Jobs on days off [Archive] - Firehouse Forums

Lundy14

08-23-2006, 10:08 AM

Hey guys and gals, Being newer to the department, under 2 years, and having bought a house. The bills are building up and it's getting harder to get ahead until I go 1st Class salary. I am wondering if anyone had some job possibilities on my days off (4 on - 4 off). If I could hear what ideas everyone has or even what you guys and gals do yourself or those on your department to stay ahead I would appreciate it. Thanks

Lundy14

fireman4949

08-23-2006, 11:48 AM

I own a construction/remodeling business that I have operated for over 24 years. I also started a professional grounds keeping business last year. I have enough to do to keep me out of trouble on my off days! Fortunately, it's my wife's career is the money making one. ;)

Kevin :D

CaptainGonzo

08-23-2006, 06:06 PM

Just go out and get a part time job!

In the past, I have stocked shelves in a supermarket, and worked as a "gofer" chasing parts for an auto body shop. I started my own automotive detailing business, done free lance writing/reporting for a local newspaper and work at the State Fire Academy.

Some of the part time jobs my Brothers and Sister on the FD have are running a hot dog truck (Mom's lunch.. the best damn hot dog truck in the city! :D) , carpentry, landscaping, plumbing, electrical, auto body, working for a private EMS firm, working at the Academy, swimming pool maintenance, vinyl siding and roofing, pavement maintenance (sealcoating and parking lot striping) , limousine drivers, etc. etc. etc.

PattyV

08-24-2006, 07:43 AM

The most common one seems to be a general handyman job. Any little part time job would be okay especially one that allows you to relax. I wouldnt advise a heavy labour job because those four days are meant to be for you to relax.

SteveDude

08-24-2006, 03:34 PM

Nothing unusual in the UK....most Ff's have no choice but to work a second job. Many in London are licenced Taxi Drivers...(myself included, although my rank now precludes me from this)

Now I am not talking about taxi driving as may be the way elsewhere...London's famous Black Cabs are known across the World...the driver has to take a series of tests over 4 years called 'The Knowledge' where we have to learn tens of thousands of roads and points along those roads... stations, resturants, hotels, public buildings, shops, churches, hospitals, police stations, fires staions, clinincs, office buildings apartment buildings...etc...etc...

Ans
d not just naming them, identiying two points and then 'driving the route betwen them...for example (just a short trip)

EXAMINER "Take me from Simpsons resturant to the Ritz?"
CANDIDATE "Simpsons resturant is in the Strand and The Ritz Hotel is in Piccadilly... Leave on the left of The Strand, comply Trafalgar square and leave by Pall Mall East, bear left into Pall Mall turn right into St James Street, left into Piccadilly set down on the left at the Ritz Hotel"

That is a very easy route...the examiners are all ball breaking ex Traffic cops...as you are nearing completion they will ask you an insignificant point in an inner London district to another right across town, so you will have to ID both points and the 'call' the route (shortest in as direct a line as possible) from the start right through Central London and out to the other point...oftne involving 50 roads.

Why the hard work to drive a cab??? THis has to be the best paying Taxi job in the World...mot a 'dist stop' job for a new immigrant passing the knowledge gives you the famous 'Green Badge' where the Driver can hire or buy a cab and anyone who has rode in a London cab will testify how expensive this is..a very lucrative job. MOst full tiome Cab Drivers probably make in excess of £50,000 PA ($95,000) so you can see whi it is an attractive job for a Fireman... self employed so work when you want and good money to boot....

Unfortunately unlike Firefighting it isn't 'The best job in the World' to the day job stays!!!! :D :D

FireCaptE9

08-24-2006, 09:14 PM

Well from February to mid July and then again from Labor day through mid October, I spend my off days umpiring baseball. From Youth leagues to high School leagues.

I guess I get the best of both worlds...

