Hello all,
I’m really hoping to get some input from all of you. I’ve hit a crossroads in my life. I am currently a paid full time structural firefighter on the east coast. We are a busy and large department with a lot of opportunity to promote, good retirement and good pay. What I don’t like is the crappy entitled lazy attitude that we have. It doesn’t suit me. I’m 22 and looking to pursue a department or organization that’s focused on the mission. I have alway loved the western part of the US and the outdoor activities that it holds. Living in Virginia sucks and doesn’t hold much value to me. It’s expensive. We don’t run a lot of fires and I don’t get to be outside as much as I’d like. I love the idea of wildland because from what I’ve seen the culture of brotherhood is there. The work is hard and dirty but rewarding. You get to be in the mountains and hiking and traveling around during fire season. All those things really appeal to me. However, I’m not sure where to get started. I also don’t want to leave my current job to pursue something that I can’t pursue as a career. I know a lot of wildland is seasonal and I don’t want to get into the wrong organization and never be able to get a full time position and safe for my retirement and future. I don’t mind living in my truck and traveling out west during the off Season at my current stage in life. But I do worry that if I decide to go this route that I won’t be able to move past seasonal work into something more sustainable for my long term future. I don’t have a family or kids right now But I plan to eventually. Can you all shed any light on how the wildland fire service has treated you and the people you know. Thanks a lot for your time guys. hope to hear from you it’s appreciated!