To lose a dream is to die a little. It means closing down the part of you that can soar above the reality of your current life and to see new and exciting possibilities. Your goal of becoming a firefighter can, at time feel like a dying dream. The process isn’t easy, however, what it is, is the one of the most rewarding accomplishments in your life. What is the end result of your Firefighter Dream? A career that is still viewed with respect and admiration. Keep that Firefighter Dream alive.
When I was actively testing and pursuing my career as a firefighter I worked out daily, I read about the fire service and all the career opportunities. I became a Volunteer firefighter and I obtained my Emergency Medical Technician certificate, EMT. What I didn’t expect was the constant discouragement I received from my family and friends. To many, a firefighter career is hard to grasp. I heard things like “firefighters don’t make any money,”, “it’s too Dangerous”, “all they do is sit around all day”, “There aren’t any fires anymore so the career is not secure.”, etc. I could go on and on but the reality is none of these concerns are true. These where just statements that were from people that cared for me but were simply uninformed.
It’s hard to hear statements like these, attacking your Firefighter dreams. Especially when it is coming from your friends and family. Don’t let others destroy your passion and dreams. Stand true to what you want in life and I firmly believe you will receive it, if you apply yourself and work hard you will reach your goals.
Dreams can be fragile, It takes work to Keep you Firefighter Dream Alive.
All our dreams are fragile. It is important not to talk about them at an early stage to anyone whom we sense will not support them. Often others project their own fears and doubts onto us.
I have known since my teen years that I wanted to be a firefighter. Most didn’t support my dream, because anything that was considered a “labor” type of job was considered unreliable. Nevertheless, for years I worked toward my dream, taking classes, obtaining my Emergency Medical Technician certification, (EMT), and working toward my associate’s degree in Fire Science. I tested for every fire career opportunity I could find. Even though I came up short at many of the tests in my early pursuit, I was learning how to test and how to make myself better.
What the Experts say.
Many experts in goal achievement stress the importance of getting support when pursuing a dream. Isolation is a dream killer, states Barbara Sher, career counselor and author of five popular books including “Wishcraft” and “It’s Only Too Late If You Don’t Start Now”. I highly recommend reading her books and others that will motivate you to success. Sadly Barbra passed away in 2021 but her message lives on.
Click here to visit Barbra’s website.
Valerie Young, founder of Changing Course points out that assistance can come from a number of sources including colleagues, mentors and role models. Although friends can make a difference, she says, you soar when you tap into the larger constellation of help that is available.
Oftentimes what separates us from being the firefighter we are and the firefighter we want to be is our mindset. Our mindset is the foundation of a lifestyle that is in line with whom we want to become. It keeps us disciplined to do the necessary daily work to uphold our end of the deal – the oath.
How to Keep your Firefighter Dream Alive.
Listed below are the steps I followed in keeping my Firefighter dream alive. These can help you nurture your dreams as well, especially when you are busy making a living and/or raising a family and do not have any resources set up to help you get started.
- Stay positive. focus your mind on the end result. Trust in yourself.
- Set strong goals. Create goals that as specific and measurable. For more help in goal setting and development read my post, “The 12 Commandments of Goal Setting.”
- Stay physically fit and Healthy. Working out helped me to keep my mind focused. I would listing to music that would drive me and watch videos that would inspire me during my workouts. Click here for some additional resources.
- What inspires you. Develop visual images that inspire you and support your dreams and your goals. I know it’s corny, but build a vision board, it really does work. I would suggest also searching Utube and find videos that inspire you. Get motivated by reading these great quotes.
- Work on bettering yourself as a candidate. Take fire service classes, get your EMT certificate, join a volunteer fire department. Know the requirements for becoming a highly sought after candidate and make sure you strive to meet these requirements. Read my post on the firefighter requirements by clicking here.
- Learn from every hiring process you take. The more testing opportunities you take the better you get. For example, learning how to complete a Candidate Physical Ability Test, CPAT comes from understanding the process as much as it comes down to physical strength. I’ve developed an article that further explains the CPAT test, find it by clicking here.
- Practice interviewing. The most stressful part of the process is the candidate interview. You can get better through practice. If you struggle with interviews take a class on interview skills. I have several posts on the Firefighter hiring interview process including sharing many top questions you will be asked during your interviews. Click here to get more information on the firefighter oral board interview process.
- Find a mentor. Stop by your local fire station and ask for advise and guidance. Most firefighters are willing to help steer you in the right direction. You might even find a mentor along the way. I want to offer to you my assistance as well I would be honored to be considered a mentor for you. feel free to contact me anytime with any questions on how I can help. my email is [email protected]
- Keep going! Statistically most people will give up just before they reach their goal. Nothing great is ever easy to obtain. It take strong determination and drive.
Your Firefighter Dream can be obtained! It really is all up to your and your mindset. Work hard and have no regrets!
I’m here to help you accomplish your dream. Feel free to email me about any questions you might have at [email protected]
Good luck to you!
While fire academies teach the fundamentals and technical skills of firefighting, “life as a rookie” is an area that is mostly overlooked. Three fire service veterans wrote The Station-Ready Rookie to help new firefighters know and understand what will be expected of them during their first assignment to a fire station and throughout their probationary period.