Seeking Advice

[Fassi123]

Where in Ga are you? I have 6 kids. My wife and I each own a business. Those hours are not sustainable to stay married and engage with your future kids. Linemen make good money and can turn into a great municipal job. Keep you side hustle going if possible. Fire department will be fine without out you. Volunteer somewhere if you love it that much. I was active duty coast guard for 9 years. Been a reservist for 8. Make wife / family priority.

 

[IDLassie]

Having been in Wild Land fire for 40 seasons. When realization hit it was too late to jump out. Retired with just enough to pay for health insurance and little left over. GET OUT of the fire service and go get a real job and have a life! IF a seasonal employee you'll never get ahead at your age.

 

[wapitibob]

Brother that’s EVERY FD in the State of Georgia.

Sadly, we’re one of the “better” paid Metro ATL Departments

We have a pretty good dept here, a friend works there.
"The department works on a four-platoon system, 48 hours on shift and 144 off with one debit day per FLSA cycle."

 

[BRTreedogs]

Not that you’ve never worked outside, being a landscaper.

But when I think of FD & Lineman, there 2 different crowds of people imo.

Very different jobs as well.

Can you go job shadow with a lineman for a couple days?

I’m sure it’s much different now, but when I looked into it. Being a lineman apprentice was no joke and you better have thick skin.

That being said, I’d wish I’d done it I just didn’t have the required math.

 

[Long Cut]

We have a pretty good dept here, a friend works there.
"The department works on a four-platoon system, 48 hours on shift and 144 off with one debit day per FLSA cycle."

Wow…. Your Step 1 Firemen make more than our Fire Sargent/Paramedics

 

[Long Cut]

You should check if anything happens at the five year mark.

Yes our Pension vests at Year 5, which my 5th year at my current Department will be August of 2027.

But honestly for the marginal amount I’d receive, waiting another year it’s not worth it in my opinion