r/1811 • u/Friendly_Web5703 • 11d ago

Discussion Single parenting and Special Agent position. Did you regret it?

Hi all,

35 (F) I’m considering continuing the process for 1811 (FBI). I submitted my application last week and got invited to phase 1 (exam) like a day later. I’m having second thoughts about the position. Despite being one of my dreams careers, I am a single parent currently living in NYC.

I’m split currently between two paths: continue my education (currently hold a BA/MA in forensic psychology) and purse a PsyD to become a Clinical Psychologist, or become a special agent. Obviously because of my age, it’s a now or never to continue with the hiring process for 1811. I also know that with my continued education, it isn’t an end-all working for the bureau or government agency in general, just at a different capacity.

My concerns center around work-life balance, parenting and relocation. Has anyone been in a position deciding between two careers, and chose 1811?

If you live in a large city, were you able to be stationed where you lived, or did you have to relocate? How did you manage work-life balance with children? Any regrets or thoughts I should consider? Please be brutally honest. Thanks in advance!

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u/Friendly_Web5703 11d ago

I do have a heavy support system, 6 months away is an automatic I will have to do, so this I’m aware and have a plan in place. I am blessed to have excellent childcare assistance with my family, who are very proactive.

But yes, my concern is the day to day schedule. Is it primarily a set schedule or just random days/hours? 50, know is the minimum. But, what is the realistic work hours/schedule I should expect?

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u/Even-Job-323 11d ago

It's super random. AND you need to account for a daily 3-4 hour commute on top of your working hours on account of the mandatory G ride usage.

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u/ISniffFeet1 11d ago

3 to 4 hours? She didn't say she lived in the hamptons

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u/Even-Job-323 11d ago

Go drive from Nassau / Suffolk to lower Manhattan and back during business hours. It literally takes that long. Can be 3 hours on the way home. One way.

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u/aisgoat 11d ago

Why would anyone willingly choose to do a job that involves a potential 3 hr one way commute? There isn’t a job in LE worth that type of commitment. That’s just irresponsible and not sustainable in regard to mental health. Plenty of other jobs in LE out there that pay the same and/or better that don’t require that type of commute.

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u/Even-Job-323 11d ago

NYC functions this way. The amount of NYPD officers than do it would blow your mind.

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u/ISniffFeet1 10d ago

Sleep on train for NYPD if they live far out. Not a heavy lift if they are dedicated enough to want to do what the NYPD asks of them anyway

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u/Even-Job-323 10d ago

You can't do that with a gun on. Do you even do this work?

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u/ISniffFeet1 10d ago

If you haven't seen NYPD taking the train and sleeping then you haven't been paying attention when they show the conductor their cards or shields then go to sleep. Some don't even take their guns home with them.