I'm currently considering losing $1000/month in retirement to become a firefighter. I'm 29 and have been trying to get this job since I was 18. I'll be interviewing with some departments soon and think they will offer me a job. They are not my dream departments in my state, but could give me the opportunity to transfer into them.
This is a difficult decision for me because in 2021 I will have worked for a company 5 years and be vested in their pension paying out $1000/month at age 60. This pension does not adjust for inflation.
It's possible I could work both jobs and still get vested but it will be a lot of hours and I may not excel with both jobs the way I would like too.
These interviews will be municipal jobs that have cut off ages of 32, but I'm certain I could get a federal firefighter job at my reserve base if I want it. That job accepts applicants up to age 37.
I'm fortunate to have options but it's making it difficult to decide. Many of you have interest in financial independence and safety nets so I'm curious how you would handle the situation.
Tldr I'm giving up a $13,000/year pension to pursue my dream job of being a firefighter, but it's not in my dream location.
Submitted June 17, 2019 at 06:29PM by PlombCrazy http://bit.ly/2XU5iQr