LuckyThirteen

08-24-2006, 09:17 PM

I've known quite a few firefighters that either do roofing or general construction on their off days. My buddy's uncle (God rest his soul) used to do roofing on the side because the pay from FDNY was not enough to cover the house, kids, etc.

stretch13

08-24-2006, 10:02 PM

I did house painting for about 6 years, and framing houses for about 5. Now I coordinate training for our search and rescue team.

cozmosis

08-25-2006, 02:19 AM

Since May 1, I've taken up part-time work at the local ambulance authority. Sure, I get tired of wearing navy blue at both of my jobs, but the part-time pay is respectible for the amount of work I have to do.

Also, I do a bit of free-lance Web design from time to time.

CALFFBOU

08-25-2006, 05:00 AM

For me...I took a different route. I went into the adult movie business. Sure it takes awhile to get started, but then I really got to make some money on the days off.

Some areas to work in include- camera man, sound man/grip, facility maintenance (mopping, etc), EMT/set medic and catering. (Hey- they eat too). After getting to know the "ins and outs" of the biz, you may want to move into acting. I enjoyed that part, but insisted on scenes with women only. This depends on your taste. (pun intended)

Hope this helps out...Bou

http://www.robarnieanddawn.com/ArniePornVictoriaParisBig.jpg

sfdffemt17

08-25-2006, 09:13 AM

Do they have many on the job injuries that require an EMT at a porn shoot?

:)

MalahatTwo7

08-25-2006, 09:21 AM

SIGH.... well now .. .. THAT explains a lot. :rolleyes: Eh Bou.

CALFFBOU

08-26-2006, 08:03 PM

Lundy14

08-28-2006, 01:46 PM

LuckyThirteen

08-28-2006, 01:50 PM

That's not a bad idea, the only problem with that though is, depending on where you live, that won't be very much fun once cold weather hits.

fireman4949

08-28-2006, 02:53 PM

I have been trying to think of a little business that either myself or a couple guys on the Department can get into so we could make our own hours. I was thinking like buying a pressure washer and clean houses, Decks, Driveways, etc. I just can't think of anything unique that isn't already being done. The reason being is that I don't have any stellar trade skills yet so I can't do anything like that but I am a very hard worker. Any Ideas.

Lundy14

A lawn care service is very lucrative and takes only a few thousand dollars to get started.

Working alone, $50-$75/hr. are average earnings. With a helper, $80-$100+/hr. is very doable.

A couple of good used commercial walk-behind mowers, edgers, trimmers, a blower and a trailer will set you back somewhere around $5-$7k. A moderate investment, but the skill level needed, and the returns make it a good business for a hard worker on a firefighter schedule.

As I stated above, I started doing this last year after 24 years of running a construction business. I work less hours than before, have far fewer head aches and I will make as much $ this year, as I did in any good year of construction. ;)

Kevin :D

Rogue427

08-28-2006, 05:53 PM

I'am a volly. I work at a car wash on weekends. My fulltime jobs is a Millwright. Usally 50-60 hrs there and then the car wash. What is a day off?

clevelandfire

08-29-2006, 01:55 PM

I work at our local Ace Hardware store. The owner is a volley at our department and I can leave for fire calls while I am there. We still get called in for evey fire if it is our day off or not.

CALFFBOU

08-29-2006, 02:26 PM

I still like my SWA idea. Flying anywhere you want to go to for free is pretty nice. And the pay is good.

tanker5117

08-29-2006, 02:37 PM

I am a volunteer FF/EMT-B also. I do computer support for my full time job and drive a limo on the weekends, so I don't have any days off.

Tanker

GFDLT1

08-29-2006, 04:09 PM

Around here in Raleigh, you could make a killing cleaning gutters. You don't need much and you make your own hours. Right now on my days off I work for a combo department part-time and I am getting ready to start teaching on my days off.

hwoods

08-30-2006, 01:31 AM

I haven't figured out which is my real job yet. I'm retired from a Full Time Firefighter's job, but I still put in quite a few hours as a Volunteer there. I'm also a Fire Specialist for our State Forestry Dept, which is a 3 months in the Spring, 3 months in the fall, schedule. Summers, I'm in Asphalt Work. Winters I'm inside where it's warm and dry..... :D :D :D Over the years, I've been a Truck Driver, Railroad Track Maintenence Worker, Railroad Train Crewman, Scrap Metal Dealer, Private Security Consultant, Heavy Equipment Operator, and Grain Farmer.

