, a good mate can save your |
| more of the same because it is easy; just | | | | life - literally. |
| swapping one job for another job that has all of | | | | With the above mentioned qualifications, ex-Police |
| the same issues. However, what we overlook is | | | | and other Emergency services add tremendous |
| what we learn along the way in our Emergency | | | | value to other businesses. It is important that we |
| Services work, which truly sets us apart. The | | | | value ourselves enough to take that chance and |
| ability to communicate and the ability to perform | | | | try something different. Many ex-Police make the |
| well under pressure are priceless assets that | | | | move into sales careers as they are accustomed |
| many of us take for granted. If we focus on | | | | to approaching people with ease; they master |
| where those unique qualities will take us and think | | | | sales techniques along the way. Starting |
| outside the box, a world of opportunity opens. | | | | something part-time before submitting a |
| Re-Invention is simply doing something different. It | | | | resignation to the boss might be a good place to |
| requires us to direct our skills to another career. | | | | start, gaining confidence slowly and securing an |
| We have to take what we already have and | | | | income before making the move permanently. A |
| apply it to something new, and then build on those | | | | great place to start is in your own industry |
| skills. In order to do that, we must start by | | | | magazine. Usually there are advertisements in |
| looking at ourselves differently; judge ourselves | | | | there from ex-members who are now established |
| positively and give ourselves some credit for the | | | | in external businesses and require assistance. It is |
| knowledge we have accumulated. We have to | | | | an easier move, joining likeminded people in |
| stretch the belief that limit us into thinking that we | | | | business that understand and are seeking the |
| only qualify for a small range of careers. | | | | particular skills that emergency workers possess. |
| Emergency Services workers commonly share | | | | Whatever the choice, it is important that |
| the following skills: | | | | Emergency Services workers and ex-Police do |
| An ability to mix with all types | | | | not limit their expectations by failing to promote |
| Communicate openly | | | | their own personal value consisting of the skills |
| Confidence | | | | that their demanding jobs have provided them. |
| Leadership | | | | Confidence and self belief is key to career |
| Teamwork | | | | re-invention. |
| Bravery | | | | |