r/Firefighting • u/Hero-Firefighter-24 • 27d ago

Ask A Firefighter At what age did you start firefighting?

Asking because it’s a late career choice for some, while others do it right after college or even high school.

49 Upvotes

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30

u/R0cksrfun 27d ago

Going into it at 30!

5

u/Pristine_Art_9948 27d ago

are you excited for it ?? i want to do it. but im scared to fail in all honesty.

7

u/R0cksrfun 27d ago

I’m fricken stoked. Don’t be scared. We all will fail from time to time. My cousin is 14 years in this and a medic for over 20 and he still fails. Just embrace it!

4

u/Pristine_Art_9948 27d ago

have you done the schooling part? i’m not sure where you are from

6

u/R0cksrfun 27d ago

I am two days away from graduating EMT school and I am registered for paramedic starting at the end of the month. Started to apply for departments and had a sponsorship interview for medic school which I find out if I get next week! I have done academy already and that was a blast. Just the last and hardest leg to go! Medic 😭🔥💪🏼

6

u/Regayov 27d ago

You have two choices:   Fail to try or Try and (maybe) fail.  

Go for it!

3

u/ArmchairQB69 26d ago

I started to pursue a career in firefighting at the age of 33. I was a tradesman and wanted a better lifestyle for myself and my family. It was a big jump especially with a young family and a lot of people relying on me. The thought did cross my mind “what if I don’t make it” as it’s a reality for a lot of people but I shook that off and thought I might as well try, at least I gave it my all and I wouldn’t look back in 20 years in regret, wishing I got after it. I put in the work and made it one of the bigger priorities in my life. Just under two years of putting in the work I had offers from two cities in the same week. Just got off probation and life is good. One of the best choices of my life! You won’t regret it

1

u/[deleted] 25d ago

That’s really motivating to hear man, I’m currently debating in my head if I should leave law enforcement to get pursue a career in firefighting. I’m 25 I have a family that depends on my and scared to fail at it all and leave my family in a tough spot financially. Just gotta do it

2

u/FloodedHoseBed career firefighter 27d ago

Is it worse to try and fail or go your whole wondering what if?

1

u/SayingIseenisobscene 24d ago

Dude same! I only have a few days left to register for the test (again🙄). I’m nervous as hell. I’m 35 & female 😬. Idk why I’m so scared