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How did your parents react?
What was your parents reaction when you first told them you wanted to join the Fire Service and/or the EMS Field? Did they back you? How old were you? Was it the right choice for you?
Was/ is it your "dream career" or was it a spur of the moment idea to join? Were you thinking about it for awhile before joining?
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Mike Schlags (Captain Busy) Retd on
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When I told my father that I was hired full time by a fire department, his reaction unbelievably was, "what am I going to tell my friends...". Dumbfounded, I immediately responded, tell them that I will be working 10-days a month, will retire at 55 and will make over 100K a year... He never did get it... but I did... and so do you.
Now, 38 years later, I can confidently say, and as a retired old Fire Captain... I was right... For those who have to deal with negative parents or friends, I share the following quote from Thoreau that I memorized years ago. It works. Read it, absorb and live the dream.
"If one advances confidently in the direction of their dreams, and endeavors to live a life in which they have imagined, they WILL meet with a success uncommon among men."
TCSS,
CBz
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Permalink Reply by Fireyladd - Retired Chief Sharp on
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An congradulations on a job well done Bro
I started when I was 18 in the fire service. My Mother was very supportive. I had lost my Father years before. So I have not had a negative response at any time to my service in Fire. I agree with BZY though. If you have a dream or idea to strive for with your life there will be those who may not support it. Thats ok, they wont be standing with you latter when you reach that milestone or goal. Enevetibly, you will reach that place under your own ability and strenght anyhow. It is nice to know who loves you an supports you sure but you have to work for that dream or goal not those who support you. In my days in high school I set a goal. I made a poster of that goal and every day I walked by that poster an saw it. It was hard work and many days I wanted to quit and give up. But today I am enjoying the benifits of the dream I had many years ago. Dont give up on your dreams! EVER!
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Permalink Reply by Sarah on
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They weren't thrilled, my mother was pretty surprised.
But they knew I wouldn't give up, so they let me join.
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Permalink Reply by David Walker on
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I told my mother the first day i started taking the rookie classes. She was amazed... but shortly after she proceeded to tell everyone she knew. haha
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Permalink Reply by Herb Genelly III on
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I was about 20, and my mom's reaction was that she was going to call the Chief and tell him I couldn't go into a burning building...LOL But I was only the second person in my family to graduate college.....so I think she had a different expectation.
After a full career, and a wonderful retirement benefit bestowed, I am so thankful I choose the career I did.
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Permalink Reply by Wade Seely on
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My mom passed before that time, my dad was indifferent.
TCSS
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Permalink Reply by Cassandra Gates on
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When I told my folks, my mom had a lot of questions and insisted that I call her whenever I went on a call and got back from a call. My dad just said it was cool and to be careful. Now they both are happy with my choice but I think they still worry. My mom still makes me call her after we get back from a call lol!
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Permalink Reply by Jack/dt on
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That's the nice thing about being an adult, you don't need your parents approval or permission. But then, this may actually be a junior issue, along with pimples and break ups.
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Permalink Reply by Rachel on
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Not really-your parents could always have a reaction, whether or not you are a minor.
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My parents were extremely shocked when I first popped the idea. I was 11 1/2 and it seemed to them that I was just having "kiddie dreams." Now they are still not completely ready to let me go-they think I will grow out of it. They are backing me though, I think they will back me more after I join as a cadet. It was definately a dream to join. Though I know it will become a reality! I have been thinking about joining for close to 4 years now.
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Permalink Reply by Brian Dumser on
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I was 28 years old when I joined the Fire Service. My Father had passed away when I was 21 so I just had my Mother. I was newly divorced and fresh from 8 years in the Army. My Mother was both proud and worried at the same time. Now 16 years later, I'm on my 2nd marriage (8 years & counting), I've got 3 great Sons, and I'm still learning new Fire Service skills every day it seems. Unfortunately my Mother passed away 2 years ago, but like her I've always been proud of what I do.
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Permalink Reply by William V Kohn iII on
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No one expected that I would join the fire department. I got my start by running out of gas if front of the fire department on one of their meeting nights. I filled out an application and was voted in while they go me gas. My parents didn't believe that I was really in the fire service, they thought of it more as a social club. If I didn't get paid to do it, it wasn't a real job. They didn't have any objections to me doing it though, and I wore my pager to my highschool graduation.
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