Suggestions; I need a new career.

**vmac3205** · 4th July 08, 06:54 AM

okay, don't laugh....my degree was in microbiology, and after dinking around in a lab, working for the USFS, and being an EMT for the fire service, at age 40, I became a jailer. Custody Officer, to be PC. 40 - 45 is the perfect age to start in Corrections. It gives you 20 years to get a great retirement, and that's about burn out time. I don't know about Canadian jails, but in Washington State, we pay for everything. You go to the academy after you are hired. It is a growth industry, with vitually no chance of being laid off for lack of work. We work a 12 hour shift, with a 4 on 4 off rotation. The pay isn't bad. This is a holiday, so I"ll be making almost $700 today. One guy figured out that if he were to work over time on a holiday, he'd be making a dollar a minute.
Anyway, it is never dull. You are doing good for the community, you have an opportunity to change a life, and there is no heavy lifting.

I am now 60, and as I tell people, I am just one really bad day away from retirement. As yet, that day hasn't come. Close, but not quite. I've had a great career, and am now the chair of the Corrections board for the Wash. State Training Commission, as well as being an Operations Sgt. for Clark County.

Give it some thought.

Victoira

**Sheep In Wolf's Clothing** · 4th July 08, 06:55 AM

Grant,
I am sorry to hear about your Job situation. My sister went through the same thing a few years ago. She went back into the social service sector she left for the Manufacturing life. That sector, the mental health field, is looking for people like mad. Though, in this part of Ontario we are looking for Millwrights like mad. I also have a friend who’s parents own a plumbing company. He and his brother took the plumbing apprentice program. If you want any info PM me and I’ll get you in touch with Nick and he might be able to answer any questions you might have.
Hang in there,
Sara

**Arlen** · 4th July 08, 07:45 AM

Grant, I'm sorry about the bad news but at least you have the summer to plan.
Have you considered going back college and getting qualifications for something you'd really like to do?

**ccga3359** · 4th July 08, 08:36 AM

Thank you all for your excellent info and heartening and positive support. My wife is working in a solid field and the house is paid off enough that schooling is a viable option, although 4-5 years would definately spread us thinner than we'd like. In spite of that we are in better shape than 20 years ago. As mentioned by Victoria, 42 is a decent enough age to start anew. I've been unemployed before but looking with the wisdom I now have I'm not the at all depressed and will not fall into the rut I was in so many years ago. I'll be heading down to Human Resources Canada Monday after I get my paperwork. It all seems a little exciting to tell the truth.

**Nick the DSM** · 4th July 08, 08:52 AM

how about an assassin? they get paid well!

ballerina??

**starbkjrus** · 4th July 08, 09:11 AM

Ouch. I'm sorry the auto industry downturn has gotten to you too. It does sound like you have the right attitude though so that should take you far.

Good luck and I'll keep my ears open - my daughter-in-law has a LOT of family scattered between you and Welland. If I hear of anything I'll let you know.

**Arlen** · 4th July 08, 10:32 AM

Hey, Grant.... have you thought of putting your lovely hair and firm buttocks into modeling?
You could maybe even be the next 'Glen' for Scotch beef!!!