Life after Your Law Enforcement Career

Life after Your Law Enforcement Career. You served many years in this honorable profession that few can do. You gave everything and lost much in the process. From relationships to friends and everything in between. Mentally and physically the job has taken its toll on you.

You contemplate what life will be like after you leave. Maybe you’re leaving on your own terms, maybe not. This can bring on anxiety and worry about your next steps. This is natural. You have been told what to do, when to do it and how to do it for a long time.

Now it is time to move forward. Trust in yourself and your abilities to overcome anything that comes your way.

The CJ Evolution Podcast

I remember when I left law enforcement, things were going good for a bit until I started to feel like I lost my purpose. I lost my identity. So much of who I was, or thought I was, was tied into being a police officer.

But I was wrong. Being a Cop was part of my experience in life. An experience that I am forever grateful for. Just because I wasn’t a cop anymore didn’t mean I didn’t have purpose going forward. I just had to find my purpose and reshape my identity.

I found my calling. My purpose.

Retired police commander: I have a confession. It started with the booze – then I almost ended it all. Here’s why I didn’t.

If you struggled with this, you should do the same. Your options are only limited by what you mind tells you cannot do.

I want you to ask yourself……Who am I? What do I stand for? What do I want out of my life now and going forward?

Most people have no idea how to answer these questions, and they can be tough. This is why a lot of people stay stuck in the same place.

These questions are your foundation. Once you take time, dig deep, and answer these questions you will have your path ahead.

Op-ed: Being present for your family IS the present, but the key is in balancing family and the job

Patrick Fitzgibbons is a retired Police Commander from Colorado with over two decades of experience in many different roles. Patrick currently lives in Scottsdale Arizona. Patrick holds advanced degrees in Business and Organizational Leadership. A former Army Paratrooper with the elite 82nd Airborne Division, Patrick is an avid supporter of active military members and veterans as well as the First Responder Community. Patrick is a personal coach, sought after speaker and is the host and creator of Criminal Justice Evolution. A top ranked criminal justice podcast. After going through severe depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation, Patrick sought treatment. Patrick is now a National Liaison for FHE Health – Shatterproof.