The PCSO role is a satisfying career, I have ben doing this for 11 years. It is constantly evolving and not always for the better.

I am pleased that the recruitment has been resumed, what area are you?

Interesting post powdermonkey, the more I think about it the happier I am that I've decided to accept the offer of PCSO training next year - as long as I've got enough money to stay solvent and enjoy life, I'm happy to leave the desk job for something more fulfilling.

Addi564, what did you decide?

Maybe engineer is one of those "proper jobs" I often get told to get!!! Usually by some unemployed ball bag.

I would stay as an engineer. Being a PCSO is a soul destroying job!

I think Wiggum makes some very good points about job satisfaction, not having regrets and how doing a job you enjoy can make up for a lower pay packet. Could you live on the PCSO pay bearing in mind you'll hit the top of the pay scale after 5 years at most, knowing there's no promotion ladder? Is it feasible for you to go for the PCSO role, see how it goes and then go into engineering at a later date? Which do you think would cause most regret to turn down, the engineering job or PCSO?

I had a short spell in an office based job before becoming a PCSO and whilst it paid more than the PCSO role I didn't like the job and hated going to work. I'd much rather be in a job I enjoy - you spend about 40 hours a week at work so you might as well do something you enjoy!

I disagree with Bert Moffat's comment of "hardly skilled". There's a number of skills involved (communication, problem solving & time management to name just 3) and not everyone can master them.

Although I do like doing the job however there is no career progression or any chance to earn more money. There are a lot of positives but if the two aspects i have mentioned are important to you than think carefully as i would imagine the engineer job would have a lot more to offer.

Engineer better

Bert

I wish it was actually a no brainer, however both jobs have appeal

I am leaning towards the engineer position simply because of the way Wiltshire Police have messed me around but that is the only reason I have so far

No-brainer surely?

Thanks Wiggum

on that theme though I am worried I will regret not taking the engineer position because that job is something new for me after spending so long in the army.

I am lucky to have a choice, just need to make the right choice.

Find myself in the same tough spot.

Significantly better pay in current (mundane) IT position, but the job satisfaction in an imminent PCSO position will be so much higher... I figure it's better to live without regrets and and give it a shot - I can tolerate a bit less take-home if I'm doing something I'm passionate about. Rather than resenting my career every day for the sake of a few quid.

That's my current perspective anyway, good luck making the right decision for you

Hardly skilled though.

Engineer yes, because it is skilled and well paid

however I applied to be a PCSO because it is a skill in itself, may not be well paid but I see a lot of job satisfaction in it.

Engineer surely.

Typical, today I get offered a decent job with good pay.

I get home and in my inbox is an email saying that recruitment is back on and I am now pencilled in to start in January. However this start date may still not happen and get put back again.

Oh what to do, both jobs I believe suit me to the ground, but I really want to be a PCSO even if the pay is much lower than the engineer pay.

Thoughts please people