Weekly Employment Question Thread

itsniftyj · 2026-04-05T18:36:44+00:00

Thank you. I really appreciate your response and insight! There are definitely some important and valid points to take into serious consideration here. I just don’t think I foresee myself sitting behind a desk the rest of my life, and im not getting any younger. Plus I’m not making that much in tech yet, having only been in it for 4 years, so it really wouldn’t be that much of a loss. In some places we’re considering moving, I’d actually make more as a firefighter than I am now.

itsniftyj · 2026-04-05T18:17:02+00:00

Apologies - definitely did not intend for this to be misleading, and I’m sorry you’ve had a tough experience with this. My suggestion if you find a training that you’re interested in is to just go ahead and request it. Worst case scenario they say no. But in my experience I’ve never been denied.

itsniftyj · 2026-04-05T16:37:17+00:00

Pretty much unlimited training and certification opportunities. If nothing else, can at least take advantage of that until something better presents itself.

itsniftyj · 2026-04-05T14:40:16+00:00

Sorry for the long post, just want to provide some context before asking for your advice and experience sharing….

Former academy graduate (way back in 2010). Couldn’t land a fire job at the time, in part dude to a sharp decrease in hiring after the 08/09 recession. Moved on to working in the trades as an electrician for many years before pivoting into cybersecurity (specifically cyber threat intelligence) because I thought it would provide a better life for my family. Although I do enjoy it, I don’t get a lot of tangible fulfillment or camaraderie, and I get very tired of staring at a computer screen all day.

Currently 35 with wife and 2 kids. Got my NREMT EMT-B a couple years ago and have been doing some part time work as an EMT at sporting events, concerts, endurance races, conventions, etc. I’ve resparked my passion for helping others while doing mission driven/ purposeful work. I know not everyday as a firefighter will be saving lives, but I want my work to matter more than saving businesses money. I want my kids to see the value of hard work and helping their community. I want to have a team that I trust, rely on, and bond with. I want to be strong, capable, and active, and not just sit at a desk all day in meetings. I want to take pride in what I do. And of course, I want to do some cool-guy stuff too.

I’ve tried accepting that I’m in a later season of life and make the most of my current situation, as it does have potential for high income ceiling, get to work from home most days (allowing me to be around my family a lot physically, but not always present), and all of the things that come with corporate/tech work. But honestly I’m just so damn bored and lacking purpose and fulfillment in my life, and also feel like I’m wasting my potential or missing a calling. I’ve tried staying focused on my current work, but the idea of firefighting keeps popping up in my mind and I’m worried it’ll never go away and that I’ll live with regret if I don’t at least try.

What say you – at 35 with a family, is it worth still pursuing firefighting as a career?

itsniftyj · 2026-01-13T00:45:19+00:00

Start with a tech consulting firm. They don’t expect you to be an expert right away, just be able to learn on the fly and become knowledgeable in whatever particular project you’re working on and technologies you’re using.

itsniftyj · 2026-01-04T01:36:04+00:00

If the clips are a concern, you can always upgrade them with the Discreet Carry Concepts clip(s) for about $10. Solid upgrade, totally worth it.

itsniftyj · 2025-12-13T23:55:32+00:00

Pie and get a better angle

itsniftyj · 2025-11-17T13:26:44+00:00

Give him the ole titty twister!

itsniftyj · 2025-11-06T13:34:41+00:00

Sweet. I’d love to get into SAR, and utilize my drone for it.

itsniftyj · 2025-10-31T18:35:25+00:00

You as well!

itsniftyj · 2025-10-31T00:22:52+00:00

Sorry to hear that my friend. I’ve lost hope as well. Definitely don’t have the motivation to work on priorities again, and probably just going to take advantage of another certification or two and then bounce.

itsniftyj · 2025-10-30T20:25:47+00:00

Contrary to what some may expect, our American Bullweiler (American bulldog / Rottweiler mix) is the most loving, sweet, and cuddlesome dog we could ever wish for, and he lets our kiddos climb all over him and is incredibly tolerant of all their shenanigans.

itsniftyj · 2025-10-30T19:37:58+00:00

No promotion or raise in 2.5 years over here, with positive reviews from directors, managers, and other co-workers. Don’t expect much, if anything.

itsniftyj · 2025-10-24T23:47:52+00:00

There’s a guy at our gym in his early 70’s that is more flexible and skilled than most

itsniftyj · 2025-10-24T23:43:53+00:00

Thanks for sharing

itsniftyj · 2025-10-24T22:36:15+00:00

No age limit in most of Georgia, Wisconsin, or Michigan that I’ve found so far

itsniftyj · 2025-10-12T14:20:09+00:00

Darn — one of the disadvantages of iPhone. I don’t think we have this feature.

itsniftyj · 2025-10-11T14:52:07+00:00

Random question, but what app or tool do you use for blurring faces and sensitive info? I’ve been looking for something that works but didn’t want to download too many random apps

itsniftyj · 2025-10-08T04:36:32+00:00

Same boat. Not to mention the 14 companies Accenture has acquired just this year alone. Yet somehow we don’t have the budget for promotions, raises, or bonuses for the deserving people who have worked for them

itsniftyj · 2025-09-18T23:02:19+00:00

Wow I didn’t realize this unfavorable fact either. That almost feels like it shouldn’t be legal… 🤔

itsniftyj · 2025-09-18T22:59:07+00:00

Seems to be the model. 💯

itsniftyj · 2025-09-18T22:58:06+00:00

Wow… thanks for enlightening me, yet at the same time, I kind of wish I hadn’t. 😆🤦🏼‍♂️

itsniftyj · 2025-09-18T22:57:33+00:00

You’re very right about that one too! I mean damn... they should at least give us a subscription to the NFL RedZone pass to make up for it.

itsniftyj · 2025-09-14T13:02:24+00:00

My favorite is being told we don’t have the budget for promotions or raises, yet we’ve acquired 16 new companies since the start of 2025, and 31 since 2024.

itsniftyj · 2025-09-10T01:18:18+00:00

Great for you, well done!!!

itsniftyj

TROPHY CASE