Career Mastering

[Mr. DEM]

Hello, I know many people will think this thread will need to be moved to business and finance but it is more to do with character and contribution because the career I truly want I must overcome character traits which I have. From when I was young I always wanted to be a police officer, I loved seeing police cars rushing to emergency calls down the high street where I live. Still today, at 18 years old I still want to be a police officer but certain character traits are preventing me. So what I would like is some advice, I am guessing many of you after hearing my character traits will say it maybe better looking for a career elsewhere and I also believe I would be better in a different career. So my character traits preventing me from joining the police force at the moment are:

1. I have a terrible phobia of dogs. After watching many police shows (Cops, Worlds Wildest Police Videos, Streetcrime UK, Traffic Cops, NYPD: On the Beat etc.) I know police officers usually interact with dogs on a semi-regular basis. Personally I have tried to overcome the fear but no matter how hard I try I can't seem to overcome it.

2. Dealing with people who have diseases is also a major part of the police duties. People who have diseases that can be transferred through blood such as HIV scare me, I know modern policing have removed the majority of this problem but if I ever became a policeman I would always be scared of the possibility of catching such diseases.

3. Lack of fitness, although I am working on this one I am still not fit enough to get into the police force in my personal opinion. It isn't that I am overweight or anything like that, its just I suffer from stomach cramps when I run quite a bit.

Thats it mainly but they are problems that really concern me about joining the police force. Any input from anybody would be gladly welcomed.

Thankyou,
David

[stephencp]

"I loved seeing police cars rushing to emergency calls down the high street where I live."

Why exactly?
Your desire to become a policeman will be what you will draw on to overcome any obstacles to that goal if it is in fast a "core desire".

Stephen
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[Mr. DEM]

The reason I liked seeing the police going down the high street to emergency calls is that I knew they were going there to help someone in distress. It was great to know that these police officers were going to save someone, at the time I wasn't very old but I truly looked up to police officers as a figure of authority and I still do now of course but back when I was little it was amazing knowing that they saved peoples lives. I suppose same could be said about paramedics and fireman as well. Doesn't really matter now, after some thinking I have come to the conclusion I should get a career in something else. I musn't truly want to be a police officer due to me always finding barriers between myself and being a police officer.

Thanks very much
David

[stephencp]

"I suppose same could be said about paramedics and fireman as well."

Absolutley. The police officers are more likely responding to a crime (that doesn't necessarily involve saving anyone) while the ambulance and fireman (often the same organization) are truly going to help someone. While you've chosen not to become a police officer, it is still important to understand the real motivation since you will be able to act on it in many ways.

Stephen
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Personality and Growth Bookshelf
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[FuturePast]

Going back to the original question, I really don't see your three points as character traits.
Obstacles to becoming a police officer maybe, but far from impossible to beat.

1. You could have some exposure therapy or similar.
2. This could easily be rationalised away.
3. Well, most people wish they were fitter. Just get out there and do it.

You're likely to come up against far greater problems through police work. It seems like a great opportunity for personal growth.