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This week's episode is a conversation with one of my favorite people I've met through LinkedIn, Chad Bruckner. If you don't follow him, I encourage you to. This is such an important conversation for my mid-career listeners, who feel torn between "sucking it up" and leaving. 

Chad is among many things...an Army veteran, a husband, a father to three kiddos, an entrepreneur, author/speaker, and what I love about his story...is that after 13 years on the job...he CHOSE to walk away. 

For the past 4 years, he's been on an entrepreneurial journey and honestly...a self discovery journey...that led him right back to police work. Chad is currently a detective at a University. 

Chad never wanted to be a cop, but due to his experience in the military and a push from his mom after his enlistment was over...he decided to become a cop. Chad details what it was like initially, when he culture was solid and how he was able to balance the job with raising a family. He also discusses how a declining culture can wreak havoc on someone and their career.

Chad touches on the importance of self-awareness and the need to address your ego, often. The less self-aware you are, the bigger your ego...the more likely you are to stay stuck. 

When speaking about his decision to leave law enforcement 13 years in, he offered this advice to others, know what you're running to, not just what you're running from. He touches on moral injury and not leaving a department the way you want to, and how it weighs on you. 

Chad left his first department at 40 years old and realized it was the first time in his adult life that he wasn't an "operator" and didn't know who he was without a uniform. He knew he was declining emotionally/mentally from things he never processed from the military and the job...and while he didn't know it at the time, he needed to heal.

Chad's advice to those who think, "I'm just a cop," was to consistently put yourself in uncomfortable positions and get out of your echo chamber, so you can learn new things and grow. 

Chad talks about his spirituality getting better and understanding that the past 4 years were not wasted...they led him to where he is supposed to be.

If you haven't already...make sure you follow me on LinkedIn and on Instagram at @_nextshift_ AND @the_jessflores

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