Police to train driver?

[SkinnyControll]

I'm ex Police, made the jump to the railway in the last few months. Currently working for Network Rail in an Operations role. Being frankly honest, I've struggled with the adjustment. For the all the negative reasons we leave the police, of which there are numerous, there are elements of excitement and personally, a bit of fulfilment from helping others and doing some good.

To an extent I miss that feeling of having a sense of purpose. However, the railway provides an incredible opportunity for my family. The pay is brilliant (coming from the public sector) the shifts are fantastic with so many more days off, the work life balance is great and there's less day to day **** to deal with!

Admittedly, my ego has taken a bit of bruising in a less exciting role. But as that infamous Police saying goes 'its for the greater good!'

 

[Prodigy1989]

I'm ex Police, made the jump to the railway in the last few months. Currently working for Network Rail in an Operations role. Being frankly honest, I've struggled with the adjustment. For the all the negative reasons we leave the police, of which there are numerous, there are elements of excitement and personally, a bit of fulfilment from helping others and doing some good.

To an extent I miss that feeling of having a sense of purpose. However, the railway provides an incredible opportunity for my family. The pay is brilliant (coming from the public sector) the shifts are fantastic with so many more days off, the work life balance is great and there's less day to day **** to deal with!

Admittedly, my ego has taken a bit of bruising in a less exciting role. But as that infamous Police saying goes 'its for the greater good!'

This is where I am kind of stuck.

I'm in a specialist niche role in the police which is very interesting and I get treated well. I'm also lined up for promotion, however with that, I could be placed anywhere. Albeit with my skills I should make it back to a good department relatively soon if that did happen.

However, I am limited in terms of money, pension and days off.

I feel that I will have a better family life with the railway and more money, but I am losing the skills I have built and as you say - the interest.

It's a tough decision

 

[LCC106]

I can understand why a job with Network Rail may not give you the satisfaction. As a driver, however, I aim to make each drive better than the last, assisting in passenger comfort. I also get to help people with their questions when waiting for my train to come in.

 

[Plodster]

This is where I am kind of stuck.

I'm in a specialist niche role in the police which is very interesting and I get treated well. I'm also lined up for promotion, however with that, I could be placed anywhere. Albeit with my skills I should make it back to a good department relatively soon if that did happen.

However, I am limited in terms of money, pension and days off.

I feel that I will have a better family life with the railway and more money, but I am losing the skills I have built and as you say - the interest.

It's a tough decision

I retired from the Police 2 years ago and am just about to finish my hours with my DI

I was in a specialist role - most of my career was in one area and I was very lucky to stay in that area when promoted.
It will feel different for a while and there will be some adjusting if you get the job.

The hours are good the pension is good the pay is better than policing - roughly Insp pay once qualified
Your day ends when you ‘key out’

The shifts are very different though and I assume you will be in a Monday to Friday sat up at the moment so that is something to consider.

Trainee wage for 12 or so months is c£30k Paid every 28days so 13 pay days a year.

You need to weigh up the costs v benefits of the move over.

Please don’t take this the wrong way - if successful and you then regretted the change the Police will always take you back.

UK Cop Humour do a mug which says something like “Where do you look to find an ex cop? The cab of a train!”
How many train drivers do you meet who have left to join the police?

Traineetraindriverinfo.com do some really good downloads for the computer stage tests and you will have loads of examples for the MMI - link them to the driver non technical skills

Good luck

 

[Barlos1973]

I'm ex Police, made the jump to the railway in the last few months. Currently working for Network Rail in an Operations role. Being frankly honest, I've struggled with the adjustment. For the all the negative reasons we leave the police, of which there are numerous, there are elements of excitement and personally, a bit of fulfilment from helping others and doing some good.

To an extent I miss that feeling of having a sense of purpose. However, the railway provides an incredible opportunity for my family. The pay is brilliant (coming from the public sector) the shifts are fantastic with so many more days off, the work life balance is great and there's less day to day **** to deal with!

Admittedly, my ego has taken a bit of bruising in a less exciting role. But as that infamous Police saying goes 'its for the greater good!'

Unfortunately failed my interview. Was surprised as I thought my examples were good, but also felt I could have done much better.
Ahhh back to being a Bobby for the time being.
In regards to leaving, I can understand what you saying. I love the fact I'm a police officer. Theres a thrill and cudos to the job like not many others. However for that excitement I have to think of all the long hours and the stress which currently is ridiculous. Work/Family life is horrible and I guess I have reached a stage in my life where that means more to me. With far better potential pay, holidays and stressfree it's really a no brainer for me personally.
PS if you still need that thrill of being a police officer, I'm thinking if successful next time I will return as a Special. That way can do the job when I want and without all the paper work and stress