Thoughts on My New Job

jesse3638

Hooked
Well I haven't been as active on here for the last month because I recently took a new job which has taken all of my free time.

As some of you knew I was an engine captain for the BLM. After 17 years (9 as captain) with the agency I was really burned out. Long stints away from home, uncertainty of my schedule, and the politics associated with my position left me wanting something else. Being 8 years away from retirement eligibility I didn't feel it was wise for me to simply quit and lose all my time vested in federal employment. Last December i spoke with a friend and former colleague who left and was much happier with his decision. So I submitted my resume to the Department of Defense, DoN. In July I was officially offered a firefighter position and entered duty in mid October. So now after a month in my new position, I couldn't be happier with my decision. Being a boot fireman and starting all over at 38 years old is awesome. Sure I'm a little rusty on my academy skills, but who knew I'd be so happy with no responsibility, being low man in the pecking order, and cleaning toilets...haha. To anyone who is unhappy in their career choice, it's never too late to make a change. Hopefully my back holds up...haha.

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Dale72

Hooked
I know that feeling. I have been driving trucks for 26 years now and I don't want to do this anymore but because of my age and that's all I have done nobody will hire me other than trucking companies

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Primo82

Caught the Bug
Well I haven't been as active on here for the last month because I recently took a new job which has taken all of my free time.

As some of you knew I was an engine captain for the BLM. After 17 years (9 as captain) with the agency I was really burned out. Long stints away from home, uncertainty of my schedule, and the politics associated with my position left me wanting something else. Being 8 years away from retirement eligibility I didn't feel it was wise for me to simply quit and lose all my time vested in federal employment. Last December i spoke with a friend and former colleague who left and was much happier with his decision. So I submitted my resume to the Department of Defense, DoN. In July I was officially offered a firefighter position and entered duty in mid October. So now after a month in my new position, I couldn't be happier with my decision. Being a boot fireman and starting all over at 38 years old is awesome. Sure I'm a little rusty on my academy skills, but who knew I'd be so happy with no responsibility, being low man in the pecking order, and cleaning toilets...haha. To anyone who is unhappy in their career choice, it's never too late to make a change. Hopefully my back holds up...haha.

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Awesome man! Happy your choice worked out for you. I've been seriously thinking about quitting my job and starting an electrician apprenticeship... I hate corporate politics and I'm to the point I'd rather work for myself. I just hate taking a pay cut at this age. I'm 37, so pretty close to your age...
 

jesse3638

Hooked
Thanks everyone. It was definitely a risk. My comfy position where I had all the freedom I wanted, now to staying on my toes and knowing "nothing". Financially I had been cutting back over the years and not working as much OT so it wasn't a huge pay cut. It will pay off in the long run though. I will have a lot of free time so I plan on going to school for business Management and accounting. I also just interviewed with my town as a part time grounds keeper aid..haha. I enjoy giving back to my community.

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Ddays

Hooked
Thanks everyone. It was definitely a risk. My comfy position where I had all the freedom I wanted, now to staying on my toes and knowing "nothing". Financially I had been cutting back over the years and not working as much OT so it wasn't a huge pay cut. It will pay off in the long run though. I will have a lot of free time so I plan on going to school for business Management and accounting. I also just interviewed with my town as a part time grounds keeper aid..haha. I enjoy giving back to my community.

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Sounds like you made a great choice :thumb:

Curious: You really have to interview for a part time groundskeeper aide?!? LOL, what were some of the questions?
 

Brute

Hooked
Congrats on having the courage to change lanes...your new profession is not without risk, being in CA; please be safe.
 

jesse3638

Hooked
Thanks. Yeah I definitely was nervous about it. After my first shift I was seriously considering if I made the right choice. It was completely overwhelming. Now that I've been there a month things are settling in and it's gotten much easier.
Sounds like you made a great choice :thumb:

Curious: You really have to interview for a part time groundskeeper aide?!? LOL, what were some of the questions?
Yeah I figured a phone interview would be what I received, but no it was a full panel interview.

