2 answers
Colby
Student
Elyria, Ohio
4
Questions
Asked
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Is being a fire fighter fun to be on a daily basis
#firefighting #fun #firefighter I was just wondering for the future because I do not want to be in a job that I would not like for a few years.I am concerned that if it can not be a fun job then why waste the training if I would not stick with the job
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2 answers
Ryan Pfeiffer, MA
Firefighter Training Officer / EMT
83
Answers
Fort Collins, Colorado
Updated
Ryan’s Answer
Hi Colby. I'm not sure I can really answer your question, but I'll do my best.
The truth is that "having fun" is an emotion and a mindset, and only one person gets to decide what your mindset is - and that's YOU.
If I asked you if school was fun every single day, would you say yes? You can't get fired, you get scheduled breaks, you get to see your friends everyday, later in school you may have off hours or elective classes you get to choose, you probably don't have the stress of a long commute, bills to pay, etc. There are many reasons to be happy and have at least some fun everyday.
Yet, I'm guessing you don't love school everyday. I know I didn't.
Firefighting is much the same way. It can be a very fun job. You get to work in teams, you get paid to eat and sleep, you get to drive fast with lights and sirens, strangers come up and thank you, and you get to help people every time you run a call. There are many reasons to be happy and have at least some fun everyday.
It can be incredibly difficult though. So no, you won't have fun everyday. There is nothing fun about seeing people on their worst days - death, drug overdoses, panic attacks, assaults and abuse, etc. But, generally, I like to think the good days make up for the bad.
I'd challenge you to find any career that is fun everyday. You could be a clown or a comedian and people will still be scared of you, or heckle and boo you off stage. Life, and especially work, are full of ups and downs. You just have to find a place where the downs and worth the ups.
Like I said, not sure that answers your questions, but I hope so. Let me know if you have follow up questions!
The truth is that "having fun" is an emotion and a mindset, and only one person gets to decide what your mindset is - and that's YOU.
If I asked you if school was fun every single day, would you say yes? You can't get fired, you get scheduled breaks, you get to see your friends everyday, later in school you may have off hours or elective classes you get to choose, you probably don't have the stress of a long commute, bills to pay, etc. There are many reasons to be happy and have at least some fun everyday.
Yet, I'm guessing you don't love school everyday. I know I didn't.
Firefighting is much the same way. It can be a very fun job. You get to work in teams, you get paid to eat and sleep, you get to drive fast with lights and sirens, strangers come up and thank you, and you get to help people every time you run a call. There are many reasons to be happy and have at least some fun everyday.
It can be incredibly difficult though. So no, you won't have fun everyday. There is nothing fun about seeing people on their worst days - death, drug overdoses, panic attacks, assaults and abuse, etc. But, generally, I like to think the good days make up for the bad.
I'd challenge you to find any career that is fun everyday. You could be a clown or a comedian and people will still be scared of you, or heckle and boo you off stage. Life, and especially work, are full of ups and downs. You just have to find a place where the downs and worth the ups.
Like I said, not sure that answers your questions, but I hope so. Let me know if you have follow up questions!
Hassan Al
Product Management Professional
372
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Hassan’s Answer
I'm not sure if we have firefighters on this site, but I'd reach out to your nearest fire station to see if you can get a tour and talk to people.
My biggest concern with this type of job would be the work hours https://firefighterinsider.com/what-schedule-do-firefighters-work-shift-schedules-examined/#:~:text=Firefighter%20schedules%20vary%20by%20location,hours%20on%2C%2096%20hours%20off. I'd assume that most of the rookies will get the late shifts which might be tough.
Also, I'm not sure about the abrupt change in work patterns. You may get bored after hours of nothing happening and then chaos ensues with a fire or accident.
Of course you have to be ready for the physical and mental demands of such a job.
My biggest concern with this type of job would be the work hours https://firefighterinsider.com/what-schedule-do-firefighters-work-shift-schedules-examined/#:~:text=Firefighter%20schedules%20vary%20by%20location,hours%20on%2C%2096%20hours%20off. I'd assume that most of the rookies will get the late shifts which might be tough.
Also, I'm not sure about the abrupt change in work patterns. You may get bored after hours of nothing happening and then chaos ensues with a fire or accident.
Of course you have to be ready for the physical and mental demands of such a job.