disadvantages of being a private investigator

Definitely isn't easy, I've been doing this work for the last 11 years and is only getting harder. The laws change but so does the awareness of claimants and codes of conduct. Yet the expectation of a client is just increasing. I agree with what was stated though. Its definitely not for everyone. Here in Australia you're either a good surveillance operative or factual investigator, very rarely is an investigator good at both. Stay safe to all those in this field. Shazz B

Lower F0[_]rty Ei8ht 1 week ago (edited)

John Shury Same here. I dealt with a lot of the same things you mention. Mainly the erratic schedule (which lead to my divorce), not knowing when you're going to be on a case or not, and the outgoing revenue is often times more than your income. Fuel, maintenance, case related expenses, ect. The physical inactivity started really getting to me as well. I like to keep in shape, but when you're on a case and you're sitting in a car for 16 hours, the last thing you want to do is come home and work out.

The two worst things about being a P.I. for 24 years (retiring at the end of this month, April) are working for defense attorneys defending the lowest dirtbags on Earth, and... surveillance...Planet Rock Jesus

Look at the top pay for this field, no way. I tried it for a couple of years and burned the gaskets out on my new car keeping the heater/ A/C on. Sitting in a car for extended periods of time is murder on your spine and one joker took my plates ran them through towns in the areas traffic ticket registry and found my home address. I have a wife and two girls to think about. The only watches that led to any real income were infidelity investigations, everything else was a waste of time where I was averaging about minimum wage for the time needed to get any real intel...Christine Freedom

As a truck driver used to living in a vehicle and always working long hours, and a veteran, and already do not have life outside work, your PI job seems much like my job. Everyday is a different day with different conditions that are constantly changing all the time and you have to start work at different times of the day, sleep at different times, eat when you have a chance, bathe when you have time. I've spent 2 continuous years working on the road without a day off. I'd love to give Mobile Survailence a go...Matts Van Life

Ghosts Appear & Fade Away 3 months ago

You forgot to mention piss bottles. ya dont get bathroom breaks. have a bathroom emergency while your subject is active in their yard? better have a bucket with kitty litter in it and get used to poopin in public places separated only by a thin film of tint.