A few of the questions were:

1) What skills and experience do you have in this field?
2) What tools are you familiar with and have used?
3) What does it mean to be reliable?
4) You are tasked with cleaning a bathroom at a park. Please describe the procedure you would use?
5) Why do you want this position?


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Brute

Hooked
Thanks. Yeah I definitely was nervous about it. After my first shift I was seriously considering if I made the right choice. It was completely overwhelming. Now that I've been there a month things are settling in and it's gotten much easier.
Yeah I figured a phone interview would be what I received, but no it was a full panel interview.

A few of the questions were:

1) What skills and experience do you have in this field?
2) What tools are you familiar with and have used?
3) What does it mean to be reliable?
4) You are tasked with cleaning a bathroom at a park. Please describe the procedure you would use?
5) Why do you want this position?



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These should be prerequisite questions for members of Congress...
 

b1pig

New member
Well I haven't been as active on here for the last month because I recently took a new job which has taken all of my free time.

As some of you knew I was an engine captain for the BLM. After 17 years (9 as captain) with the agency I was really burned out. Long stints away from home, uncertainty of my schedule, and the politics associated with my position left me wanting something else. Being 8 years away from retirement eligibility I didn't feel it was wise for me to simply quit and lose all my time vested in federal employment. Last December i spoke with a friend and former colleague who left and was much happier with his decision. So I submitted my resume to the Department of Defense, DoN. In July I was officially offered a firefighter position and entered duty in mid October. So now after a month in my new position, I couldn't be happier with my decision. Being a boot fireman and starting all over at 38 years old is awesome. Sure I'm a little rusty on my academy skills, but who knew I'd be so happy with no responsibility, being low man in the pecking order, and cleaning toilets...haha. To anyone who is unhappy in their career choice, it's never too late to make a change. Hopefully my back holds up...haha.

Sent from my SM-G973U using WAYALIFE mobile app


Its an awesome feeling, isn't it? Happy you're in a position to make the switch and get back in a spot where you feel good about your job. People do their best work in a position that they are both happy to be in and comfortable with. We have several people who are retired military where I work. These guys know they're happy NOT being a supervisor, having experienced all that while serving. I've been a supervisor at my primary job for 15 years as of last month. I have to tell you. I've considered much the same. I've got 22 years, though.... so I'll be here for another 4. I'll leave with a check. Not sure if I'll abandon this career path or look into other interests I've had over the years.

Thank you for your service as a first responder.
 

jesse3638

Hooked
These should be prerequisite questions for members of Congress...
Haha. Since you put it in that context it makes a lot of see sense.
Its an awesome feeling, isn't it? Happy you're in a position to make the switch and get back in a spot where you feel good about your job. People do their best work in a position that they are both happy to be in and comfortable with. We have several people who are retired military where I work. These guys know they're happy NOT being a supervisor, having experienced all that while serving. I've been a supervisor at my primary job for 15 years as of last month. I have to tell you. I've considered much the same. I've got 22 years, though.... so I'll be here for another 4. I'll leave with a check. Not sure if I'll abandon this career path or look into other interests I've had over the years.

Thank you for your service as a first responder.
Yes it is a great feeling. No need to thank me. It's all in a days work...[emoji6]
Congrats on the new position!
Thank you.

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Ddays

Hooked
Thanks. Yeah I definitely was nervous about it. After my first shift I was seriously considering if I made the right choice. It was completely overwhelming. Now that I've been there a month things are settling in and it's gotten much easier.
Yeah I figured a phone interview would be what I received, but no it was a full panel interview.

A few of the questions were:

1) What skills and experience do you have in this field?
2) What tools are you familiar with and have used?
3) What does it mean to be reliable?
4) You are tasked with cleaning a bathroom at a park. Please describe the procedure you would use?
5) Why do you want this position?

LOL, was this guy your competition?

forest.jpg
 
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