Send us a text

This week's episode is a fun chat with former Minneapolis PD officer, Jackson McLaughlin. It is the LONGEST episode yet, but I promise...it'll be worth it to listen to...even if in segments.

Jackson knew from a young age that he wanted to be a cop, like his grandfather. He started as a police explorer then got his Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice, with a minor in Sociology. He then served seven years with Minneapolis PD, with a brief intermission of 4-ish months at a suburban agency...which he knew right away was not for him...and went back.

Things were going "well," but he started feeling like he was no longer able to be a cop and was "quiet quitting," due to the shift after 2020 and the politics around policing. He started thinking about what was next, but he didn't know what to do after building both his personal and professional identity around being a cop. All he knew, was that he needed something to believe in again.

After a critical incident, in which the suspects were NOT injured, but he hesitated out of fear of going to prison for doing his job, Jackson decided to leave. He wanted to get into Cyber Security and knew he was going to have to start at the bottom, which he did, but quickly realized it was NOT for him. He only did it for the money and has now learned, that it's not all about the money. If you don't care about the work you are doing, you will be miserable no matter how much you make.

Jackson realized that while he had prepared financially and set himself up OUTWARDLY, he should've looked INWARDLY before deciding what field to get into. He's opened himself up and tried several roles, but is currently getting his Master's Degree in Mental Health Counseling and plans to serve first responders.

One quote from our interview really stood out, "I am not perfect, but I have purpose." Take a moment and reflect on that.

Make sure you follow/connect with Jackson on LinkedIn, here.

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!

Be sure to subscribe by clicking the + sign at the top and if you feel called to do so, I'd love to hear your thoughts in a review.

See you Next Shift