How to Survive Your First Year Without Quitting or Committing a Felony

Congrats—you made it through the academy. Now comes the real test: surviving your first year without losing your mind, quitting in a blaze of glory, or accidentally doing something that lands you in internal affairs.

Your first year will be tough, but you can make it. Here are the rules to keep you employed and (mostly) sane:

Shut Up and Listen You don’t know everything—stop pretending you do. Observe how the vets handle things, but don’t copy their bad habits. You learn more by listening than by trying to impress.

Know the Policy Book (Even If Nobody Else Does) Policy is your best friend when the sh*t hits the fan. Knowing the rules keeps you from accidentally making a TikTok in uniform that ends your career. Trust me, it happens.

Avoid the Station Drama Cops gossip more than high schoolers. Don’t get sucked in. Stay neutral—it’s safer than choosing sides. You’re there to work, not audition for a reality show.

Don’t Date Anyone You Work With (Yes, Really) That hot partner? Not worth it. Station relationships = dumpster fires. The drama will find you eventually; don’t volunteer for it.

Admit When You Mess Up Trying to cover mistakes leads to bigger mistakes. Owning your screw-ups earns respect. Nobody expects you to be perfect, but they expect honesty.

Learn When to Ask for Backup Don’t try to be a hero—call for help before things go sideways. Backing each other up is what keeps us all alive. Pride won’t save you in a dangerous situation.

Keep Your Sense of Humor This job is brutal. If you can’t laugh, you won’t last. Dark humor is survival—just know your audience. Sometimes, laughter is the only thing between you and burnout.

Take Care of Yourself Outside of Work You are more than a badge. Protect your mental health, stay active, and don’t let the job consume you. Hit the gym, see your friends, and for the love of coffee—sleep.

Your first year is the hardest. Every veteran you admire? They survived this same trial by fire. You will, too. Keep your head down, do the work, and don’t lose yourself in the process.