I'm thinking there's got to be an option #3 in the private sector. Maybe home security, private security, or something related?

I'd think you've had the training to make that work better than most of your potential competitors.

Just throwing it out there.

 

I believe you've answered your own question - look at this way and see which you prefer. Good luck.

Job #1

Plus
+ Dream job
+ Better upward mobility
+ Transferable job experience

Minus
- Stressful
- Dangerous
- $20k less annual base pay
- Must work 20-30 overtime hours a week to double pay
- Must work 9 more years to retire
- 20-30% less pension
- No family health coverage in retirement

Job #2

Plus
+ Safe
+ Higher pay
+ Higher pension
+ Family medical
+ Retire 9 years sooner
+ 50% of children’s tuition furnished

Minus
- Borderline depressing job
- Mundane and non-challenging
- Unlikely job experience is transferable

 

The age old dilemma - doing what you want vs. what is best for the family. I've been there. I suspect others have as well.

 

Be careful about over valuing pensions. The trend is for pension benefits to be reduced and you have no guarantee that you will get the maximum pension. For example 10 years from now they could freeze the pension and what you had earned at that point could be the max they will pay out.

 

socals, like I said, this particular university made 4 billion last year in it's endowment. The department that I will be working for has only 63 members. And being a private pension, they have to keep it funded. This particular pension system is shared only with administrators. That department works via collective bargaining and has just signed a 7 year contract (which is unheard of in this economy) with a 20% raise. needless to say, this department performs a function that is unique and intergal to the growth and well being of the campus life.

 

I like to think out of the box so i'll ask a question that you don't seem to have considered.

you obviously appear to be happy where you are, but something is gnawing at you or you wouldn't be looking for another job.
So my first question is why did you go look at the other position?

My other question may be something you haven't pondered yet.
How long will you be able to physically perform in your current role?
You're 35 now, How are you going to feel in 10 years.
Your probably near peak condition right now, how long will that hold up for you?
allow me to introduce you to my little friend, baby boomer Vitamin, Vitamin I, that's right I'm talking Ibuprofen,
You'll be reaching for it more and more.

Job two will probably require you to develop a life outside of work.
Can you do that? can you have a work life and a private life that does not revolve around being a cop?

 

Hmm....well, I figure i have another 5 years on the swat team, then i will have to move to an auxiliary position. I can push a blue and white for another 10 years, hopefully by then i will be a supervisor or detective. The only reason I am looking at that position is longterm financial stability for my family. I can have a life outside of work, ive been told i should have been a porn star but in all seriousness, i do have other skills/hobbies that interest me, however i am too old to change up careers at this point.

I hear you on the degeneration of the body that comes with age. i am a step slower than i was in my late 20's, a little weaker too but wiser. Ill look into vitamin I Give these two scenarios which would you choose?

 

"Vitamin I" can have some serious side effects, and contraindications with other medications you might be on, so be well-advised.

 

That it can. I ate Vitamin "I" like M&M's for a long time due to shoulder issues. Don't know why I bothered, they never helped. I needed the "good stuff." I'm lucky I didn't have issues and that I have a stomach left.

Consider this a public service announcement from the Vintage crowd.

 

^^ He (HwangTKD) came to the right place for information.