Firefighting as a career: 5 steps to make your dream come true.
There has always been a world of information available to research methods of preparing to become a firefighter. You can access all the criteria locally to find the application tests, standards, physical, medical and educational qualifications required by your own local department. But there is another essential aspect that you absolutely need to know and that is to understand the firefighter mindset. This doesn’t change from country to country, it’s a worldwide mentality that makes this race truly unique to any other!
As a firefighter career it has many pros and cons. It’s rewarding in a way that no other career can offer. You will be able to experience the joy of saving a life, the thrill of a rescue, and the accomplishment of successfully putting out a fire. On the other hand, you will also experience the pain of a lost life, the frustration of a determined fire, and the complications that arise on a day-to-day basis.
When choosing a career, many people look at the statistics involved. This is salary, vacation, contract terms, etc. However, when choosing firefighting as your profession, you need to consider the changes you are willing to make in your life. It is not a situation that only affects your life but the lives of those around you. It’s a shift work career, nights you can’t miss, times when you have no choice but to be on call, and a job that has a huge emotional toll on your life.
Here are 5 factors to consider in this career:
1. The emotional cost: When becoming a firefighter, the key factor to consider is your emotional strength. It is a career that you have to be able to leave your emotions at the doors of the Fire House when you leave. It will test you in many ways to see how you handle the emotions that a case can bring. You will learn more about yourself than in any other situation. This career will help you grow as a person and will not only put you in tune with your own emotions, but will give you the ability to read others. Don’t worry about being invincible when you start. We all have weaknesses and it gets difficult for all of us at some point. But like I said, you will learn to manage and control your emotions over time.
2.The Hours Contributed: One thing that can be hard to get used to when you’re just starting out is shift work. The days are long but the nights are even longer. This can dramatically infringe on your social life! There will be plenty of times when you won’t be able to schedule appointments or occasions, but that’s an integral part of the job. It’s not like any other profession where you can book a day off! It’s a lifestyle change you have to be willing to make.
3. Physical Ability: As important as emotional strength is, your physical strength is just as crucial. Being healthy and strong for any scenario that arises is a vital component. This race will test you to the last degree and take your fitness and strength levels to new heights. In training him as a recruit, he will conduct daily drills and exercises to gauge his ability for this job. So make sure you are in the best game!
4. The pros and cons: As mentioned above, there are many pros and cons to this career. By looking at both realistically and being able to come to terms with and accept them, you will be in the right mindset to enter this career. It is not the idealistic spectacle that the media and movies portray. You have to be able to look beyond this and go to an inner place and ask yourself the most forceful questions. Answer them honestly as the only person you’ll be lying to.
5. The role you play: Finally this is a race where the staff is what makes it work. It is not a product that if defective can be returned. If you are not at your best and giving it your all, the consequences can be lethal. You have to be 100% available to your team and your audience. By doing so, you ensure that the best possible service is provided at all times. You will become a vital member of the crew and by respecting others and following orders you will become an excellent FIREFIGHTER!
Becoming a firefighter is without a doubt the most incredible feeling in the world. There are so many levels on which to base that statement – The strength of character you develop – The appreciation of life and those around you – The incomparable satisfaction – The lifelong bonds and friendships – The personal challenges.
By researching and reading articles like this, you are giving yourself the best possible chance of success! Remember that it is the person who makes the firefighter, so take into account all the advice given and you will not go wrong.