What are the pros and cons of being a fireman?

The pros and cons of being a fireman relate to the ability to help people and save lives, minimum requirements, and the danger of the job. Here are the top pros and cons of being a fireman:

Pros:

• The ability to help people and save lives

Firemen are often considered heroes by society at large. They risk their own lives to fight fires, help people, and can often save victims of a fire scenario from death or critical injury.

Firemen take a lot of pride in their work and often feel rewarded because of how great and positive an impact they can have on the lives of the people they save and the community as a whole.

• Minimum requirements

While you do have to be in great physical shape and have good health to become a fireman, there are no extensive education requirements. The age at which you can become a firefighter depends on the jurisdiction and specific fire department, with many setting the age requirement at either 18 or 21 years of age.

Most fire departments only require aspiring firemen to have a high school diploma or a GED before they can begin training.

• Decent pay and good benefits

Many firemen receive decent compensation and good employee benefits. The average salary for a fireman in the United States is $52,355 per year. Some are able to make significantly more than this if they advance in the field, however, this might require more education and training. Common benefits include health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.

• Collaboration and bonding

Firemen use teamwork and collaboration to fight fires and save people's lives. This often results in them forming extremely close friendships and bonds with the other firefighters they work alongside. Firemen rely on each other for their safety and for the intense cooperation and communication it takes to do the job.

Cons:

• It is a dangerous job

Being a fireman is inherently dangerous. Many firefighters get injured on the job, sometimes seriously, and at worst, they can lose their lives. Fires are extremely hazardous and unpredictable situations.

• Long working hours

A firefighter typically works over 50 hours a week. Firefighters tend to work more hours than the traditional work week of 40 hours. They also tend to have very different shifts from other jobs. Here are some of the factors that determine a firefighter's work week hours:

• Working on weekends and holidays

Most firefighters have to work weekends and holidays. This might not concern their every work week, but most will work a number of weekends and holidays during a calendar year. Veteran firefighters sometimes are able to get weekends and holidays off more so than rookie firefighters. Regardless, a firefighter might get scheduled on any day out of the 365 days.