Did you ever snoop into your sister's diary? Listen in on your dad's phone conversations? Wonder what the next door neighbors really did behind closed doors? Has your curiosity gotten you in hot water more than once? You've probably been reading mystery novels since you were a kid. You grew up on television detectives and idolized those guys in the movies who were so much smarter than anyone else - especially the cops. Maybe it's the action that's attractive to you. Or you think you really might get to live rent-free on a fabulous estate in Hawaii and drive a red Ferrari even though you can't afford the price of a tune-up. There's no doubt about it, there's nothing quite so glamorous as the image of a PI.

But is this career all you think it is? Yes. And no. A career in private investigations is interesting, often exciting, sometimes dangerous, and very often tiring and tedious. What it never has to be is boring. It's unlikely that you'll be carrying a gun or getting into car chases and fistfights with lowlifes in dark alleys. But you will be meeting interesting people from all walks of life, have opportunities to travel, and make a good living at what you like best - snooping. The job of the private investigator boils down to one thing: getting information. There are numerous ways to get the job done: search computer databases, make phone calls, plow through mountains of files at the courthouse, knock on doors and interview witnesses, sit in a car while watching someone's home, or tap informants and contacts for inside information. While operating within the confines of the law, you might use false IDs, pick locks, plant bugs to eavesdrop, and capture people on tape with your video wristwatch.

One thing is for sure; this is not a normal job. What other job pays you to disguise your appearance and be a convincing liar? Unlike the guys on TV, you probably won't be working for desperate people in big trouble who need your help proving they didn't murder somebody. It's more likely you'll be working for lawyers, accountants, business owners, stores, and individuals that need help finding missing relatives.

There are opportunities in this field for people of all ages, both men and women. Younger people, even as students, are often successful in the more physically demanding jobs like repossessing cars, tracking fugitives for bail bondsmen, serving papers, etc. Older investigators apply their experience and wisdom to the problem solving required in difficult cases. And women often have the advantage that comes from quickly being able to establish rapport and trust. The field of private investigations is for you if you like to be mentally challenged, enjoy helping people solve problems, and thrive on new experiences. It is a career for quick-thinkers with a knack for not getting caught. Does that description fit you? Then slip into some comfortable shoes, grab your tape recorder, and welcome to the profession!