Most Fun? - Train Crewman
Most Lucrative? - Scrap Metal Dealer
Hardest Work? - Grain Farmer

It's been quite a ride, so far.......... :)

CALFFBOU

08-30-2006, 03:52 AM

I guess anyone could be a Security Guard. Drive around or sit in a car/truck and do your homework if youre in school.

mcfd45

08-30-2006, 10:14 AM

ever think of dennys? i make pretty decent money for a college boy.

BruenRescue2003

08-30-2006, 12:59 PM

ever think of dennys? i make pretty decent money for a college boy.

if you're going to work at Dennys you might as well work at McDonalds too.

Dave1983

09-01-2006, 04:10 PM

I work 6-8 shifts a month driving an ambulance for the county service. Good money and I can set my own hours.

Weve have others that work there as well. Some work in ERs. Some do the lawn thing. A couple work for the local helicopter ambulance. One does home health care. A couple are auto mechanics. I think one still drives a limo. The rest do general contractor work.

newbomb

09-04-2006, 05:28 PM

i do fire,water and mold damage remediation. for a company that just uses me when they need me. im kinda lookin for somthing else to supplement the slow times there also. i just bought a dixie-chopper zero turn mower but mowing season is about over.

Lundy14

09-12-2006, 11:44 AM

Has anyone tried to apprentice for a trade on there days off. If so, how did that work out for ya. I guess you would have to find a very understanding boss to let you work around your schedual.

Lundy14

10-03-2006, 07:40 PM

Nobody have any other PT Job Ideas. I am also looking into possible business ideas, more likely down the road but may as well start thinkin now. Franchise business or even one I start up on my own, I just want to hear the ideas. I am from Canada so I was even thinkin of an American Franchise that has not come to Canada yet. Something new. Any ideas is welcome and appreciated no matter how stupid, weird, or unique. Like I said before, I just wanna hear some ideas. Thanks

JHR1985

10-05-2006, 01:03 AM

I work at a foam company doing live fire tests and crap

mcfd45

10-05-2006, 06:14 PM

I make a few movies once or twice a year!!!!!!!!
Just kidding
J

RyanEMVFD

10-05-2006, 06:44 PM

I work very part time helping to teach or instruct at the local community college's EMS program. Not much to help with bills at all but still a little bit of money coming in.

firefighter2454

10-05-2006, 07:58 PM

I run an awning shop and machine shop I work 8 hr days on my days off the fire house and also work saturdays the only day I take off is sundays. The jobs keep me busy. I learned any easy job you can do for 8hrs that pays well works. Keep it if you can get in and there are raises.

FireFleitz

10-05-2006, 10:50 PM

Full time firefighter

Part time- Work as a teller at our Credit Union (also in a Firestation)
Part time- Union Officer (Secretary/Treasurer) which is paid as well.

I am also just embarking on an online business which keeps me pretty busy.

rfd599

10-05-2006, 11:13 PM

Four years ago a couple of friends of mine (FF's) partnered up and we created the Illinois Fire Store. So far it has been great because we are selling products that we use every day on the job. Maybe you could start your own fire equipment business or work for a local distributor.

Good luck,

rfd599
www.IllinoisFireStore.com

IrishBrigade

10-06-2006, 08:31 AM

summermist21FD

10-06-2006, 09:47 AM

starbucks. i get free coffee! =]

johnny46

10-07-2006, 04:20 PM

Work p/t for another Department.

NEOgreg

10-10-2006, 10:20 AM

One of my "B" jobs is with a Pvt. Ambulance Co. (no names, please :p ). Has been for a LONG TIME.

The trouble with this is that the rest of the guys look down their collective noses at me for doing this as this isn't a "real EMS provider (majority of calls having some type of medical care component)", or that the "@#%& privates are always looking to take our jobs away".

