31/M/Ga, was a volunteer fire fighter from 16-24**** important part.
Right now I’m a Union Sprinkler Fitter, I make excellent excellent money, $37.90/hr I don’t pay for my retirement, insurance (other than paying union dues), been doing this since 2014 and I absolutely hate it with everything in me, it’s not my calling, I have no joy in what I do. Wake up dreading every single day.
That being said – in 2017, I was laid off and going through some things – about that time a Tornado ravaged our community, killed several, injured several, and being a volunteer, I was one of the first on scene – helping the way I helped, I found a new love for public service.
Shortly after that I applied to our local PD. During the panel interview I was asked if I ever smoked marijuana – I didn’t lie, I tried it a couple times. Didn’t like it.
“It took you more than once to find out you didn’t like it?” Long story short, they hired the female, not me and I had to go back to work, now 2025 & 31 years old, I still hate this shit, I feel like I’m called for public service.
My wife on the other hand? Zero zero zero support, she doesn’t want me to miss birthdays, holidays, or even my child’s life if anything happens.
I feel stuck, the more I think about it I can’t really take my pay cut in half, but then again you only live one life. And I can’t imagine being unhappy my whole career.
Comments
Well, as LE your wife is right you will certainly miss events, and without her being on board you’ll probably end up divorced.
Realizing you may have to work a job you don’t like is just part of entering adulthood, but at least you’re providing for your family.