News reporter or police what would you choose for a future career?
Asked by Herts-Tom
I have been offered my first job since leaving uni as a reporter on my local paper. The £14,800 starting wage appears rather low, but I have always wanted to do it and I am fully trained. However, I have spent a while researching a career in the police and after a few ride-alongs and open days, it seems a great option. I can also start on 21k a year. Although I worry that I am 'selling out' and could be highly successful in journalism. Is such a big gap in pay such a big deal?

Best Answer:
follow your heart, go for the job that would make you feel happy and fulfilled in life. if the only reason you would join the police is for money then that would be a sell out, you've got to be passionate about that type of job.

I am a serving Police Officer, I can honestly say it is one of the most rewarding careers you can get. You get to do a vast range of duties. The pay is quite good depending on location. I am currently seconded to an armed response unit and it's such a great responsibility. I am not saying Reporting is boring, but if I had the choice, I would choose policing. But don't choose to join the police purely for money, you have to think about career prospect and advancements etc. Good luck, I'm sure you will make the right choice.
Answered by ANDY F

Being a cop sucks, if you can afford to take a lower position, then become a news reporter!!!
Answered by ablockgurl

The Police, your shoes won't wear out so quick and you can retire early enough on pension in time to start another career to earn a second pension.
Answered by podge

I would forget working for the police if I were you. I work for them myself, and I would tell anyone considering it, not too bother. Promotion is very hard for an officer. There are usually lots of people wanting to get promotion, but very few vacancies. It is very hard to get into a cushy office job these days, as officers really are expected to be out on the streets. You will more than likely find that you are stuck on borough, (not in a specialist unit), depending on where you are in the country, and stuck with cad work sometimes. You may be working very long shifts with a very quick change over. You could even be on a day off or on holiday, and be called into work. You cannot refuse to go. It is very hard to become a driver now, as there are not too many courses, and lots of officers want to do it. To get into a specialist unit eg. firearms, it is very difficult, as there is very stiff competion, and you are very carefully assesed. Of course in CID there are often vacancies, but then you will spend all your time at work. Finally, there are lots of power hungry people in an organisation like the police. I have seen people become unstuck in all sorts of ways, and believe me it is scary. Take my advice and leave well alone.
Answered by Michelle T

I would definately do what you are passinate about - if you are good at your job then over time you will earn more as a journalist when compared to a police officer (in most cases). Why don't you give journalism a shot for a couple for years and see where it gets you? At least you won't have any regrets then.
Answered by virgo

You should select a job on more factors than just pay. The job opportunties are greater in law enforcement than in journalism right now. You just need to decide which fits your abilities and aptitude. Mind you, it doesn't have to be either or. You could go into community relations or public relations in law enforcement. Also, you can have a crime beat as a reporter.
Answered by justaperson