Posts
3724
Joined
6/9/2014
Location
Lakeland, FL
US
Was going to go to school for nursing and do travel nursing with my gf but she decided she wants to take a different road and do cosmetology (which is ok). I haven't been in school just been working full time for Coke as a merchandiser but I really need to start getting a career together (im turning 21 in august). Being a fire fighter has always interested me, I love helping people and doing thing for the community etc.. i was just wondering if anyone had some input on how it is and how they like they're job? Thanks guys.
The Shop
Figure out what YOU want to do and then go for it!!
At the end of the day, it's still dangerous. See my fathers day post, here in non-moto.
Fought everything from grass fires and chimney fires to fully involved residences and commercial buildings. Lot's of squad calls, MVA's and mutual aid with other departments.
Some of the hardest parts of the job was living in a relatively small community and covering a large county, many calls for assistance were for people you knew casually or even personally. Saw a lot of horrific things.
I thought I would make it my career but opportunities arose, that in retrospect, I am glad I took but always miss that rush I felt when my pager went off and I would tear out to my car and turn on lights and siren to go help people in need.
Guess I'm saying if you're willing to put in the effort it can be an interesting and fulfilling life, but it's not to be taken lightly.
I've worked in Missouri and California and they both don't treat their medics very good. A lot of medics out here get a second job at in n out burger because they make roughly the same amount of money.
I would really shoot for nursing school. I'm doing really good on just an associate's degree.
And being a EMT is probably more difficult from a training perspective then Firefighter and LEO. EMTs are the only ones other then MDs who can administer narcotics to someone. Perhaps this varies state by state. My brother was an EMT in Denver many years ago and said it was harder then graduating college lol
If you want to go the nursing route look into becoming a radiology tech. They make decent money especially as more and more things are computerized.
One of our family friends who is a retired fire chief in Chattanooga appears to have made a decent living, but he too earned the majority of his income from sub contracting when he was younger and owning rentals. As with any job, he talked about politics play a major factor for advancement within the field.
Good luck with your adventure.
There is a huge gap in police pay where I'm at. One town starts at $60k and another starts at $40k. The difference in the two is one requires a college degree and the other doesn't. Get your degree in anything really and more doors are open than without a degree. But don't get a useless degree.
Pit Row
Consider what you are naturally good at. What comes easy to you.
Examine what career fields are in demand and pay well.
Figure out the jobs where those two intersect, and decide if any are something you could tolerate doing everday.
It's not the end all be all plan to life, but it's a good starting point. Even if it's not college, definitely persue something that results in some proof of education (license, certificate, apprenticeship program). It's just makes for an easier way to market youself.
An AA from a Community College is not a bad thing regardless of what some may tell you. One great teacher my 1st year lead me to something I did for 23 years.
PS: I am sooo glad I didn't stick with the girl I was banging at 20.
Do you have access to PM me? If so, send me a PM.
Something to keep in mind. Your body will take a beating if you are in an active FD. I spent a lot of times in ghetto areas of L.A. County and worked a lot of brush fires. I can recall most of the times I injured myself and some where I didn't realize I was injured until arthritis set in. At 56 years old I had 3 bulging discs in my back, some bulging and nerve compression in my neck. Mild rotator tear in one shoulder and a partial slap tear in the other. One knee that is ready for a replacement and an ankle that will be fused before the end of the year. A lot of my peers have already had neck and back fusions, knee and hip replacements and and cardiac issues. Pretty high numbers for the age group.
The job may not be for you can't function without a full nights sleep, are claustrophobic, fear heights, can't stand the sight of blood, question authority or are not real people oriented.
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