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Comment by Annette on April 19, 2008 at 6:33pm

Been there, done that.....about three times actually. Lost my mom to ALS last year...really lost my vision then. I think I was a bit pissed at God truth be known, spent my whole life helping others and he strikes down the most important woman in my life with the worst disease ever! Man it was awful....indescribable pain on all levels. I had to step back, spend more time doing the things i enjoy. Finding my "center" if you will. Usually burnout passes if you can hang in there, it helps to have others who have been in this long enough to know, to talk too...thats for sure.

Comment by sandra on February 29, 2008 at 4:59am

Mike, I think those of us who serve the public in trying times all have a point of "burn out". What we have to consider is the good we have done to help our fellow person to overcome the trials that have been placed on them....and take a few extra days off. Go camping, fishing, take a hike, go sailing....I always would get in touch with nature again to replenish my inner being and restore my spirit. Sometimes we just get overamped and have to escape for a few days....get out of Dodge so to speak.

Another thing I learned when in nursing school or working at a hospital. Search out the older nurses, especially those with a military past....they were and are the best teachers for the new comers into the field. They have the experience and knowledge (both clinical and theory).
One of the things I always enjoyed doing was working with the student aides and nurses. Teaching them things I learned from those who had taught me.

I am glad to hear you have found your passion once more!!

Comment by Duane Monkres on February 24, 2008 at 8:31am

Never sell an older, more experienced, firefighter short. While some may have had 1 year of experience 20 times, the majority will have learned a great deal each of those 12, 15 or 20 years. That experience enables the older firefighter to perform actions automatically at the fireground to speed up the knock down time or maybe save a life that the less experienced will never think about. Your experience can deepen your passion and prevent your own burn-out, and while it's hard to do at times, I think it's really worth the effort. The best to you, and stay safe out there.

Comment by Jeff Betz on February 23, 2008 at 4:57pm

I'm truly happy to hear that Mike. I have seen my share of "coasters" as we call them here. It does get tough at times, but I hope you can maintain the passion to finish strong. We are the sole owners of the legacy we leave behind. When our members speak of us after we're gone, we would kinda like it to be positive!
Here is a thought - maybe the "older guys" should change their thought process toward the end to making certain that they leave as many "gold nuggets" of good information as possible to the younger folks. Maybe we aren't the "kick ass" men we used to be, but by gosh, we have a lot to offer.
Good Luck and take care.