The Grass Isn't Always Greener

In corrections, I’ve heard the saying countless times: “𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘴𝘴 𝘪𝘴 𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦.” I’ll be honest — I’ve said it myself more than once, especially after a brutal shift, an exhausting week, or a disappointing promotional outcome. There’s something soothing about the phrase in the moment. It offers a mental escape from the daily grind and a flicker of hope that a more fulfilling and rewarding career is waiting just beyond the perimeter walls of the DOC. 

Every year, talented staff walk out the door chasing something “𝘣𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳,” often without clearly defining what “𝘣𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳” actually means. Months — or even years — later, many of them come back after discovering that the lush green grass proved to be little more than a field full of weeds. For others, the grass truly does turn out to be greener — a better work-life balance, stronger compensation, or a role that aligns perfectly with their passion and skills. 

But in my experience, the grass on the other side is rarely as lush as it appears (or is advertised) from afar. That is why many return to the DOC humbled, grateful, and more committed than ever. They all acknowledge that while the field of corrections is undeniably demanding, it also offers a level of stability, purpose, and long-term rewards that many other fields can’t match. 

Here’s why so many dedicated professionals build their careers in the DOC:

• 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗲𝘁𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗕𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗳𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁: Public service pensions, strong health coverage, and deferred compensation options provide security that private employers rarely match. Many who leave quickly miss these safety nets.

• 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗿 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘄𝘁𝗵 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗩𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘁𝘆: From line officer to specialized units (investigations, training, classification, K-9, tactical teams), promotions, and lateral moves keep the work engaging. 

• 𝗣𝘂𝗿𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗲-𝗗𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸: Few jobs let you make a direct impact on public safety, rehabilitation, and community stability every single shift. That sense of mission is hard to replicate elsewhere.

• 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲: Corrections builds tight-knit teams forged through shared challenges. The brotherhood/sisterhood and shared experiences create bonds that last a career.

• 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝗨𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲𝘀: Economic downturns hit the private sector harder. DOC positions offer reliable paychecks, scheduled raises, and protection through collective bargaining.

So, if you’ve been tempted to leave, do yourself a favor — talk to the veterans who’ve actually been there and back. Speak with officers who resigned, tried something new, and later returned to the Department of Corrections. Their stories almost always follow the same pattern: the excitement of something new eventually faded, the promised “better” opportunities came with their own hidden problems, and the stability, benefits, purpose, and camaraderie they once took for granted started to look a lot more valuable. In the end, most will tell you the same thing — the grass wasn’t greener. It was just different. And coming back home to corrections felt right.

And one final thought: Water your own grass. Instead of constantly looking over the fence, invest in where you’re planted. Keep your weedwhacker handy for the days when weeds pop up, and know that with dedication, the grass right where you are can become the strongest, most rewarding field you’ll ever stand in.