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In this week's episode, I share 3 things you must have/do if you are serious about transitioning out of law enforcement and they are based on the NUMEROUS conversations I have each week, with people telling me they are looking to transition and want to know what to do. First things first...I can't answer that, ONLY you can...BUT I will have some questions for you to help you gain some clarity.

The first two questions I ask almost every single person who reaches out with a generic message about transitioning and what to do, is...

1. WHY do you want to get out of LE? Not the surface level answer...the deep rooted reason why you're choosing to leave this career.

2. WHEN are you looking to make the transition?

For the first question...I often get a story about how the department has done x, y, or z to them...or they're just tired of the job being politicized...or how they just don't see themselves going another 15+ years.

For the second question...I often get something like, "Yesterday," or ASAP or "I retire next month," or "I don't really have a timeframe in mind."

Not only are those first two reasons for leaving (or any variation of something similar) based on EXTERNAL factors...ALL of those answers NEED to be far more specific.

If you don't know the DEEP rooted reason why you are leaving law enforcement...you will NEVER make it through the tough shit that comes at you throughout this transition period. You will give up and just stay stuck in the rut you're in.

We've all heard the, "a goal without a deadline is just a dream," phrase before...it's TRUE! If you don't set a deadline for yourself, there is no sense of urgency and no incentive to DO THE WORK it takes to make the transition happen.

Once you have a SPECIFIC timeframe nailed down...you also need to work on your mindset AND building your network for the future. Our life is only ever as good as our mindset and many of us get pretty jaded, cynical, and burned out prior to leaving. THAT has to be worked on EVERY SINGLE DAY and is much easier to do, when surrounded by the RIGHT people.

Far too often, we stay stuck and can't see outside of our reality and current circle/circumstances...but there are 7+ BILLION people in the world! You MUST put yourself out there and in a position to meet these people who you would never otherwise meet. Social media is a GOLD MINE...but ONLY if you allow it to be. Take responsibility for who is allowed in your space, talk about the things that matter to you, build your network full of people who will talk about you in rooms you're not in, to give you opportunities you wouldn't otherwise have.

If you're DONE feeling stuck, like you're "Just a cop," and you're SERIOUS about transitioning out of law enforcement THIS year...you NEED to join us in Next Shift Academy and let us help you find the CLARITY to gain the CONFIDENCE needed to take ACTION toward your Next Shift.

If you haven't already...make sure you follow me on LinkedIn and on Instagram at @_nextshift_ AND @the_jessflores

If this podcast resonates with you or you feel like it could help someone else, please feel free to share it with them and/or on your social media platforms...but be sure to tag me so I can personally say THANK YOU!

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See you Next Shift