In Just 5 months, Paul Left the Police Force for Project Management

Paul Killingley is a former Police Inspector who was introduced to Andy Labrum with no idea what he wanted to do and just 5 months later, he was embarking on his new career as a Project Manager. In this Blue Light Leaver Podcast Episode, Andy talks to Paul about his new role and in this interview, Paul talks about his former career and the highs and lows. He also talks about how he'd been toying with the idea of finding a new career for around 5 years but like many of us, had no idea what he could do or what he wanted to do. Paul talks about the benefits of leaving Law Enforcement and transitioning to the private sector. It was actually Andy that inspired Paul’s transition away from the police force and into project management. Are you thinking of leaving the police force for the private sector? If so, listen to the full podcast here, or keep reading.

Paul Left the Police Force After 20 years

Paul was a Police Officer for 20 years. He started off on the beat, then went into neighbourhood policing and surveillance work. Then, got promoted to Sergeant, and worked in the control room. He got a role as a detective and then got promoted to inspector. 

What was the catalyst to leave the police force?

Paul was becoming increasingly frustrated with the lack of career progression and had also been through some significant challenges in his personal life and felt he finally had enough. It had actually started about seven years before when he was told by his Commander that he was ready to be promoted to Inspector and despite doing everything in his power, he got paper sifted. From the time he was told he was ready for the promotion to the point he actually got promoted, it took 3 years. It devastated him. He started to doubt himself and alongside the challenges at home, it was impacting his family life and ultimately his marriage ended in divorce. Once he finally got promoted, he fell in love with the job again, but the shift-work began to take it's toll and combined with long hours, a really high-pressure work environment, finally, enough was enough and Paul made the decision to improve his work-life balance. It was at this point he was introduced to Andy Labrum to see how he could help him. 

Paul Reached out to Andy from Blue Light Leavers

At that first meeting, Paul had no idea what he was going to do. Andy brought authenticity as he understood the politics, pressures, and difficulties. Finally, Paul was speaking to someone who understood him. Paul admits that it was very scary walking into the unknown, but he was excited about what was out there, but “what are the nuts and bolts of these different jobs”. Andy made Paul go home and write down the reasons why he wanted to move on. Together, they dug down deep into Paul’s career history to understand who he really was. When they dug deep into Paul’s skills and experience, it was clear that Project Management was a really good fit for him. For Paul, “You need to have a clear understanding of the WHY”. 

Take Credit Where Credit is Due

“As police officers, we are poor at taking credit for what we’ve done. But we need to see it in a different way. It’s describing what we do at a deeper level. With every bit of feedback, I always undersell myself. This is certainly a trait in the Police. It’s not a bad thing, Be honest, be open and that’s all it takes. Talk about how you’ve influenced the task you’ve done”.

The second Meeting with Andy

“How will my experience translate into an application form?” Paul asked Andy for advice on how to fill in the gaps between his experience and new roles and then Andy helped Paul draft a CV. Andy suggested that he write the first draft, which Paul then sent to his friends, and then sent it back to Andy. Andy said the CV was good but too “Policey”. Andy then connected Paul with professional CV writer, Charlotte Eve. of CK Futures Ltd. She sent back Paul’s CV within a week, and he was absolutely staggered at the quality and the way his skills, achievements and experience was evidenced. 

Andy's Incredible Support

“You were there for me throughout the process. I didn’t need my hand held, but I did need to understand the difference between internal police interviews and external interviews. You gave me the confidence to write the CV, meet with recruiting managers and how to put together a presentation for my project management interview. The learning I got from Andy was not rushed. It was helpful and smooth”

The Importance of Networking

Paul’s view of networking was “ass-kissing”. It was a dirty world in the Police world. Cops who networked got the job because of their networking ability, but, when Paul was introduced to Andy, then Andy put Paul in touch with another Project Manager, Paul realised it’s just about having conversations. The Blue Light Leavers network is about having conversations, supporting, and helping others. For Paul, networking is no longer a dirty word. Networking can just mean having a chat and a cup of coffee.

