I have a family job dilemma

[Junior]

I need a little help with. The job I have is the agency manager for my parent’s insurance agency. In other words I am the next in line and probably the only one that is capable of taking it on. Here’s the deal I have given them my best for the last 3 years and honestly my heart isn’t in it I don’t feel fulfilled at the end of the day. For the last 9 years I have wanted to get into law enforcement and have a couple agencies hiring in my area. I just don’t know how to tell my parents I don’t want to ruin my relationship with them, but hopefully they will understand. My mom was an agent up until she went to college to become a school teacher.

How do I break it to my Dad that I love what he has done for me but I just can’t do it for the next 20 years? I would prefer to get up in the morning and not despise the fact that I have to go in. I have to say it I have been on cruse control for the last 6 months. Doing my job just not as well as I could or should. Let me make this statement I am not endangering any customers properties or life and do my job better than most in the company. I just don’t feel fulfilled at the end of the day. I would say there are a few days per month when I am on top of my game and enjoy what I’m doing, but I feel am doing a disservice to my customers the only thing that keeps it together is the girl I hired she is gung ho and setting the world on fire

Sorry about this long winded post but it is weighing on my mind pretty heave.

[trnsam]

Well, I would say if your honestly not happy doing what your doing, do what you want to do. You dont want to be stuck in a job you hate for the rest of your life. I dont know how you should break it to your parents, but hopefully they would be understanding, and want the best for you, and want you to be happy. Just my

Edit: Either way, I wish you luck with your decision and I hope it works out for you.

[dyj48]

It's a very tough thing to do, but you're going to have to face them and just tell them what you posted in your thread. It'll be difficult and they'll be very upset to say the least. But if you don't do it now, you may regret this for the rest of your life and it is your life not theirs. They may have the best intentions for you, but if your heart isn't in it, then you've got to go your own way.

If they really, really love you, they'll come around. It might take a while since it'll change their plans for you. But that's the point isn't it, it's their plans for you not yours. Before you tell them, you might really need to explore your alternatives. You'll need to have a good plan on how you'll get into law enforcement. Do you have a college degree in the area? Would you need to take additional courses? Explore all the requirements it takes to prepare and get into law enforcement. Talk to some personnel departments in the departments that interests you and have a solid plan on how you'll move into this area. I think if you have something in hand and you explain this to them, they'll see that you're serious about this.

Sometimes it's easier just to sit with status quo rather than to really do something that might hurt those you love. But if you want to move on with you life, get serious and start preparing..There will be fireworks, no doubt, hopefully after a while, they'll come to understand.....Good luck...

Davis

[icehog3]

While your Dad might have some initial disappointment over the decision, I am sure he loves you and would want you to be happy. If that's your passion in life, you should go for it.

I took a job almost 20 years ago that no one in my family was too thrilled about, but I have never regretted it, and still have a job I enjoy all these years later. And my family is proud of me. Yours will be too.

[Lumpold]

Originally Posted by icehog3

While your Dad might have some initial disappointment over the decision, I am sure he loves you and would want you to be happy. If that's your passion in life, you should go for it.

I took a job almost 20 years ago that no one in my family was too thrilled about, but I have never regretted it, and still have a job I enjoy all these years later. And my family is proud of me. Yours will be too.

Pigs might not fly, but hogs tell the truth.

[Aaron]

Originally Posted by dyj48

If they really, really love you, they'll come around. It might take a while since it'll change their plans for you. But that's the point isn't it, it's their plans for you not yours. Before you tell them, you might really need to explore your alternatives. You'll need to have a good plan on how you'll get into law enforcement. Do you have a college degree in the area? Would you need to take additional courses? Explore all the requirements it takes to prepare and get into law enforcement. Talk to some personnel departments in the departments that interests you and have a solid plan on how you'll move into this area. I think if you have something in hand and you explain this to them, they'll see that you're serious about this.

Sometimes it's easier just to sit with status quo rather than to really do something that might hurt those you love. But if you want to move on with you life, get serious and start preparing..There will be fireworks, no doubt, hopefully after a while, they'll come to understand.....Good luck...

Davis

Gotta agree. If you can build some momentum on the side with courses you've been taking, it will seem more like a solid jump to something different rather than a blind leap into the unknown.

I'm terrified as my kids age, but I don't have a home business. I've always tried to help them in the directions they were already going and I'd be surprised if any of my six want to follow in my footsteps.

