Should I move for a Firefighter Job?
Have you ever asked yourself the question “Should I move for a Firefighter job?”
You might currently live somewhere that means you’re limited in choice when it comes to Firefighter job openings, especially if the FRS you want to apply to states that you must live within a certain radius for times when you’re ‘on call’.
This is why many applicants consider a move when applying for a Firefighter Role –to be close to a FRS they want to apply to and increase their chances of getting the Firefighter job they’ve dreamt of.
But what are the pros and cons of relocating for a Firefighter job? We’ve laid the main ones out below!
The Advantages
- If you move to a large city with multiple stations, your employment options are widened. There are likely to be more positions available, and sometimes more opportunities for career movement and transfers.
- It’s a fresh, exciting start! It can be stifling growing up and living in the same place, especially if you come from a small town. Moving and starting a new life along with your new job could be a great opportunity for you to meet new people, and experience new things.
- You’re proving your commitment to the career, which shows determination and passion for the job.
The Disadvantages
- You might be miss being away from home, although this may only be temporary while you settle in! But the Firefighter job can be a lonely one at the best of times, with you being away from family and friends on many holidays or special occasions due to work commitments. You should really consider if this is something you feel you will be able to cope with when relocating for work.
- You might discover the Firefighter career isn’t for you – this does happen, as sometimes people find that the dream and the reality don’t quite match up!
- Finding your way around a new town or city can be stressful at first. It will take a while for you to find your feet and feel at home, but in the meantime you might find it frustrating not knowing where anything is, and quite possibly getting lost in the process of trying to find things!
Don’t relocate before you have a firm job offer – by all means explore your options in the area but wait until the final checks are done, you’ve completed your training and your employment contract is signed and sealed before you sign your new lease!
If you have family you need to take into consideration the implications a move might have for them, especially if you have children.
Finances
Take into consideration moving and living costs, and whether you’ll be able to afford them or they’ll leave you struggling. Aside from the costs of moving your belongings, there are ‘setting up’ charges with utilities, rent deposits, and the purchasing of all the essentials you might need for your new home to think about – especially if it’s your first time moving out on your own.
Monthly rents might also be higher in the area you’re moving to, especially if you’re relocating from a rural area to a city.
Just be sensible, and think before you make the leap. It will undoubtedly be a life-changing experience, but could turn out to be the best decision you ever made!
