topic Re: I didn't get the job in Community Chat

I didn't get the job

SportyShorty07 — Tue, 02 Apr 2024 18:17:50 GMT

Hello forum friends,

I want to let you know that I didn't get into my city's police academy and due to written policy, I am unable to apply for this position anywhere for the next two years. I made it all of the way to the background check after trying for two and a half years to get this far- it is a long process and I had to take some difficult tests twice to get top scores. I got fantastic scores on the fitness test, written exam and oral in person interview. I can't appeal the decision and I can't find out why I didn't make the cut to get into the academy.

At 35 years old, I proved that I could take my high school wrestling background and get into great shape and beat people a decade younger than me in fitness test scores. I'm 4'11" and I got over the 5 foot wall and ran the obstacle course all in about 28 seconds . I had 80 pounds of grip strength during the hand grip strength test- the top score for most men. I did 32 full on sit ups floor to knees in a minute. I got the top push up score in my test group that day. My wonderful family, my friends and former employers wrote very heartfelt character references about me. I'm a great girl with a great background and great morals- I wanted to make a difference in my city and help people.

I'm going to create new dreams and goals now. I will continue my love for fitness and exercise as a hobby. I'll look for employment in art or in the culinary industry since I'm a talented artist, cook and baker and I went to art college and culinary school. I love to do art and cook/bake. When one door closes, another opens- maybe this rejection is a blessing. I had a good cry over this news and I will always be proud of myself for trying. Thank you for all of your support in this journey and thank you for believing in me! Onward and upward!

Re: I didn't get the job

Kachina624 — Tue, 02 Apr 2024 18:21:29 GMT

@SportyShorty07. Have you investigated possibilities with your county's sheriff's department? Probation office?

Re: I didn't get the job

Coastalcarolina — Tue, 02 Apr 2024 18:30:29 GMT

Hi, @SportyShorty07 . I am so sorry that you weren't able to get into your police academy position. You sound like an incredible young woman, with many enviable talents and credentials.

It may be, that there is a reason you don't understand, as to why you did not get this particular job. I personally believe that at certain crossroads in our lives, that there is a higher power that sees further down the road than we can. It could be that there is an opportunity that will open up to you, and you will look back and see it was for the best! I wish you the best also, and know that any employer would be grateful for someone as dedicated as you seem to be!

Re: I didn't get the job

Puppy Lips — Tue, 02 Apr 2024 18:31:24 GMT

It seems rather cruel to not let you know why you didn't get in. That is something you will always have to wonder about. But like you said, you can be very proud at how well you did. Time for a shift in direction and a new path to follow.

Re: I didn't get the job

KittySoftPaws — Tue, 02 Apr 2024 18:31:30 GMT

@SportyShorty07 Sorry that it didn't work out for you. The older I get the more I see that things happen for a reason and as they should, even those things we really want. You have a fantastic positive outlook and that will get you far. You are still pretty young and as such have many choices. My own family Doctor didn't even start Medical school until in his 50's! Looking back for me, I would have loved working in Forensics like my dad who has a Doctrite in Pysch. would loved to have worked in the CIA or as a CS investigator. Maybe that could be something you could pursue. Or since you enjoy fitness, what about a Physcial Therapist? Good Luck in whatever you decide.

Re: I didn't get the job

spumoni99 — Tue, 02 Apr 2024 18:33:46 GMT

I'm so sorry. Maybe you could pursue a job in being a dispatcher if that is something that interests you?

Re: I didn't get the job

Icegoddess — Tue, 02 Apr 2024 18:33:51 GMT

Have you thought about being a Firefighter?

Re: I didn't get the job

GingerHead — Tue, 02 Apr 2024 18:49:24 GMT

@SportyShorty07

Awe, I'm so sorry! You did an amazing job and sound amazing and yes, I agree sometimes it's some random/stupid reason that has nothing to do with you AT ALL, so don't feel bad about yourself or that you somehow failed because that doesn't seem to be the case here.

Have your cry and then shake it off missy because I feel in my soul, based on everything I know about you, and you can tell a lot about a person just by reading their posts and yours are always kind.... that you are destined for bigger and better!

Re: I didn't get the job

beach-mom — Tue, 02 Apr 2024 18:41:09 GMT

@SportyShorty07 - I have been thinking about your quest, and praying, and just this past Easter weekend wondered how things were going. I am so sorry. But it looks like this particular academy wasn't to be your path.

We all wonder "why" when things like this happen. In your case I have to admit I'm mad! You are someone who wanted this with her whole heart. They put you through the paces, and you could have been such an asset to them. I don't know your city, but in any major city, they would be lucky to have someone who wants to make a difference. They NEED police officers like you!

@Kachina624 gave you some good options. I will add the State Police if you want to continue pursuing this particular goal.

If you decide on another direction, your enthusiasm, drive, and kindness will touch so many. You will still serve and make a difference, just in another way.

