Leaving a career in the police will be quite different and an adjustment. Policing can be seen as an identity and with that you are leaving an organisation unlike any other. With the comradery you give to one another and the close bonds forged through years of service, unpredictable days filled with adrenaline, the organisation and leadership structure, and routines developed over the years, no longer having these as your everyday part of life can be scary, upsetting or feel unfulfilling. Due to this you need to ensure you look after yourself in every aspect.
To do this a good area to start is to think about some questions:
- Who am I now?
- What do I do each day?
- How do I stay connected?
- How do I replace the sense of purpose policing gave me?
- How do I maintain my physical and mental wellbeing?
Social
A career change can come with a change in lifestyle and routines which in turn can impact your social life. Maintaining a social life is important as it will prevent you from feeling isolated and in turn impact your mental health.
Friendships are developed through every stage in life particularly in the workplace. Working with the same people every day makes you get closer, so no longer seeing these key people in your life can be upsetting. Once you leave police it is important to continue to keep in contact with these friends. A change in career will also open the opportunity for you to develop new relationships with workmates in your new role. Having friends from multiple workplaces over the years is great as all will have different ways in which they connect with you, as well as you with them.
Keeping informed from the Police Association and Welfare fund through the Police News, website and email communications is a great way to know what is happening with no longer having the knowledge first hand while in the police.
Retired Police Clubs are another way to stay connected. The clubs are located throughout the country and meet on a regular basis. Continuing connections and being able to have conversations with likeminded people will be beneficial as you will share similar experiences and be able to lean on one another for support. (Link to our Retired members page)
Former New Zealand sworn police can also join the Returned and Services Association (RSA). There are a number of RSAs around the country of which provide a social hub where events and activities are frequent alongside general gatherings over food and drink. For more details refer to the RSA website: https://www.rsa.org.nz/
Mental
Through the welfare fund package there are some support options available to you if you are seeking mental health support. The first is through the Police Health Plan if you have either plus or basic cover there are both psychological benefits and psychiatry benefits available. Details can be found in the health plan policy wording found on the health plan webpage. The other is through the full welfare fund membership which is a counselling benefit. Details can be found under the welfare benefits webpage.
Along with seeking support through these channels, external organisations are equipped to assist individuals going through many challenges. Whether it is substance addiction, depression, family harm, extended whanau going through their own issues. Our support webpage provides details all in one place on the avenues that can look to assist you.
Physical
Your physical well-being is also something to think about. Often changing careers can lead to a change in work routines, such as different hours, change of commute, flexible working (working from home) etc. This can then lead to a change in physical activity.
To aid your physical health it is important to keep active as this will benefit both your body and mind. Keeping active can be as simple as a short walk each day, visiting the gym a few times a week or some yoga classes.
Joining a club to play your chosen activity would also be beneficial as it will provide regular social activity alongside the physical activity. Many towns have clubs for sports and recreational activities, so you could look to join and expand your social circle with likeminded people.