Pros
24 hour shifts allow for a ton of flexibility. However working nights and weekends are part of the job and unavoidable. But I never missed a recital or little league game. 110-115k is consistent salary after 5 years and with a bit of overtime. Promotion tests come up every 4 years or so. You will work with (mostly) great people and everyday is an adventure. Fires, Medical calls, car accidents, elevator emergencies, construction accidents, and everything in between.
Cons
The job is dangerous. No matter how well you are trained (and there is a ton of training and drills) there will be times where you'll get hurt (or worse) doing this job. You are going to be put in situations that are very mentally and physically taxing (but rewarding). Think of carrying 90lbs of equipment while crawling down a 100' super heated hallway with smoke so thick you can't see anything in front of your face. And this is just at the beginning of the fire; before the real work begins. After 20 years or so, it takes a toll on your body so stay in shape as best as you can. You will see people at their worst and best. At any given day there is blood, guts, vomit and lives saved.
