I recently had the privilege of mentoring a seasoned police detective who reached out to me, unsure if he was ready to transition from law enforcement to the corporate world. He had over 15 years on the force— many years from full retirement—and was at the top of his game as a senior detective. Yet, something kept pulling him toward doing something different in the private sector. His story resonated with me because I faced a similar choice at 12 years in. We both had that same fire to leave despite the tremendous work we were doing.
Here's the thing about making that mid-career jump from law enforcement: it's not easy. The desire to leave has to outweigh the comfort of staying. You must be 100% sure that the next chapter is right for you—not 99%. Anything less than total commitment can make the road ahead difficult to navigate. That's the advice I gave this detective: be certain and intentional about your decision. He had done his homework, reviewing all the free content on our Cop to Corporate website and LinkedIn page and seeking advice. His preparation showed he was ready to leap with zero regrets, looking forward and never back.
His situation reminded me of the pressures many cops face. He had three close police friends - like family—all with over 15 years in the same department— who were curious about transitioning to the private sector. But, like many others, they hesitated. Long commutes, high costs of living, the grind, and the strain on their families pushed them to consider new paths, yet they felt tied to the force's iron clad job security.
I offered to meet with them on a Zoom call, and as I listened to their stories, I saw parts of my own journey in them. SWAT, detectives, narcotics, canine units—they loved the job but struggled with the challenges that come with wearing the uniform. They were on the fence, waiting to see how their buddy, who was on the verge of landing a corporate role, would fare before making any moves.
I told them straight: you must know your "why" before deciding "when." Why do you want to leave? What do you want to do next? It's not just about being curious—it's about being ready. Leaving law enforcement is a massive decision. You're giving up a lot: job security, pensions, and a known path. The private sector is a different ball game, especially with today's uncertainty. But the rewards can be incredible for those who are 100% committed, like their friend.
As someone who made that leap and spent 23 years in the private sector, I have no regrets. The risks were worth it, and the growth I've experienced—professionally and personally—has been nothing short of amazing. Sure, I could have stayed in the force, collected a modest pension, and had a stable, predictable future. But I would have missed out on opportunities I never imagined possible.
Leaving law enforcement mid-career isn't for everyone, and it's certainly not a decision to take lightly. But if you feel that pull, that recurring urge to do something different, to challenge yourself in new ways, I encourage you to explore it fully. Connect with others who have made the transition. Learn from their experiences. And when you're ready, ensure you're doing it with no doubts.
For those considering this path, Cop to Corporate is here, and others who made the leap are here.
Let's figure out your "why" together.
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