just stick with it...I grad from fire acad when i was 20.. and it took me 2 yrs to get on a dept.... a lot of places arent hiring right now or cutting back. remember last time columbus tested they tested over 5000 people and hired 7... as long as your dedicated you will be fine.. make sure to get your 240FF and your EMT-b at minimum.. most dept's unless they are volunteer or rural wont even look at you unless you can do double duty.. most even want you to be a EMT-A or Medic...