Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Only So Many Hours In A Day

Law enforcement is a 24 hour / 7 days a week / 365 days a year job. This means there is a need for someone to answer the phones and work the radio at any and all given minutes. This means many of us don't exactly work 8-5 Monday through Friday, which means we sleep at odd hours and work weekends and holidays.

This isn't exactly news now is it? So why do people have a problem understanding that those of us in the law enforcement field aren't always available when families and friends are together? Why do they cop (excuse the pun) an attitude when you're not available?

This has been grating on my lately as friends and family have really been having a problem and 'tude with the fact I am not available for all the meetings and gatherings they have been planning. That I sometimes have to work late and so arrive late at the party. Since my shift starts super early in the mornings I go to bed really early. So please understand I am not able to answer the phone to just chat at 7:00 pm. Yes, I am sorry I am missing that baby shower but I will be getting off a 14 hour shift and have to return to work in nine hours. I am sorry I can't attend a club meeting that starts at the hour I go to bed because I have work the next morning.

So Back Off! Quit Whining About Me Not Being At Your Planned Event! It Is Not A Snub! Don't Take It Personally! I Am Working!

-Whew- That felt good.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

I agree. It's the life we live and they just have to get used to it. Either adjust for you or expect you will not be there!