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I want to be a detective. Is that a good job? Is it worth it?
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Yun’s Answer
Hello DaJannae,
Any job is a good job if you love and find it meaningful for you!
For me, detective sounds like an interesting job. You get to solve problems, help people, and bring justice. I suggest you do research about the job to see what a detective does everyday, what their responsibilities are, and how to become one first. If it sounds like something you'll enjoy, then go for it.
Good luck!
Look up job descriptions and requirements
Ask yourself, is it something like? Is it what you're passionate about? If yes, go on
Research how to satisfy those requirements and do it
Any job is a good job if you love and find it meaningful for you!
For me, detective sounds like an interesting job. You get to solve problems, help people, and bring justice. I suggest you do research about the job to see what a detective does everyday, what their responsibilities are, and how to become one first. If it sounds like something you'll enjoy, then go for it.
Good luck!
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Updated
Kim’s Answer
DaJanae,
Of course we want to encourage you if you want to be a detective! The challenge of putting together all the pieces and bringing someone to justice, helping the victims get closure, etc. is all very rewarding. But, there are a few "buts."
Detectives usually start out as police officers. When you make it to detective, you might start out with the less exciting types of offenses. It might be boring. But, it is good training to teach you how to develop a case, piece by piece, because, when you move up, you will find the cases are more complex.
Police officers, and detectives, work non-traditional hours. This sometimes conflicts with trying to attend events with family and friends.
And, possibly the biggest "but." After you've worked hard to develop a lock-tight case, the Prosecutor will work a plea bargain with the defendant, and give them a lower charge with a light sentence. An example: I had worked hard to prove all of the "elements of the offense" of a burglary of a vehicle charge - a felony. The case was plea bargained as a simple criminal trespass. This is just how the system works. But, it can get discouraging. You just have to keep doing your job, and not let it get you down.
Have you considered any other jobs where you would be investigating and putting a case together? The one that comes to mind is paralegal. I worked closely with an attorney on employment law cases - clients suing their employer/former employer for discrimination and retaliation. You build the case piece by piece, creating a "proof chart," and finding documents/witnesses to prove each point of your case. It was interesting work!
Another would be a research scientist - if you like science. Or, insurance fraud investigator. As you can see, the skillset you want to develop would be useful in many different applications. Think about what it is you like about the thought of being a detective, and, what other directions you can go to meet that interest. Keep your options open.
Meanwhile, look into what it takes to be a police officer in your state, and start working towards that goal!
Of course we want to encourage you if you want to be a detective! The challenge of putting together all the pieces and bringing someone to justice, helping the victims get closure, etc. is all very rewarding. But, there are a few "buts."
Detectives usually start out as police officers. When you make it to detective, you might start out with the less exciting types of offenses. It might be boring. But, it is good training to teach you how to develop a case, piece by piece, because, when you move up, you will find the cases are more complex.
Police officers, and detectives, work non-traditional hours. This sometimes conflicts with trying to attend events with family and friends.
And, possibly the biggest "but." After you've worked hard to develop a lock-tight case, the Prosecutor will work a plea bargain with the defendant, and give them a lower charge with a light sentence. An example: I had worked hard to prove all of the "elements of the offense" of a burglary of a vehicle charge - a felony. The case was plea bargained as a simple criminal trespass. This is just how the system works. But, it can get discouraging. You just have to keep doing your job, and not let it get you down.
Have you considered any other jobs where you would be investigating and putting a case together? The one that comes to mind is paralegal. I worked closely with an attorney on employment law cases - clients suing their employer/former employer for discrimination and retaliation. You build the case piece by piece, creating a "proof chart," and finding documents/witnesses to prove each point of your case. It was interesting work!
Another would be a research scientist - if you like science. Or, insurance fraud investigator. As you can see, the skillset you want to develop would be useful in many different applications. Think about what it is you like about the thought of being a detective, and, what other directions you can go to meet that interest. Keep your options open.
Meanwhile, look into what it takes to be a police officer in your state, and start working towards that goal!