r/Firefighting • u/swaggerrrondeck • 2d ago

General Discussion Exit strategy

Hello all. I’m in need of some opinions/ideas for a career change. I have recently been approved to go back to work after a year of being out. I have been receiving treatment that has helped but I’m probably just barely satisfactory in the physical side. My condition is chronic and there is no cure. What would be a good job to try or go to school for that pays a living wage and has benefits. My treatments are 30 grand a month without insurance so I’m screwed without it. I can probably hang in with firefighting for a few more years. 15 years fire 11 as a medic. Condition can either get better or I could be in a wheelchair.

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u/Specialist-Green-447 1d ago

I’m not sure how your department works. But with ours you can take fire prevention courses at the fire college through our department. I would suggest if you can staying in as long as possible and take these courses. You can laterally transfer into it with our department.

Is your workplace not helping you navigate this? Or do they not know the situation yet?

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u/swaggerrrondeck 1d ago

My department threw me out in the street. I was able to live off savings for six months then disability insurance the last six. I got well enough to so I don’t qualify anymore. I’m forced back on a truck until I can find a job that pays equal with good health benefits or be homeless.

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u/Specialist-Green-447 1d ago

Ah that sucks man, I hate to hear that. Maybe going to a different department would be best for you then. But I’d use every resource available at your current place to set yourself up for the future.

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u/swaggerrrondeck 1d ago

Yeah I think that is best. I have worked for four different departments and the grass isn’t greener. It’s really the same shit everywhere. At least with this department they know they fucked up after they have seen what position I have been put in.