Despite being a challenging and rewarding career, firefighting isn’t for everyone. Before deciding to become a firefighter, you should carefully consider the pros and cons. By learning more about this career choice, you can make a well-informed decision concerning your future.
Pros
Job Fulfillment and Satisfaction – As a firefighter, you’ll be providing a valuable service to your community. You’ll have opportunities to protect those you serve and save lives. You’ll also be educating people on fire safety to help prevent accidents that can cause serious injuries or loss of property. Helping others will give you a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction in your job.
Public Support – Firefighting is a career in which you will have the backing and support of the public. People will appreciate the services you offer and show gratitude and respect for your role in the community. You’ll be thankful to work in an occupation that’s supported by the public.
Good Benefits/Job Security – As a government employee, you’ll be entitled to benefits for your services as a firefighter. These benefits can help offset the high cost of living. You’ll also have job security for the future. Your training and experience will pay off in helping you retain your job. If you have a family, you’ll appreciate the financial stability that job security can provide.
Cons
Dangerous Work — Firefighting is a dangerous occupation that puts you at risk of injury or death. Whether putting out a fire or evacuating people to safety, you’ll be exposing yourself to hazardous situations that could result in physical harm.
Firefighting can also be traumatic as you never know how your rescue efforts will turn out. You need to be tough enough to handle bad scenarios as well as good. You may face traumatic situations where people are badly injured or even die. If you can’t handle pain and suffering, firefighting may not be the best profession for you.
Irregular Hours — Before you decide to become a firefighter, consider the irregularity of your work schedule. You may have to work different shifts which would put you on call at all hours of the day or night. If you’re married or have kids, this could put a strain on your family.
Ongoing Training — Firefighters go through extensive training to keep them fit and capable of doing their job. In addition to physical training, they’re constantly reviewing firefighting tactics and rescue techniques to stay on the cutting edge of their profession.
When not fighting fires, you’ll be responsible for the upkeep of your firehouse and equipment to maintain it in good working order. You may also be put on a rotating schedule for shopping or cooking for your team that’s on duty.
Low Pay — Considering the dangers and risks firefighters face in their job, you may find the pay not worth the price.
After weighing these pros and cons, you can decide whether it’s your calling to become a firefighter or not. Firefighting is a noble and rewarding profession for those willing to make sacrifices and serve others.