Help with life decision pls

[Anvilbrother 0]

Im a 25 yo firefighter from louisiana that just found out that I might need a new career. I have always had knee issues, and had surgery 2 months ago. Patelo femoral microfracture was the procedure where the doc goes in and drills holes in your bones to let the bonemarrow come out and try to turn into cartilage for some cushion between the joints. I went for my final check up today and he advised me that for the rest of my life I need to avoid if all possible any form of squatting, kneeling and stairs to preserve my knee joints. Beings that a firefighter basically does that all day I am thinking I need to get another career that will not be so hard on my body. I have 9 years in the career and 5 in retirement. I would like to become a pilot of sorts. My pay was around 35k. My dad works at the same department as I do so im torn about leaving a "family business'' what do you think....

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[skydemon2 0]

would suck if you couldnt walk later, pick a new career Im sure dad will understand

Beauty is only skin deep, but ugly goes clean to the bone!

I like to start my day off with a little Ray of Soulshine™!!

[TheAnvil 0]

Ditto. Not walking would suck donkey balls.

Good luck with whatever decision you make!

Vinny the Anvil
Post Traumatic Didn't Make The Lakers Syndrome is REAL
JACKASS POWER!!!!!!

[Jaden 0]

You have very rewarding job. I totally get your indecision. I’d say give it up. Your dad will understand. You’re only 25; it’s not worth risking immobility for the rest of your life. Your body can only take so much. You’ve done great things. Take it easy. You have a lot of living to do.
You will need your knees. Good luck!

[livendive 8]

I faced a similar decision at about the same age, had to give up fishing due to injuries and risk of permanent damage. I don't get the excitement and awe in my work that I used to, but the schedule and income are comforting in their regularity. You may not get the emotional rewards in another line of work, but you won't get the heartbreak either, you can probably avoid nightshifts, and you can make better money. I won't tell you what you should do, but I can say that I'm better off having made the decision I did.

Blues,
Dave

"I AM A PROFESSIONAL EXTREME ATHLETE!"
(drink Mountain Dew)

[skydiverbrian 0]

Give up the job. It is, after all, just a job. Sucks to lose the benefits, but you can always file a claim and say it was a work-related injury. Take a medical retirement and save your pension!

In a world full of people, only some want to fly... isn't that crazy! --Seal

[Anvilbrother 0]

Looks like no matter if I go to train on rotocraft or planes it is around 45K to go all out commercial

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[livendive 8]

Quote

Looks like no matter if I go to train on rotocraft or planes it is around 45K to go all out commercial

Now go price artificial knee replacements every 12 years for the rest of your expected lifespan and try to put a figure on pain and diffulty walking for most of that time.

College ain't cheap either, but if you plan on working in the field, it's an investment, not a whimsical expenditure.

Blues,
Dave

"I AM A PROFESSIONAL EXTREME ATHLETE!"
(drink Mountain Dew)

[ffejdraga 0]

Fixed wing is always going to be cheaper, and the jobs for fixed wing pilots seem to be more in demand than rotorcraft.

45k is about right though, and then you will still need about 500 hours before you get any type of workaside from flight instructing, and on the way it may be difficult for you to make more than 20k a year flying, at first.

But once you clear the magic number hurdles, you will find that there are better jobs around. The forest service is good, and often needs pilots. It just means you would be fighting different kinds of fires

good luck, and I say change careers.
jeff D-16906