Today, i’m going to check off one major obstacle you’re probably feeling in the pursuit of becoming a paid, professional firefighter.

So…You want to be a firefighter, but you don’t know exactly what you should be doing and when to make it happen?

BOOM!

That stress is now gone.

On

9/11/13

I’m beginning to post all of the sections of a 12 step guide to becoming a firefighter faster that I wrote.  It’s going to be released  as a series … Read the rest

Have you ever wondered what “they” were looking for in an oral interview candidate when you were testing for a fire department? This could be any entry-level, lateral level or even promotional level candidate.

Before we go any further, we need to answer the question: “who are they?” Well, depending on the jurisdiction, “they” are all or any one of the following: the fire chief, the fire department, the fire department personnel, the city (or other governing board), the elected/appointed … Read the rest

If you woke up this morning feeling a little less vibrant than your usual self, you’re not alone. The third Monday of January is known as “Blue Monday”in Europe, and researchers there have created a mathematical formula to show that today is the day people feel most depressed out of the entire year.

A combination of the cold weather, short days, post-holiday woes, waning motivation for New Year’s Resolutions, and the simple fact that it’s Monday, all conspire … Read the rest

Fall, what a beautiful time of year – earlier bedtimes, cooler temperatures and the warmth of a homemade soup.   Remember within the hustle and bustle to take a moment for a little self-nurturing.  It is so important to treat yourself to even 5 minutes of quiet, relaxation, meditation, or whatever it is that allows you to be you, balanced and free of stress.

Food Focus for November – Root Vegetables

The roots of any plant are its anchor and foundation; … Read the rest

You can clutch the past so tightly to your chest that it leaves your arms too full to embrace the present.

-Jan Glidewell                        

Spring Cleaning

People like “stuff”. We tend to hold onto it year after year. We save and stock up on things that we don’t know what to do with anymore. Maybe we keep things because they hold precious memories of days gone by, or they remind us of our parents, grandparents, past loves or childhood. To part … Read the rest

When you first apply for a specific fire department, or more importantly, start doing research for a particular fire department (well before they are even accepting applications), it is a good idea to keep a file or binder for that specific department. It’s a good idea to do this because the average firefighter candidate has to take multiple firefighter examinations prior to getting hired, and it can get very challenging trying to keep track of all of the applications you … Read the rest

While reading this morning’s Sunday paper, I came across an article in the Business section written by Susie Orman, recognized expert in personal finances, that I believe many current and future firefighters can learn from, especially in today’s economy.

She talked about a few key concepts:

1. You’re not entitled to an allowance.
2. A household requires cash to function.
3. You don’t need to spend every dollar you’ve saved.
4. You may not be able to afford the college … Read the rest