We all know the FF schedule is a special thing to work around and the FF wife must be the ever flexible person to make it all work smoothly for your family. Let's discuss the good, the bad, and the ugly aspects of their unusual schedule and how to work around them.
The Bad…
Sometimes I only see my husband in passing. As a firewife that works a full time, traditional 8-5 M-F schedule, my FF's schedule of 24 hours on and 48 hours off means that I'm often passing him on my way to work. Most days we are lucky to get about 15 minutes together just as he gets home. We basically say hello, hug, relay some information about the kids, and then I rush out the door. Other days, we just wave as we pass each other on the highway.
15 minutes is far from quality time! And its never enough time to actually discuss an issue or create a plan. Its more like single parenting done in shifts.
When the elusive quality time does happen, who wants to spend it discussing an issue? I just want to talk, relax, and have fun with my FF. But then nothing gets accomplished as a team.
So you must schedule a time to discuss your family's needs together. Manage your marriage a bit like a business and schedule a family planning meeting separate from your elusive quality time. Don't let it replace your fun quality time though! You need both to have a happy marriage.
The Ugly…
Its not the same days every week. No matter what you are trying to arrange (childcare, doctors appointment, etc.) Someone is always asking what days of week work for you? You know as well as I do how hard it is to answer that question because its not M, W, F every week. It may be Monday and Thursday of this week and then Wednesday of next week. What works this week, doesn't work for the next week!
Or if your husband is volunteer, you may plan an appointment and find yourself canceling or rescheduling it last minute because he has to rush out on a call! Don't feel guilty for changing that appointment again!
This is one of those things that you cannot change. Just try to be flexible. Ask for help from your friends, family, or fellow FF wives to get you through those unexpected moments.
The Good…
Unless your FF has a second job, the nice part about the FF schedule is those longer stretches at home like the 48 hours that my husband is off shift. Since my son is only in preschool, this means my 
FF actually gets more time with our son.
I may be working during the day, but FF stays home with our son a couple days a week. He gets to be the fun Dad who's home to play when Mommy is working. Its wonderful for my son, but I can't help but feel a little bit jealous and wish I was home too!
Since my schedule is also quite busy, my FF is kind enough to help out with errands when he's home or have the occasional dinner ready when I'm getting home from a long day of work. I'm grateful for my FF help around the house.
Every FF schedule is a little bit different. What are the good, the bad, and the ugly of your firefighter's schedule?
My FF husband and I are just celebrating our 10 year wedding anniversary and he also just celebrated his 10 year FF anniversary. We're located in Bloomington/Normal, IL...the most central part of the state. I'm a Mom to a wonderful four year old son and three four legged Canines! I work full time as a Case Manager for a Non-profit organization and have a Bachelor's degree in Psychology. I still don't know what I want to be when I grow up, but I love helping people, pets, and doing whatever I can to make my community a better place.
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My firefighter has been doing the 24/48 shift for over 32 years. Trying to coordinate when the kids were little was rough and them learning Dad being gone 24 hrs was the norm. The ugly is when he would have to miss out on a function such as a basketball game they were playing in or a major holiday. He has a side business so a lot of his off days are spent working as well but when he is home it was always Dad time. The good of a 24 or even pulling a 48 – you get control of the remote and the WHOLE bed all to yourself. I love having him home but can honestly say I enjoy my time when he is on shift.
Lori,
Thank you for your comment! Sounds like the schedule might get easier as the kids get older and understand more. I agree that hogging the remote and the bed when he’s gone is wonderful!
~Shelly