Many great rabbis have been clean shaven. Electric razors have been around since 1933.
Being a firefighter is almost the perfect career for someone who wants a Torah lifestsyle. Most of the time you sit and wait for a call, which in NYC might only come once a week. Get paid to learn! And it would be halachically required to stop the learning for a fire call as it is pikuach nefesh!!! Pay and benefits are good, with generous early retirement.
(FWIW I have had a beard since early 1986, which is the last time I have shaved. I keep it very short, though.)