Originally Posted by Firefighterpilo

I second this as a firefighter/paramedic. I left the airlines after years with a regional during the lost decade. My worst day as a firefighter is better then my best day at a regional dealing with FA, TSA, weather and entitled passengers. The money, schedule and pension is now amazing but it takes a lot of physical stamina and training. I still flight instruct and fly weekly to feed my aviation habit. The pay difference between Fire depts is a large as between regional FO and Major captain. Just understand that if you do switch careers, although at first scary, can be very rewarding and you can find happiness in doing something you never imagined.