OtakuDispatcher?

Could a career change be in the future for ewink? Not likely, but it's something that I have been considering.

Since my temper tantrum back in August, I've been thinking a lot about my job, my career and the path I am taking. I have grown to appreciate my job a lot more in that time, but I realize it's not something that is going to be able to last forever.

As I have mentioned before, I probably don't have a lot of time left to where I will be able to walk without going through a lot of pain. So I would like to have something else I am skilled enough to do for a living before that happens.

I also realize that I will get burnt out on this job soon. It's inevitable, especially for someone like me who would never be happy going back to shooting press conferences, kitty farms and school openings. I'm a spot news junkie; I love chasing it and I can't see myself doing any general assignment photography.

That said, being around all this tragedy day in and day out really makes you depressed at times. I think the only reason cops can pull it off is because they also get the benefit of yelling at the media.

I, quite honestly, would like to leave the business before I hate it. It's always nice to leave something with fond memories.

But what to do? I am planning on still going to school next year to uber up my web skills. But what else can I do that I would enjoy?

Considering my desire to become a cop, the only logical step is to become a dispatcher. So I was looking around at different police departments to consider applying for.

Obviously I don't think I'd be welcome in Henderson. METRO is too damn big and quite frankly I don't think I'd be able to deal with the people who call 911 long enough to pass from call taker to dispatcher. North Las Vegas has a 1827 page back ground check I'd have to fill out, documenting my whereabouts since my birth. Too much effort considering the number of places I've lived.

So I decided on the Nevada Highway Patrol. 99.8% of their troopers are very nice, their dispatchers are also a pleasure to talk to and state employees don't have to pay into social security!

So I was chatting with Trooper Honea, their PIO about it. He told me about their relationship with the dispatchers. I've heard of some police departments where the dispatchers and the cops didn't get along. NHP sounds like they get along almost too well!

So I went to the Southern Command and picked up an application. The only problem is the pay. Unfortunately for my first year I'd be stuck between 30K and 44K (that's a pretty steep pay grade!), but by my third year I could be around 53K!

But I currently make mid 30's. I can't afford to take a pay cut, nor am I interested in doing so. Also, I would REALLY miss being out and about. Driving around, being outdoors, having independence... All of that stuff is what really makes my job great.

So here is where I am conflicted. Do I submit the application and refuse to accept any offer (assuming one is made) for less than what I make now, or do just not apply? Do I work more for right now and deal with tomorrow when it comes, or do I put more stock into what will be in the future?

I will NEVER get to $53,000 in three years in this job, barring winning some sort of jackpot. But I don't know if I will get the same kind of enjoyment out of dispatching (although it is a job I will like - I did dispatch at the armored car company I worked at for a few months and I enjoyed it).

See, this is why I need a wife, someone to tell me what to do. There has got to be SOME hot Asian chicks that are willing to settle!