how old is to old?

[iamvff]

This is kind of a strange question, but I'll try to explain. I joined the VFF when I was 27. With in the first year I knew that it was the career I should have chosen out of high school, but I just assumed I was to old and never looked further into it. Now here I am, just turned 40, and I read about you guys talking about hiring and training etc. and that dept's tend to hire older recruits and I kind of get the impression that there may actually be people hired in there 40's? When someone makes a comment on a post on this topic, I always wonder how old they are, and whether it's a bunch of 20 year olds talking, but sometime some of you guys sound older then that. I know it's poor etiquete to ask, but how old are some of you folks, and is there any hope for a 40+, VFF with 14 years experience?? Shot in the dark, but it does'nt hurt to ask! Comments??

Thanks in advance,
be safe,
iamvff

[bestcoast]

I'm 32 yrs old and we've hired late 30's early 40's. You won't see the rank of Capt. the later you get hired but getting on the job is like winning the lottery period.....:D

[iamvff]

When those people have been hired, are they new to the fire scene, or do you mean they have just come from other Dept's?
I think you probably get where I am going with this....I am 40, best shape of my life, 14 years VFF, Level 1, all kinds of courses, Would I stand a chance in the real world or is that a pipe dream? I had never even given it much more thought until the last couple of months or so.

Be safe,
iamvff

[bestcoast]

For sure you would have a chance. As far as where the guy's were before hiring they have all kind's of background's. Some have volunteer exp. some don't.

[18atone]

You may recall past posts speaking of the positive trends issue in regards to your suitability for FD's. An older candidate often can successfully articulate their benefit to a department quite well. If you are in the best shape of your life and if fitness is a lifestyle which puts you above the average fitness wise, then you will find that you would be welcomed to most departments. Diversity means many things and age plus experience make you diverse from many others who are applying.

Go with your strengths!

The law in Canada also offers some protection to your chances; for example in Alberta we must accept your application until you reach 50 for a FF job. Many would argue that is too old, but the law makers win. In this case it may well be that, the only thing holding you back is you. Good luck.

[Skidz]

Best shape of your life HAHAHA!! What about that cane?
IMVFF just DO IT man I will be right behind you and you can teach me the ways to get in to a dept. You are the teacher!!

[iamvff]

Originally posted by Skidz
Best shape of your life HAHAHA!! What about that cane?
IMVFF just DO IT man I will be right behind you and you can teach me the ways to get in to a dept. You are the teacher!!

Hey...you should see how fat and lazy I was before:D By the way skidzy....don't they have a height requirement anymore??
I figured I would see your comment sooner or later on this one. Just checkin out my options...Maybe instead of thinkin my life is half over, I should start thinkin I still have half my life left!?!

Be safe (and get a job you lazy bum)
iamvff

[iamvff]

No offense but I don't want a job because of the laws, I would rather have a job on my merits (but I know what your saying). I also would'nt quite go with above average fitness....average at best. I was just in really crappy shape before, but it is getting better all the time. Thanks for the comments guys....now I am going to be laying in bed at nights thinking about it! Where would a guy even begin?

Be safe,
iamvff

[dentedhead]

Iamvff, law smaw.If you have the goods and the motivation you will get hired. You bring the right stuff and they will give you a shot as long as you complete all the required steps of your Dept. of choice's recruitment process.I was hired 3weeks after my 42nd Bday.

Get your head down arse up, and giver.Just remember rejection isn't fatal.Good luck brother.

dentedhead

[iamvff]

DH,
What were your qualifacations going into it? What made you try it at that stage of your life??

Be safe,
iamvff

[ThFyrWthn]

iamvff, just get a plan and go for it! What do you have to lose? really? You already have the courses, experience blahblah blah.

People your age do get hired. You just have to sell yourself.

Get your package together(make sure you have the basics along with your other courses ie DZ), your resume, original certs, get the physical done then get your nose out there and jump in the race.

Hang around here, join RFM... you have to be on top of who is hiring. They don't wait for anyone.

Man, don't you know every guy wanted to be a ff when they grew up? When I was in the race almost every man I told what i was going for said they wished they did that too. An old boss, my current partner etc etc :)

You have volunteered for 14 yrs!!!! Who can prove they are more dedicated than that!

Think about it... even the thrill of the chase is fun. I miss it.

[DFCSmash]

iamvff, check your pm s

[dentedhead]

Iamvff all i needed was,wit, charm, boyish good looks....First off I wanted to be a FF ever since I was a kid However due being about legally blind without correction it just took a little longer,lasers are amazing.

My qualifications are really nothing spectacular as far as fire related schooling/courses, no volley were I lived.I finished an apprenticeship in heavy equipment mechanics out of high school.Got laid off in the lovely recession of the early 80s.Worked some decent jobs to pay for the toys.Went to college, became a paramedic, did that from 84 until I got hired.I passed the York University physical test.Started applying and it happened.

I also had huge support from my wife and family which is really important because it can become all consuming and costly by the time you pay York or whatever testing they use in your area,admin fees to the municipalities to process your app, etc.The laser surgery wasnt cheap either.Was it worth it? Every hour,nickle and painful episode.

Damn straight it was.

Nothing ventured nothing gained if you dont do it now, in 20 years you will will be too old. :eek:

Hope that ramble helps.

dentedhead

[iamvff]

:confused: :confused: :confused: ......thinking, thinking, thinking....Thanks for the suggestions, I will talk to a few people (starting a home), and go from there. This never really entered my mind as a reality until a couple of weeks ago. The thought of being a ff as a kid never once entered my mind, I had never even heard of a VFF until I moved to melita in 89 (City boy). But, I am a rough and tumble kind of guy, unless I am getting dirty I am not really happy (yes, I know skidzy...I will get my turn out gear cleaned...I remember the lesson...dirtyest turnout gear is unsafe and does'nt mean your the hardest working on the dept...I know...I know). I was not on the VFF for very long before I remember saying to my wife......"I did the wrong thing out of school" This career is amazing!

thanks again for the notes,
Be safe,
Iamvff

PS- for the record JG, I can wear an SCBA and climb a ladder:cool: :D