Life Beyond the Thin Blue Line

I'm thrilled to share Chapter 8, Life Beyond the Thin Blue Line, from my book Beyond the Thin Blue Line.

In this chapter, I reflect on the bittersweet emotions of leaving law enforcement, the challenges of transitioning to the private sector, and the incredible opportunities that await those who have served. Whether you're wrestling with imposter syndrome, adapting to a new workplace culture, or rediscovering passions you set aside, this chapter is a reminder that life after law enforcement is not the end....it's a new beginning.

If you're navigating your own transition, you'll find encouragement, practical advice, and insights from my journey. You are not alone, and the skills you’ve honed in service are valuable assets in any industry.

If you enjoy this chapter, I hope you will check out the full book here! https://amzn.to/41HO0tD

Chapter 8

Life Beyond the Thin Blue Line

The memory of my last day in law enforcement remains vivid in my mind, a bittersweet day of mixed emotions. I will never forget the feeling of walking out the door of my agency after my final shift, knowing that my career as a deputy sheriff was over. A bright and exciting future lay ahead of me, but the passion to serve and the bonds of friendship I had formed weighed heavily on my mind. I was about to enter a completely new and different world from what I was accustomed to. I would no longer be working to protect my community but rather to advance a company's mission. Amidst the anticipation and excitement for my future, I felt a sense of guilt for leaving behind friends and colleagues who continue to brave the dangers of their profession. However, despite my mixed emotions, there was also a certainty in my decision. Though my road ahead was entirely new to me, I was prepared to face life beyond the Thin Blue Line.

During the first few days, weeks, and months of your transition to the private sector, you will undoubtedly feel similar emotions. Many former officers express an initial loss of purpose and uncertainty about the future when they first leave the law enforcement profession. You have spent years, perhaps even decades, with well-defined expectations and objectives. Keeping the community and the country safe was your mission. Losing that purpose can be extremely challenging for some officers, deputies, and agents to handle. I encourage you to accept that these are very normal and appropriate feelings to have after leaving such an identity-defining career. However, remember that this journey is about self-discovery and reinvention. Embrace the possibilities that lie ahead as you embark on a new chapter beyond law enforcement.

Tackle the challenges and seize the opportunities that come with starting a new career, and don’t let doubt and uncertainty hold you back from your true potential. It is very common for former officers to grapple with imposter syndrome when they start a new position, particularly if it is in an industry far removed from law enforcement, security, or investigations. Imposter syndrome manifests as a constant feeling of self-doubt and inadequacy, where people believe they are not enough and fear they will be exposed as frauds. Despite mounting evidence to the contrary, some former law enforcement officers believe they cannot succeed in the private sector and do not have the necessary skills to be an asset to their new company. They believe that the skills and qualifications required to succeed in their new role are miles apart from what they are accustomed to in the world of policing.

During these moments of doubt, reflect on your list of accomplishments and the transferable skills you have honed throughout your career. By recalling your achievements and qualifications, you can combat feelings of inadequacy and uncertainty. They will allow you to approach your new career with a sense of excitement and confidence. The skills you have gained are not bound by the confines of a specific industry but are translatable tools you can apply to any sector of the job market. By embracing this perspective, you can leverage your strengths and experience to transform perceived challenges into opportunities for growth and development.

While you will obviously have much to learn, your prior experiences will be a valuable asset to your new company. Colleagues will seek your advice and value your unique perspective on various topics. Be confident in your responses and utilize the knowledge gained during a diverse law enforcement career to address entirely new challenges in the private sector. As I emphasized extensively throughout this book, you will be pleasantly surprised by how seamlessly many of your skills and experiences will translate into your new role, enabling you to make an immediate impact in your organization.

However, being receptive and open-minded to new ideas and approaches in your new work environment is also important. Learning and adapting to a culture and organizational processes may be a significant challenge for former law enforcement officers, who are accustomed to the formal and structured nature of policing. I had an initial moment of culture shock within the first few weeks in my new role. Coming from an agency with a relatively strict policy of following the chain of command, I was initially taken aback by the lack of oversight at my new organization. Employees were expected to make their own decisions and independently develop and implement new ideas without seeking approval from higher-ranking members of the company. Be prepared to encounter an entirely different environment in your new position from what you are accustomed to in law enforcement. Fortunately, prior officers have inherent the skill of adaptability gained during the unpredictable nature of law enforcement. Trust in your abilities and seize the opportunity in your new career.

Finding a mentor during the early stages of your career can be an effective way of getting up to speed in a new industry. Whether your mentor is an experienced member of your company, a former police officer with several years of experience in the private sector, or a seasoned professional with a long history of success in your industry, mentors can provide valuable insights, advice, and strategies as you get settled in your position. By tapping into the wisdom and experience of others, you can learn from their successes and failures. Their wealth of knowledge will allow you to quickly adjust to your new environment and maximize opportunities in your new career.

I was fortunate to have had a very supportive supervisor in my first role outside of law enforcement. Richard soon became both a mentor and a friend. ?Though he held a much more senior role in the organization, Richard had spent many years as a recruiter and knew the challenges associated with this role. While he was never in law enforcement, Richard understood this was an entirely new environment for me. He took me under his wing and was a continuous resource as I navigated through the first few months in the private sector.

I encourage you to find your own mentor with whom you can celebrate your successes and discuss your frustrations. Having someone by your side who can share their expertise and listen to your challenges can be monumental in ensuring a smooth transition to the private sector. As someone who has dedicated his post-law enforcement life to helping my brothers and sisters in blue, I am always available to help where I can. I encourage you to contact me via LinkedIn or my author website, www.WhittingtonBooks.com.

