If you're having to actively shape your real life to accommodate your work life then you should be compensated (Not attending events / bringing your computer with you to dinner, etc). Do firefighters only get paid for the amount of time actively fighting fires?
Again, I didn't say that you shouldn't be compensated-- just that you shouldn't be compensated at the rate if they were having you actively doing work the entire time (else, why not just have you actively do work the whole time?).
> Do firefighters only get paid for the amount of time actively fighting fires?
I believe firefighters tend to do 24 hour shifts, where they actively work 8 hours and are paid full rate for that (during which time they have responsibilities in maintenance, etc)...
...and are paid a reduced rate for the other 16 hours they are on standby. (Here, in my jurisdiction, it's 10 hours + 14 hours). During this time they hang out at the firehouse, but may be eating, watching TV, sleeping, etc.