The fact that 1) none of the privates in this area are the least bit interested in doing 911 responses (due to $$$ issues), and 2) all I ever hear while on-duty at the FD is how much everybody hates going on EMS calls--even though they comprise about 80% of local call volume--is never brought up in the "discussion".

Am I the only one who has this problem :confused:

doughesson

10-11-2006, 12:28 PM

Where I come from, it is accepted that Firefighters have a second job and in a lot of cases it's not because they need the money but because it's something to do on their days off.

Most Firefighters have a Trade background, especially in the building trades and at around $50 per hour why would they want to waste a day off.

I've noticed that.I 've been driving an ice cream truck around and most of the home construction sites and remodeling sites are thick with trucks and cars sporting Tennessee firefighter license plates or IAFF decals in the windows.
If nothing else,it keeps them current on new construction techniques and gives the familiarity with buildings they might have to enter some dark night with fire pushing out the windows.

doughesson

10-11-2006, 12:45 PM

Ok now...I am being serious. PLEASE consider this when doing a part-time job as a career Firefighrer. You do NOT want to get hurt. Obvious why, but had to be said.
So with that in mind, please let me off you the following. If you work/live near a major airport, Southwest Airlines might be there and they have excellent Ramp Agent and Boarding Agents positions availible.
Cant beat numbers 1-4. Check it out- www.southwest.com/careers/

I don't especially care for flying but have worked on the river as a towboat deckhand/engineer,tankerman and 100 ton Master,even though I have let my licenses expire.This would be an idea for volunteers near one of the rivers that support barge traffic,if they haven't thought of it.I doubt a paid department would let you work them P/T.
Working in the harbor is 12 hours on and 12 off,usually five days a week and for line boats,the ones you see plowing up and down the Mississippi with 30+ barges out in front,are generally 30 days on and 30 days off broken up into 6 hour watches.
It's physical work,the pay is good and on line haul boats,the cook stuffs the guys with food almost as good as Mom's.For harbor boats,it was rare that we'd do tow work or a fuel/grocery job when the cook didn't come offer us the leftovers or occasionally,the extras while the crew was still eating.
You also have another skill set that will help when responding to boat yards and marinas in your district.
Down side, on line boats,you're away from home for month long stretches,on both you're out in all kinds of weather and you have to watch yourself as you can fall overboard,get crushed between barges,lines and wires(2" and7/8" dia respectively)or combinations of each danger and when you get home from line boats,you can't sleep through the night for a week.
Just an idea for something different.

fieldseng2

10-12-2006, 10:34 PM

Side Jobs Ive had:

Handy Man at an apartment complex
Pizza maker/delivery
Industrial safety inspector/instructor
Replacing filters in commercial HVAC units
OVERTIME!

bdurling

11-05-2006, 01:44 PM

I am trying to find something unique, something that is not usually done that would be cool and fun to do.

fireman4949

11-05-2006, 01:53 PM

I am trying to find something unique, something that is not usually done that would be cool and fun to do.

Chimney sweep. Low overhead/start-up costs, fast turn-a-round of customers, and an important service that not many others offer.

We had two guys on our dept. doing it for a few years.

Who better than a fireman to sell the need for this service. ;)

Kevin :D

CALFFBOU

11-05-2006, 04:11 PM

I don't especially care for flying but have worked on the river as a towboat.

I think my SWA job suggestion was for ramp agent and to work the front desk. The people that board you at the kiosk in the airport gates.Not to be in the air.

Hope that clears up any confusion.

JHR1985

11-06-2006, 12:03 AM

I am trying to find something unique, something that is not usually done that would be cool and fun to do.

Let me think of a few

Dont laugh but you want a job that makes a few bucks and keeps firemen happy... get a job at blockbuster and bring them new releases early

FFFRED

11-06-2006, 01:05 AM

Here are a few I've done to pass the time:

1.Plumbing
2.Demolition
3.Drive a Wrecker
4.Town car driver
5.Here is some work I did that Bou shot while working in the motion picture industry.... http://www.nndb.com/people/811/000024739/harry_reems_90.jpg :cool:
6. Security
7. Bartending

PS- I actually saw a documentary on the porn industry once and noticed that a sound man or a camera man had a California FD shirt on...couldn't help but wonder how great of a side gig would that be!

