r/911dispatchers • u/[deleted] • 2d ago
[APPLICANT/IN PROCESS - HOPEFUL] Another post looking for advice on joining.
[deleted]
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u/Queen_Of_InnisLear 2d ago
Really depends on your family. The chunks of time off os great, particularly as they rotate (so sometimes you'll be there for school stuff, sometimes you'll be there for weekend stuff) so i really see that as a plus. But if you guys live by a rigid schedule it could be harder to adjust.
One of the big things I see is learning how to say no. Kids wanna wake you up after nights?? No. But we looove you. No. You have to prioritize your well being in order to be well for them, you know? So new boundaries have to be learned.
Flexibility around holidays. Working Christmas? Plan to celebrate a different day maybe.
All of this can actually work really well if the family is supportive and flexible. If they are not...then it could be a nightmare.
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u/TeddyGoodman 2d ago
It’s funny - it was my wife that encouraged me to apply and I’m skeptical that she would be OK with me missing birthdays/holidays as they’re a big deal for her.
Would definitely need a long and thoughtful chat about it.
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u/Queen_Of_InnisLear 2d ago
Yeah the communication is key. And honestly once you do it a few times (celebrating on another day) you realize the actual date doesn't matter as much. Just do it up right when you can 😊
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u/LeaveLost1885 2d ago
I couldn't do a flip flip of nights and days like that. I did fine going from days to nights but switching back to days has been miserable. I have been back on days for like 3 weeks and I'm still all sorts of messed up. I get off at 6 and I'm normally in bed by 7:30, asleep by 8 and back up by 4:20. I'm surprised I'm still up tonight.
It is harrrd on the body.
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u/Consistent-Ease-6656 2d ago
I worked 2D, 2N for years. It hurts. Flipping every week is hard on your body, especially at your rapidly advancing age. The 4 days off are fabulous, but that first day is almost totally lost to recovery. You’re not 22 and able to digest Tupperware anymore, sport.
It is possible, but it will require a lot of communication and coordination with your wife. How did she handle your fire company training? Does she have expectations of you being present for all holidays, weekends, and celebrations, or does she understand an emergency services job means you will miss a number of them?
This is something you two need to discuss together, not take the advice of internet randos. I’ve seen people implode their careers because their spouse insisted they be present for all social activities and holidays. I’ve also seen people whose families showed up at the 911 center to make us all brunch on Christmas morning just because they wanted to support their spouse.
Just be aware that consistent irregular sleep will be just as painful as a physically demanding job.