What should I do?

[BigBruno]

Just wodering if could get some insight/advice from some fellow brothers and sisters. I have been a career firefighter at a National Guard base for about two years. I have been volunteering for over seven years. I love running calls at the vollie house, but I am very unhappy at my job.
My career job is a great start and a good stepping stone, but I am bored to tears because we seldom run any calls. It is more or less a dead-end spot and I need to make a change in my life.
I have heard time and time again that if you make your love and hobby your job, it takes the fun out of it. Let's face it, a career firefighter is the greatest job in the world! In my humble opinion, my first taste of being a career firefighter is sour due to the boredom and the fact I am stuck in a rut. I am worried that if I (God willing) get hired in a city or another busy county that I will still be unhappy.
My questions for you guys and gals is this: Have any of you had any similar experiences? Should I stay federal or continue to process through the private sector. I am just afraid if I land a federal job that I would still be unhappy. Money is not everything in this life. It is not important to me. I just want to have a rewarding career and help to make a difference. I want to spring out of bed with a smile before each shift instead of rolling out the sack disgruntled beacuse I have a full day of boredom ahead of me.
I have been inspired by fellow firefighters at my work who have moved on to the "big city". I want to go through life full throttle as opposed to half tilt. I no longer want to go to work and collect a paycheck. I want to be happy and successful in my career.

Apologies for the long post, but I appreciate any and all feedback!

-BigBruno

[BCLepore]

Bruno,
Whether or not you will be happy at a department that runs more calls is something only you can answer. I can tell you this; Job satisfaction is directly related to feeling like what you are doing is worthwhile.

As you stated so well, it's not all about money. I really agree.

As a Battalion Chief for a major California fire department I am paid 29% less than the top city in our 10 city survey. While our work force is cranky about not being paid better, overall our morale is very good in the fire station. Our firefighters feel like we make a difference in the community. We are a class 1 department that runs over 60K calls each year. We have had some incredible fires including a six alarm apartment fire. In addition, we just had a big fire in a high rise building. Both incidents went very well. This is good for morale.

We have stations that are in the top of the annual run surveys. We also have stations where you will most likely go the entire shift without a call. I can tell you that hands down the morale is much better at the bust stations.

Personal happiness is up to you. Life is what you make of it.

Paul Lepore
Battalion Chief
www.aspiringfirefighters.com

[POWERSLADDER2]

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[CaptBob]

The only thing between a rut and the grave is the depth.

It’s been said that a firefighters job is 90% boredom and 10% sheer fright. It sounds like you might be depressed?

Believe it or not you’re the only one who can put a plan into action to change your surroundings. Keep in mind if you get on that bigger department there is no guarantee where you will be stationed. It could be the slowest. After probation in a busier station they often put you in a slower station.

The only way to find out is get your skill set up to speed and test, test, test. Because the more test you take the better you get at taking tests. Then, when the test comes along for the department you really want to work you’re ahead of the curve and won’t get stumped by a question you’ve never heard before.

How would you answer the question why you want to leave your current department? If you used what you’ve written here, what do you think you chances are of getting hired?

[BigBruno]

BCLepore and CaptBob,

Thank you so much for your insight and advice. Those words of wisdom speak volumes of your personal experience and knowledge, and I salute you all for that.

CaptBob, the statement you worte "How would you answer the question why you want to leave your current department? If you used what you’ve written here, what do you think you chances are of getting hired?"

-Do you think that would be a bad thing to say in front of an Interview Panel? I am an honest man, and that is one of the reasons I am seeking other employment. Thanks for the feedback.

POWERSLADDER2

Thanks for your great insight. Sounds to me like you had a carbon copy of my experience. And oh yes, like you, I get my balls busted by my fellow firefighters because I want that "big city" job. Maybe that will motivate some of them, huh?

[CaptBob]

CaptBob, the statement you worte "How would you answer the question why you want to leave your current department? If you used what you’ve written here, what do you think you chances are of getting hired?"

-Do you think that would be a bad thing to say in front of an Interview Panel? I am an honest man, and that is one of the reasons I am seeking other employment. Thanks for the feedback.

Can't imagine your comments could work in your favor at an oral board. Could part of your decision be that your current department has prepared you with the education and experience to advance to the next level in your career?

What do you think could be more convincing in the panel considering you?