My dad was a retained (part time) fireman for almost 19 years, it wasn't really a job for him, more a hobby, he loved it so much, but since he changed his second job, he no longer had the time. But no, i think it was one of the best things he ever did, if you wanna do it, go for it, you wont regret it. But don't become a retained, as the pay is terrible and you have to live within 2 mins of the station. Become full time if you want is as an actual decent paying job. But yeah, you save people's lives and livelyhood, and soooooo many courses and qualifications, what more could you want? Sam