You have so much to offer, and we are here for you! (((HUGS)))

Re: I didn't get the job

SportyShorty07 — Tue, 02 Apr 2024 18:42:35 GMT

@Kachina624 That's a good idea- I could investigate opportunities with my city's sherrif's department or probation office. The only problem is that all agencies cross reference with eachother and so they will all see that I didn't make it into the academy. If one place doesn't pick me, its harder for another to give a chance. I have a spotless background and I don't drink, smoke or do drugs so I don't know why they didn't pick me, especially since I got such high scores on the tests and interview. I'll have to think about my next steps .

Re: I didn't get the job

SportyShorty07 — Tue, 02 Apr 2024 18:47:19 GMT

@Coastalcarolina Thank you for your such kind words and guidance! I think you are so right about a higher power that sees further down the road than we can- that is such a thoughtful statement. I believe that God gives and takes away and the He has a plan. I'll tune into my heart, mind and prayer as to what my plan is and set the ball in motion towards my future careers!

Re: I didn't get the job

Franklinbell — Tue, 02 Apr 2024 18:48:37 GMT

@SportyShorty07 @I'm so sorry you didn't get the job. I am sending you best wishes for a happy and successful career in whatever you choose! I am sure whatever you decide you will be a rockstar! My heart breaks for you I know you gave it your all and then some!

I am confident that whatever you chose to do you will be magnificent! If you decide to peruse the cooking route and you need a taste tester I'm here for you girl!😊

your last line sums up everything! You got this. I'm inspired by you. I super proud of you!

Re: I didn't get the job

Kachina624 — Tue, 02 Apr 2024 18:49:40 GMT

@SportyShorty07. Do you think your stature could be a barrier to a career in law enforcement? At least in my area, the sheriff's department seems to have somewhat different criteria from the police.

You sound like a great gal. I'd hire you in a minute.

Remind yourself that things usually work out for the best.

Re: I didn't get the job

SportyShorty07 — Tue, 02 Apr 2024 18:50:04 GMT

@Puppy Lips wrote:
It seems rather cruel to not let you know why you didn't get in. That is something you will always have to wonder about. But like you said, you can be very proud at how well you did. Time for a shift in direction and a new path to follow.

@Puppy Lips That's honestly the toughest part. Atleast in romantic heartbreak, I can get some type of closure- this leaves a lot of unanswered questions in my mind. You're absolutely right- time for a shift in direction and a new path to follow!

Re: I didn't get the job

SportyShorty07 — Tue, 02 Apr 2024 18:54:13 GMT

@KittySoftPaws Things really do happen for a reason and that is so inspiring that your family doctor didn't start med school until his 50's! A crime scene investigator or physical therapy could be very interesting careers. I look at some great actors like Tom Selleck who didn't get his big break until his late 30's and think, "I've still got time to figure out my career aspirations!"

Re: I didn't get the job

Trailrun23 — Tue, 02 Apr 2024 18:54:40 GMT

Sounds like you gave quite an impressive performance, and can't imagine why you weren't chosen, but you may want to check outlying cities or suburbs for opportunities and other areas you may not have considered. My brother in-law had his hours cut too much to his liking since the city cut way back on police funding...and he is now working for the environmental enforcement department in a neighboring town where that job is part of the police dept. One of my daughters lives way out in the country now and they have a very small law enforcement arrangementwith a constable and several sheriffs. Your state may have a website that has links to law enforcement departments. Good luck in finding exactly what you hope to be doing to serve others.

Re: I didn't get the job

CANDLEQUEEN — Tue, 02 Apr 2024 18:55:06 GMT

@SportyShorty07 You have such a positive outlook. I can't believe something wonderful isn't waiting for you around the corner......Best of luck to you!

Re: I didn't get the job

SportyShorty07 — Tue, 02 Apr 2024 18:56:25 GMT

@spumoni99 wrote:
I'm so sorry. Maybe you could pursue a job in being a dispatcher if that is something that interests you?

@spumoni99 That's what my family said too, but my only worry is that I was born nearly deaf in my right ear- I'd worry about not being able to fully hear the calls. Maybe the agency could make accommodations? I do have a very comforting and kind voice- even my family's Orkin pest control man told me that one time! Good idea

Re: I didn't get the job

SportyShorty07 — Tue, 02 Apr 2024 18:57:47 GMT

@Icegoddess wrote:
Have you thought about being a Firefighter?

@Icegoddess I have thought about that too, its something I should consider. Thank you, Icegoddess- and I really love your outfit of the day posts!

Re: I didn't get the job

SportyShorty07 — Tue, 02 Apr 2024 19:03:20 GMT

@GingerHead wrote:
@SportyShorty07
Awe, I'm so sorry! You did an amazing job and sound amazing and yes, I agree sometimes it's some random/stupid reason that has nothing to do with you AT ALL, so don't feel bad about yourself or that you somehow failed because that doesn't seem to be the case here.

Have your cry and then shake it off missy because I feel in my soul, based on everything I know about you, and you can tell a lot about a person just by reading their posts and yours are always kind.... that you are destined for bigger and better!

@GingerHead Thank you so very much! I'm so glad I didn't put my makeup on yet today- since these lovely posts are all making me tear up from such kindness . I think I need to really believe in myself and know that I am destined for big and great things. When I was a little girl, the story called "The Little Engine That Could " always resonated with me- and I'm going to repeat that phrase, "I think I can! I think I can!"