Naysayers

As I've made my decision to become a career firefighter, I've talked with a lot of people in and out of industry.  I have to say that everyone has said that it will be hard.  I find this to be a bit frightening but not a deterrent.  I think you have to understand each person's frame of reference to really grasp the reality of why they say something.  I have heard that it is hard because it is so competitive, and in the same conversation the person will admit that they never went to the physical abilities test (nor trained for it I'm sure).  People speak very doubtfully about my success.  It's kind of annoying.  I suppose this is why I'm not looking for work in western Mass.  It will be far more likely to land something out east.  There are only two or three full time career fire departments in my entire county!  No wonder people are such naysayers.  I think I have the determination to see this through though.  I just have to figure out how to move to the Boston area with a family of four, get a job (preferably EMS), establish residency, find good schools, start a medic class, find good daycare, and wait to be hired or take the civil service again (which ever comes first).  I don't see the big deal.