Basically, I've been in public safety for my entire adult life. I'm a 911 dispatcher and have been for over 5 years now, and even before that my "dream" was to be a cop when I grew up as a kid. Well, now having been in the field for several years I'm really starting to get burnt out. It's not that I can't handle it, it's just changed who I am. My fairly short fuze for stupidity is just getting shorter and shorter by the day. Hearing some of the things I have to hear, trying to help people without being able to see or touch them, trying to calm down severely desperate people with only my voice, not getting ANY kind of feedback or recognition (or even RESPECT) unless there is a mistake, working in a very low respected job (not only by the public, but also the cops and firefighters we work with!)...it's just wearing on me.

I really can't complain, because I make good money and have good benefits, but now that I've joined the Air Force Reserve I'm really looking into my future as far as school. What the heck should I go to school for?? Public safety has been my life, and now the only thing I know is I don't want to do it forever. I've thrown around becoming a science teacher, or a vet, or working in a lab for years but I have no idea how to get there. Keep in mind I'm a single mom, and work more than full time (generally between 50-60 hours/week), and I'll be going to school HOPEFULLY online once I qualify for the GI bill. I guess I'd love some direction. I really don't know what's out there as far as careers. Who here LOVES their job? I know this is a really vague question, and I might not even be making sense, but any input would be appreciated. I have a while to think about it, just figured I'd share my frustration out to my friends and see what you all have to say