One of the best things about firefighters is their working schedule. Most of the time, firefighters have several days off in a week, which provides them with the opportunity to take other side jobs to earn extra money.
If you’re a firefighter who wants to earn extra income, there are various options you can choose from. Depending on your preferences or skills, you have the freedom to choose any side hustle you want. However, before you start your hunt, make sure to research first and pick a job that is suitable for your skills. In this way, you won’t be just earning, but also, you’ll be able to make the most of your abilities. Here are some of the ways firefighters can earn extra cash:
- Take Online Paid Surveys
If you’re tech-savvy and you spend most of your free time online, you might want to consider taking paid surveys online to earn extra money. There are many survey websites that you can sign up for and get paid from taking surveys.
However, before you get started taking online surveys, look for the highest paying survey sites if you want to maximize your earnings. Although you can’t get rich instantly by taking paid surveys and some won’t pay much, you can still earn more by taking as many surveys as you can.
- Have Your Own Fixed Asset Documentation Company
For many firefighters, it’s an interesting business where photos are taken of the people’s assets in an emergency or in case of fire. Since people can claim their insurance when they enlist the things that are lost or damaged, a fixed asset documentation company can be helpful for insurance companies.
For this kind of business, the startup cost is low; If you have connections, you can work on behalf of any insurance company and get paid for collecting images or going to the location where it happened.
- Be an Instructor
As a firefighter, the skills you have are your best assets to earn extra income. You can take advantage of your skills by offering paid courses and training related to your job. For instance, if you have learned skills that you have acquired in your training as a firefighter, these can be profitable. You may have already done training and have extensive knowledge about Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). Market them to those who aspire to be a firefighter and use your experience to be an instructor and earn passive income from this opportunity.
A good thing about these is that you can offer them online. You may include various topics that provide for what’s needed to be a firefighter. It will depend on what you prefer to teach and what your current clients want to learn from you. In terms of fees, you can charge per course or on an hourly basis. You can discuss your terms with your clients so they’ll understand and you’ll also know what they want.
- Be an Emergency Technician
Since most fire departments require aspiring firefighters to be an EMT before they get hired, some firefighters have the skills to work in other fields where emergency technicians are needed. You can consider being a part-time EMT in testing labs, clinics, and emergency rooms. However, make sure that you have already earned a certificate before you do so. Certificates can be acquired by taking online programs or by enrolling at universities that offer EMT Certification.
- Establish Your Own Safety Consultation Business
It’s an excellent choice to own a small business if you’re a firefighter. You can have your own safety consultation business that offers inspection services to homeowners or property owners to help them be aware of fire hazards.
You can evaluate if the occupants are protected in accordance with the applicable standard codes and fire safety practices. You can also assess their fire protection systems and their building features. By doing this, you can write recommendations to make their fire protection systems and building features in compliance with the fire safety codes and standards.
- Create Products Related to Your Field
If you’re always creative and innovative, why not create products that are related to your field? There are countless firefighting products you can develop. You can search online for some ideas or determine the common issues that firefighters usually face and think of the best product that can resolve such problems.
Depending on your knowledge and skills, create something safe and easy to use. For instance, you can create a durable yet affordable ladder that can be used by firefighters inside any burning property.
Unfortunately, it can be a challenging and risky business option since developing products require research, funding, and marketing. You also have to work with other companies just to ensure that your product is safe to use and suitable for firefighting purposes.
However, if you have the money and are willing to take the risk for your product idea, it won’t just let you earn extra, but it can be your chance to create your own multi-million dollar company.
- Launch a Restoration Business
Businesses that help repair and restore properties from the damages is one of the best ways firefighters can earn extra money. It may not be a lucrative side hustle, but it offers flexibility and provides you with the chance to work for whatever day or hour you prefer, and it’s easy to acquire the equipment needed.
Another good way to earn extra money is by offering landscaping services along with restoration projects. It can be a year-round or seasonal side job based on where you reside, so it provides more flexibility in terms of schedule. The hourly wage of landscapers may vary from one state to another. Once you got a big landscaping project, expect to earn more than the usual rate.
Also, many landscapers require extra help building fences, decks, and other landscape features. Not only you’ll make money for your restoration business, but you can also practice your carpentry skills for better results in the future.
However, it’s important to obtain the necessary licenses. Depending on where you reside, it may vary from one state to another. Several states don’t require carpentry licensing, but some states require a contractor’s license. It’s best to get the necessary licenses to prevent being called a fraud and any other issues that may arise.
- Be a Real Estate Agent
If your skills in managing things, you can work as a part-time real estate agent. Usually, the commission of real estate agents is 5-6 percent of the listed price of the property. While being a real estate agent is a flexible job, it does require having connections or clients for you to earn money. This can be time-consuming, but once you’ve done it well, there will be opportunities that will allow you to get more clients.
If you want to succeed in real estate, you can take real estate certifications. These will give you more knowledge about the real estate industry and can help you prepare for the challenges involved.
- Venture Into Business
If you have savings and thinking of establishing your own business, you can consider buying a franchise. It’s probably the safest option in terms of investment since the company has a set system placed already.
The brand you’re planning to franchise also has its reputation in the market. You only need to follow their recommendations, hire staff, and do your best to be successful. If you can’t manage it alone, you can consider hiring a manager. Once you’ve managed your business correctly, you can expect to start earning more money.
- Be a Fitness Instructor
Firefighters are fit since they’re trained to operate and carry heavy equipment. There are also times that they have to take out individuals from the burning properties. If you’re a firefighter who always stays in good shape, you can consider being a fitness instructor.
You can complete a personal trainer course and have clients. You can commit to some classes a week and coach for a few hours. You can easily have a schedule as a fitness instructor that can work around your other job.
- Work as a Courier
If you want a more flexible job that those things mentioned above, you can work as a courier instead. You can drop off online orders, deliver takeaways, and you can work any time you want. Most courier companies may require you to have a car or a bike as a way of making the job done. On the other hand, some companies will provide you with what you can use.
Ensure that you’re familiar with the place where you’re going to work as a courier since most deliveries as time-sensitive. You should know the area like the back of your hand for quick deliveries.
Takeaway
There are lots of ways firefighters can earn extra cash. All you need is the push to succeed in whatever side hustle or part-time work you choose. Just make sure to channel your winning mentality always, as this can make a difference in getting your desired results.
