Well, my lieutenant is retiring and has implied I should apply for his position. I'm already a supervisor, but would then be responsible for all of the Hospital security issues. The job comes with a $8,000 increase. My issues are, I don't like being tied to my phone 24/7. I can deal with the big wigs(even though I don't care for them), but would have to make it clear that I have a life beyond the job and I also own and operate two businesses.
My wife says I can do it, but worries about my health, happiness and not being more of grouch then I'm already are.
So far, no one has applied that is qualified. I work with a great bunch of Officers, so that would not be an issue. But the main issue I guess is being called about a non emergency issue on my days(all hours of the day and night) off when I could take care of it when I return to my desk. The big wigs work Monday thru Friday 8-5, We work 12 hour shifts including weekends. I suppose I would have to set some boundaries. Sarge

Set some clear boundaries during negotiations/promotion interview. Good luck with your decision. Sounds like your bride has your back either way which is a great thing

Congratulations. You should consider it an honor to be considered.

But: Read what you have written. You would have to re-invent your entire life. Is the money, and honor worth it? Probably not, in my book.

I really don't want to discourage anyone from advancing. But, please think about how that job would affect your life beyond money and status before you make any decision.

T-Rex, this is what my wife and I have been discussing. I set boundaries when I was offered a supervisor position by the Lt. who is retiring. I made it clear that my time off was my time and I'm a very busy person as it is. He has honored my request. The new LT(if not me)would have to abide the same.
On the other hand, I would go to dayshift (currently work nightshift, have been for 5 years), but the 8 grand is appealing. Tough decision. Sarge

To make a comparison, our leadership sounds a bit like what you are thinking about applying for. I have seen many people go into those positions. Some want to know what happens not matter what time of day or night. Some want to know every thing that happens until they keep getting calls at all hours of the night. Then they narrow it way down as to what they should be woken up for. They all have come to the conclusion that unless it is an emergency, they can take the call an hour or so before they will be heading in. Basically, if there is nothing they can do, do not call them until they are getting ready to come in. Sounds like you could set things up the same way should you decide to take the position. It may take a few months to decide what needs your immediate attention and what can wait till you get there.

On the flip side, if you do not need the money and would like to avoid the headaches then pass on it. No need to chase a couple dollars to catch a bunch of problems.

I'd talk to the current LT and see how often he is bothered outside his normal hours. That seems to be the biggest hang up?

And I'd consider if it would help or hurt my other business. Going from nightshift to dayshift seems like it's throw a wrench into things...good or has is for you to figure out.



Good luck!

I think if I was in your shoes............I would talk to your tax person. 8000 isn't a lot after taxes if your stress levels go up and your free time down. See what that 8000 really turns into before you decide

Tell them 12k more a year (not 8) and another week of paid vacation, your worth it because you know the system and staff already and have proven your professionalism over the years you have been there.

White, your point a very good one. I could do a couple of extra ADC beaver jobs and break even without all the hassle. Plus being your own boss and outside is very nice. Sarge

I like the way you think !!

At certain stages in our life...... being rich doesn't even include money

rod-dog, you are correct. I don't make a fortune, but the Mrs. and I are comfortable. That was one of her points. She stated we are fine and I could do extra ADC jobs without the hassle. I guess I considered it because. I don't want some newbie LT. in here changing what already works with my fellow Officers. As a LT. my officers would comes first and then politics. We have the lowest turnover of all the campus that we are contracted for. Sure says a lot about our current LT. I wished he wasn't leaving. He is very good friends with the Partin family. As in Dolly Partin. He was offered a job he couldn't turn down at Dollywood. Sarge

P.S. I'm sure I can get tickets cheap, plus meals. Sarge

SGT, having recently retired myself I would ask....how many more years will you stay in? When you leave the military, what is the increase in your pension due to the raise? Cost of everything WILL continue to go up as time goes by. Maybe a certain percentage of those emergency calls can be handled without going to the hospital. Of course, the big question you already answered is not upsetting the apple cart in the work environment. Good luck on your decision.

As we age - Time is more valuable than $. Keep that in mind friend!

Sgt,
One thing to consider is the change from shift work to days. You probably run your other businesses by being sleep deprived because of working nights. Shift work takes a huge toll on you physically and mentally because you don't get enough sleep. The extra $8000 might free you up from one of your businesses. I worked shifts for over 30 years before retiring and was always sleep deprived and blood pressure was much higher than now. Remember "this ain't no dress rehearsal" so make your decision by weighing the pros and cons of your decision and I hope you the best.
Gary J

SGT.C I know I'm new here but I will throw in my 2 cents. I'm now retired military though I took an 8 year break. Things to consider aren't right in front of you now. I started my own business and it still provides all the toys I want. It is extremely nice to have a cushion which it provides. On the other hand knowing that check is coming every month and I and my wife will be secure in our old age is very comforting. My private business does not provide that type of security. How long till you can retire and if you even intend to from this job would be a factor to consider. If you do retire are there benefits like medical. I guess you have to look at it like this from the movie The Girl Next Door "IS THE JUICE WORTH THE SQUEEZE". I wish you all the best no matter what your decision is. One thing I wish I would have considered the first time around was how the extra responsibility was effecting my home life. Again good luck.

I have been on call 24/7 for a little over 30 yrs now. You will need to teach your staff what constitutes a call at 4am or during your day off. Empower your employees. If you take the time to work with your staff you should get very few calls. Don't expect this to happen over night. If any leadership training is offered take it. Good luck to you

Well, they have found one. I personally told the Captain my requirements(more pay and vacation time) and it looks like they will be going with someone with about 9 months experience. I'm old enough to be their daddy. Also, I'm losing an experienced officer to go to another shift and getting a newbie to train. I'm sure some interesting things will be happening starting next month.
The newbie LT. is in for a big surprise with all the responsibility that comes along with the position. I make as much as a starting LT, so that is way I needed more money and more vacation to get away from the stress. The new officer must realize there was a good reason a lot of senior officers, including myself was not interested unless the benefit package was better. Hope all works out. Sarge

Well Sgt. I am afraid you may be in for a rough ride, since your new LT has a massive 9 months of experience. I have worked for supervisors that fit that same profile and they are usually trying to prove something and will change things just for the sake of change regardless if it disrupts operations or not. It doesn't dawn on them that though you are not in a command position that people much farther up the chain of command than them value your opinion so it might benefit them to listen to what you have to say. I hope that is not the case but it sounds like the changes are already starting. Hopefully it won't be too bad and of short duration, wishing you the best.