Beyond just your new job, transitioning from the Thin Blue Line can open a world of new opportunities and experiences for you. Embrace this newfound freedom to identify interests and hobbies that may have taken a backseat during your time in law enforcement. Are there dreams that were put on hold during your days as an officer? Perhaps you want to open a business, write a book, get an advanced degree, or start a podcast. Believe me when I tell you, the ski is the limit for those who come from a life of service. ?

Personally, the freedom and flexibility of a job in the corporate world allowed me to discover a new venture I had never previously considered. Just two months after leaving the sheriff’s office, I founded Recruiting Heroes LLC, an employment agency dedicated to finding amazing careers for America’s veterans and first responders following their years of service. I started this company as a side hustle due to the number of messages I received from veterans and law enforcement officers around America asking for help and advice on transitioning to the private sector.

As I had never taken so much as a single business class in my entire life, I didn’t expect my company to ever evolve into anything more than just a hobby. However, within a few months, Recruiting Heroes exploded into an incredibly successful company, allowing me to leave the world of employment and experience the thrill of entrepreneurship. ?Recruiting Heroes now works with dozens of international and American corporations and has helped hundreds of veterans and first responders find their subsequent careers.

You should use this time in your career to pursue your passions and watch them transform your life. The path of continuous development should not stop when you enter the private sector. This is simply the next step in your ongoing journey. Take this moment to develop a long-term plan for your life, considering where you want to be in the years ahead. Identify tangible goals you want to achieve in all facets of your life, be it advancing your career, exploring entrepreneurial opportunities, or any other major areas. Don’t look back on your life with regret. One of my all-time favorite speakers, the late Jim Rohn, once said, “The worst thing one can do is not to try, to be aware of what one wants and not give in to it, to spend years in silent hurt wondering if something could have materialized – never knowing.”

In recent years, I have made a deliberate effort to take on challenges that both excite and frighten me in pursuit of my dreams. Some of these things include competing in an Ironman triathlon, starting my own business, leaving my full-time job to run my business, and now writing this book. These have all been leaps of faith that initially terrified me but have now become some of the best decisions of my life. I encourage you to use this time to explore and follow your dreams and aspirations. Once again, believe me when I tell you the sky is the limit for those who have worn the uniform and protected their country.

Life beyond the Thin Blue Line meant that I could also finally spend significantly more time with my wife and family, a luxury that was previously difficult to enjoy due to the demands of my profession. Gone were the days of missed birthdays, holidays, and other special occasions. During my early years in law enforcement, I would voluntarily work on major holidays, allowing deputies with children to be home to celebrate with their families. Throughout my law enforcement career, I was also accustomed to being constantly glued to my work phone in fear of missing a significant message or call from a superior. The transition to the private sector brought a profound sense of relief as I could finally embrace the feeling of being completely off the clock. This newfound peace of mind allowed me to be entirely present during important moments with my family.

The sacrifices made by the families of law enforcement officers cannot be overstated. Their unwavering support allowed us to pursue a life of service, often spending significantly more time with strangers than with our loved ones. As you embark on a new journey in the private sector, remember your family’s commitment and sacrifices by prioritizing quality time with them. Make up for moments missed during your days in uniform, seizing every opportunity to make lasting memories with your wife, children, and extended families. Don’t allow the hustle and bustle of corporate life to distract you from the importance of family, for they have been the foundation of our strength during our years of service.

Finally, remember to take care of yourself physically and mentally. As law enforcement officers, we put our bodies and minds through constant stress and turmoil. An average citizen experiences traumatic incidents only a few times throughout their entire lives. On the other hand, an average police officer responds to these types of events on a nearly daily basis. We interact with some of the worst members of society and see many horrific things. We work long hours, have a high likelihood of being involved in physical altercations, and often run on fast food and caffeine. This type of lifestyle will take a toll on almost anyone. Many law enforcement officers become overweight, and we have a significantly higher likelihood of dying by suicide than the average American. ?

Whether from the things I saw, the stress, or some other factor, I experienced night terrors and sleepwalking episodes throughout much of my law enforcement career. My wife would wake to me running from the room, attempting to open doors, or yelling about someone being in our house. These episodes terrified her and left me covered in sweat, with my heart pounding. While I still have the occasional episode, they have significantly decreased since leaving law enforcement. I hope your new chapter in life will bring similar peace and calmness following a career of stress and constant pressure. Make a concrete effort to prioritize your health and well-being as you transition to civilian life.

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As you approach the end of your time in law enforcement, remember that this is not the end but a new beginning. Each step throughout your law enforcement journey has prepared you for this moment. You are equipped with the skills, knowledge, and resilience to thrive in any industry and become an outstanding member of your new organization. Remember that a successful transition takes time and patience. Some of you may find your next calling on the first try, while others may require experimentation and trial and error before finding your dream career.

The strategies we have discussed throughout this book can continue serving you throughout your career in the private sector. You should constantly review your transferable skills, improve your resume and LinkedIn profile, and expand your professional network. These key areas can help transform your career far beyond your expectations. Strive for continuous growth, identify new opportunities, and continue displaying the passion and work ethic from your time in law enforcement.

As I wrote this book, I was able to reflect on my time in law enforcement and remember some of the incredible moments I experienced. I will always be thankful to the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office, the leadership team, and my friends and colleagues who I served alongside. My time in law enforcement has changed me forever. I see the world through a different lens and appreciate the immense service and sacrifices required to allow me to live the American Dream. Though I faced many of the typical hardships experienced by our men and women in uniform, I know I would not be where I am today without those wonderful years as a deputy sheriff. I am eternally grateful. I have stood on the Thin Blue Line.

Thank you for reading! I hope you enjoyed it and that you'll check out the full book here! https://amzn.to/41HO0tD

I'd like to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

-- Colin