Having something solid as a base, working part-time for your parents, may also help with the transition.

If I could have done things over, I'd have waited for college after a stint in the military. Instead, I went straight to college at 17 and never use anything I studied while I was too immature to really know what I wanted out of life. Now I'm too old to enlist. I'm in awe of anyone in law enforcement or the military.

Good luck.

[RPB67]

You can always due both !

Persue your law enforcement dream. Then you can take over the agency and hire a good office manager and let them run it for you and you can just check in daily to make sure things are well.

Always capitalize on any oppourtunity you have to make money.

[RGD]

Originally Posted by RPB67

You can always due both !

Persue your law enforcement dream. Then you can take over the agency and hire a good office manager and let them run it for you and you can just check in daily to make sure things are well.

Always capitalize on any oppourtunity you have to make money.

Don't cut yourself out of the family business. You will need something to do after your stint as an LEO. I have several family members and friends who are either currently active or retired LEO - My youngest brother is an Indiana State Trooper - and he runs a business that he started to provide for himself when he retires. Also have a friend who sits and gaurds contruction sites. Which picture would you wish to be in?
So yeah - follow the dream - but keep control in the insurance - you can do it.

Ron

[neoflex]

Before streesing yourself out, why not take the entrance exams. If anything comes of it, than cross that bridge. No need to make waves if you don't even get the phone call.

[Miami]

Hey bud after being in Law E nforcement for about 14 years. I feel it's the best job out there but make no mistake about it it's a calling not a job. Yes it sounds funny but it's true.

I also tried my fathers business but it just was not in me. My brothers also do thier own thing. My mother was in no way happy with my choice. I can tell you now that I have made her and my dad very proud. I have also had some great times in my job and have touched many people thrugh my career.

If you do the job right the rewards are great. Good luck.

[Bigwaved]

Over 20 years ago I had to let my father know that his line of work was not for me. He assumed that since I had been doing it since I was old enough to hold a tool that I would continue on. Like you, it was not my bag. I joined the US Marines instead. No one in my family supported the choice I made, but I did not do it for them. I have since changed courses again. Life is about finding out what makes it worth waking up in the morning. I live that. Like a lot of gorillas have said, your family loves you and will come around. Honesty has worked for me throughout my life. It might not be the easiest thing to do, but it ends up being the best. Good luck in what ever you choose to do.

[68TriShield]

Very tough call to make.I've been in the family biz since 1970[trash] and I'd love to sell out. I can see where the ins. biz is abit of a:s at least in trash there's some excitment,maybe not the kind one would look forward to. First count your blessings then see if you still want to make the move. It's gonna break his heart either way. Like my dad he started that biz for you to take over.In the meantime teach that gal everything you can so pop does'nt feel between a rock and a hardplace.Hopefully I'm wrong and he'll be okay w/ it after some time.
Best Wishes...Dave

[BP22]

That's a tough decision to make Junior. You received alot of good advice. Be upfront with your father and follow your dream.

I also work for my dad and we are also insurance agents. I've been doing this now for 8 years and while insurance is not my dream job, working with my father has been one of the greatest continual learning experiences of my life. Family businesses are tough. Along with the obvious benefits, there are tough challenges. I have two younger brothers who have joined our agency in the last five years which has added to the mix of both good and bad as well.

Good luck.

[Silver]

Here's the opposite perspective. I own my own business and had my daughter (adult) work for me for awhile.
It was a pain in the neck and other places.
If you don't have fulfilment from your job, is it fair to have your dad have an employee that doesn't want to be there?
He can figure that out. I would rather have a non family member who is really into the work, as an employee, than a family member who hates to come in to work and has their dreams elsewhere.
Would it be doing your dad a favor to stay and not like the work and not help him make his dreams come true? There are lots of good employees out there that he can hire.
If you want to be in law enforcement, there is hardly a higher calling.
Just be realistic about the fact that many won't appreciate you, but many will know what a great thing you are doing for society.
Good luck on your new career!

[Ivory Tower]

Originally Posted by RPB67

You can always due both !

Persue your law enforcement dream. Then you can take over the agency and hire a good office manager and let them run it for you and you can just check in daily to make sure things are well.

Always capitalize on any oppourtunity you have to make money.

Yeah - so true. You might not see it now, but getting a cut of the commissions or whatever insurance agents get will be great down the road.