How does your family feel about your work schedule?
For a typical firefighter, working 24- to 48-hour shifts can be expected for your typical work schedule. For wildland firefighters, they are often camping out in the wilderness for two to three weeks at a time, depending on the assignment. The interviewer wants to know that you have the support of your family. Considering the emotional stress of such a physically demanding job, having support from friends and family is important. Share that your family is happy that you get to pursue your passion and that they support you wholeheartedly.
"My family is completely supportive of my work schedule. They understand the importance of my career and are proud of me for pursuing firefighting. We have talked about the fact that I will miss birthdays and holidays, and have decided as a family that we will postpone celebrating until I can be with them. They understand that I may not see them for weeks at a time, but that I will call if I can."