Confident Interview

Andy helped Paul prep for the interview process by talking him through the different styles of questioning, how to structure his answers and really stand out and how to ensure he felt confident before and during. For Paul, mindfulness is huge. 

“If you can just give yourself half an hour, take a walk and just enjoy it. Don’t think about what to say, just enjoy what is around you. Take yourself away from the worry, anxiety, and the rest of it, you’ll be far better off”. 

In Just 5 months, Paul Left the Police Force for Project Management

On hearing he'd been successful, Paul went back in to work and wrote his resignation letter. Right at that point, there was a situation that made Paul realise just how grateful he was to be leaving. His supervisor was almost in tears because of his resignation but she said, “If I didn’t agree with what you’re doing, I would try to prevent you from leaving, but I do believe you are doing the right thing for your family”. Having his colleagues support his decision was very touching. Others said, “I would leave too if it wasn’t for the pension”. It was a real indicator that people weren’t happy, but they were handcuffed to the job. No one said, “I love this job and I’m going to be here until the end of my service”. That was sad. Paul could see everyone struggling but says “Life is too short. Go find something else”.

Paul found a new career outside Policing in only 5 months

There was a lot of work involved in those 5 months but Paul was shocked about how quickly it happened. He thought it would take at least 2 years from that first meeting with Andy, but within 5 months he was leaving the Police to become a Project Manager.

How was the transition away from police work?

According to Paul, the hardest part wasn’t handing in his warrant card. That was easy. What was difficult was walking out the gate and realising he can’t go back in. He used to have access to all the police stations, but now he’s a civilian. He laughed to himself as in that moment, his life had changed . 

Orientation felt like the first day of school. There were so many people to meet, but everyone was so kind and friendly and it's a really modern, clean, open, working space. 

Paul has only been in his new Project Management position for a few weeks and is adjusting very well. He’s engaging more in meetings and starting to have ideas to develop his team.

Trapped in the Police Force

There is a real handcuff for police officers in the force. The structure is like a pyramid. The higher you get, the fewer opportunities there are. In the Private Sector, there are so many opportunities. Horizontally and vertically. It’s refreshing. Paul wanted to move on from the Police because the structure and processes narrowed the opportunities for career progression. 

Opportunities Everywhere in the Private Sector

Within the Police Service, it's hard to shift. But, in the private sector, now that Paul is a Project Manager, he can transition to any organisation. Andy’s been retired from Policing for 5 years now and took on a Project Manager role, and the opportunities just grew from there. Andy never imagined he would have this many opportunities. It’s all about taking that first step, and opportunities just flow!

More Advantages in the Private Sector

Paul has more opportunities now to see his children, including any weekend he wants. His sleep patterns have improved, Paul is less tired and less stressed. There is stress in every job, but you deal with stress differently when you’re properly rested. He has a great work-life balance already. Paul feels more like himself, feels more alive, and feels more up for the challenges that are ahead. In addition, Paul has enrolled in Higher Education. He’s taking a Masters Degree in Business Administration. The course aligns perfectly with his new position especially Strategic Leadership and Project Management.

Have the Confidence to Leave the Police

Andy put Paul in touch with a Project Manager within an organisation and Paul says, a less confident Paul may have not shown up. "However, I pushed myself to do it. If I missed one of these ducks, it wouldn’t have been as smooth as it was. Don’t procrastinate. Just go do it. It’s not as bad as you think, it’s even far better than you could have imagined. Step outside your comfort zone. What’s the worse that can happen?. Just be yourself”

Paul’s advice

“Remember to listen to the advice of others, network, do the tasks you have to do and have confidence in your own ability. You are wanted. Your skills are valuable and you are an asset”

Don't forget, you can join the Private Facebook Group.  You can connect with Paul via the Blue Light Leavers private Facebook Group. You can also access a free Emergency Service Professional's Guide to LinkedIn via this link: https://www.bluelightleavers.com/pl/95723. You can access the Blue Light Leavers Facebook Group via here and the Blue Light Leavers website via www.bluelightleavers.com