Career choice while pursuing real estate

[Andrew Treschitta]

Hello everyone I am a newbie from Orange County New York. Just finished Set for Life by Scott Trench. First off I love bigger pockets so thank you to everyone at Bigger Pockets. I have a quick question about a career choice. I just got a new job in New York City (1 1/2 hour commute each way) working in a union as an ornamental iron worker. My father is moving down to florida in about 1 month and already has a house down in Vero Beach. My predicament is i want to have more free time to pursue real estate and start hustling early (I’m 25) . i have commuted to New York before and its exhausting. My question is that I can get another job down in Florida as a fireman but would have to pay $7,000 to get certified at a fire academy and it is 6 months and i couldnt start until next spring. The schedule is 1 day on and 2 days off and allows time “ side hustles“. Is it foolish to have this mentality? Just curious to what people think about this. Also, it’s very expensive living in or near the city as I’m sure you all know so to BRRR working in or around the city you still have to commute. I would appreciate some advice from some experienced real estate investors that started with full time jobs. Not sure if i am thinking to black and white. Thank you.