Jobs on days off

[Lundy14]

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]

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

[DeputyChiefGonzo]

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! ) , 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]

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]

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!!!!

[FireCaptE9]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

[sfdffemt17]

set medic

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

[MalahatTwo7]

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

[CALFFBOU]

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.

Why am I recommending this? Several reasons-

1. They let YOU make your own schedule. Wow, being flexible around the 24 hour shift thing.
2. You get toe fly anywhere SWA does FOR FREE or cheap.
3. I think you still get to join their union as a part-time employee.
4. They pay well.

Cant beat numbers 1-4. Check it out- www.southwest.com/careers/

[Lundy14]

Own little business

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

[LuckyThirteen]

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.