FTM-PTB

PPS-Five forum dollars to anyone who can name that man in the photo.

ehs7554

11-06-2006, 01:27 AM

Is it Dirk?

CALFFBOU

11-06-2006, 11:12 AM

There is nothing wrong with that picture or my side work. Thanks for sharing.

JHR1985

11-06-2006, 11:38 AM

John Holmes

FFFRED

11-06-2006, 12:20 PM

John Holmes

No getting warmer...He stared in a certain and now famous 1972 film....

DennisTheMenace

11-06-2006, 01:04 PM

As long as your department does not have a morals clause in your contract, Chippendale Dancers make some good money I hear, and it is only a few evenings a week.

JHR1985

11-06-2006, 01:18 PM

1972? Your talking way way way before I was even born.

That must make you an..... old man.... a dirty old man at that

As for 1972.... Behind the Green Door was in... 69, 70 I believe.

That would leave... Deepthroat?

As for names....... beats me

Only other male star that I know of would be Ron Jeremy and he is a big fat slob

doughesson

11-06-2006, 02:00 PM

I think my SWA job suggestion was for ramp agent and to work the front desk. The people that board you at the kiosk in the airport gates.Not to be in the air.
Hope that clears up any confusion.

I wasn't confused.Nor was I offended and hope that I didn't throw an offense your way.
I do know that a lot of airline jobs call for flying to get to where they need you to work.I hold the opinion that if God had wanted me to fly,He'd have given me wings of my own.
If there was ever an alternative to flying to catch the boat or get home after my 30 days were in,I'd take that.For example,in 1990,I saved my company lots of extra charges by greydogging it out of NOLA after the Superbowl.

FFFRED

11-08-2006, 06:00 PM

That would leave... Deepthroat?

Bingo!!! However you didn't name the star...his name was....drumroll please..............

Harry Reems! :cool:

http://www.emanuellevy.com/images/photos/cmn7qjo0o7r.jpg

Now a Realestate agent in Utah.

Moustache is a fireman's stache straight from central casting if you'd ask me. :D

FTM-PTB

JHR1985

11-09-2006, 12:02 AM

since I named the movie... can I get 2.5 forum dollars for my effort?

I'll fly up to pick them up next week.

I need to go kick Denis Leary in the nads during the fireman's bash too.

ChicagoFF

11-09-2006, 08:01 AM

JHR1985

11-09-2006, 10:30 AM

$10.18/hr is not much incentive to go to a job after a long 24 hrs. Triple it and you can count me in.

Its one of those..... I can go may 80 bucks today OR I can go home and sleep for the day. What should I do?

SLEEP

Lundy14

12-05-2006, 04:26 PM

Still looking for some cool new job idea. A fello firefighter of mine if doing house appraisals. Sweet gig for him. I never would have thought of that.

MCarpenter

12-08-2006, 01:09 PM

You can find a Haz Mat / Spill Response Company and work there,
I my self have about 25 fire fighters that work part time for me, some work every day when not at the station and some only work when we need extra people.
Some of the guys teach classes, some work on the spill side, and some do both. They also do Rescue Standby in industrail plants.
I have firefighters, Captains and Chiefs that work here.
They can make a good paycheck for those who work every day when not at the fire station.
Most of the part time guys start off at $15.00 an hour and then if they teach and can become a lead instructor the $ goes up from there. We have other incentives (overtime before 40 hours, Instructor Pay, and Haz Mat duty pay) after a year of service they can get into the 401 K program. And some other incentives.
One of my part time fire Captains made about $50,000.00 last year.
But that is just a suggestion and this is just the company I work for.

You can also go into Safety, Friend of mine, works as a safety Director at a chemical storage warehouse. another friend works as a safety director for an industrial coating company,
The list goes on but I am in a major industrial area, and jobs can be had

MC
Be safe out there