Career Choice

[tystudman]

Hey everyone! I'm totally new to this site but I figured it would be a good place to hopefully get some answers.

Let me start off by saying that I've always wanted to help people. I have wanted to be involved in emergency services such as being a paramedic, firefighter, or a police officer for as long as I can remember. Within the past couple of years I lost sight of that and got into some trouble. And after reading some requirements for certain jobs I am worried I won't be able to work in the career I want.

Any information will be helpful.

I am turning 21 in a month and I will be going to a community college in the fall. Still trying to decide on what classes. I live in the Dallas/Fort Worth Area.

While living in California:
In December of 2012 I was caught shoplifting. (Arrested but not charged) All I had to do was pay a fine and go to a juvenile program. I have 3 tickets. (Exhibition of speed, March 2013) (fix it ticket, March 2013) (Speeding 20+, October 2013) Moved to Texas January 2014

In Texas:

About 2 years ago I made some bad choices and tried marijuana and cocaine for the first time. As far as cocaine I have only done that once in July of 2014. The first time I tried marijuana was June of 2014. I have not done cocaine any other time. As far as marijuana, I have done it about 25-30 times. Most of those times within the last month. I got caught up with the wrong people and made a vow to not return to that. I know that it isn't going to get me anywhere good in life.

So my questions are:
Are my chances totally shot down because of the drugs?
How will traffic tickets affect me?
If not, how long before I can apply to become an emt?
What courses do I have to take?
How many hours/ semesters will I have to take?
Any other advice?

Thank you so much!

 

[mgr22]

The answers to everything you've asked vary -- by state, region and/or employer. That doesn't mean those questions aren't worth asking; it just means you'll have to talk to people who do whatever job it is you want to do, in whatever part of the country you want to do it. Before you get too involved in learning to help others, though, I suggest you focus on helping you. Maybe you've already started that by trying to change what you don't like about your life, but if you add essential services like EMS, fire or PD to the mix, understand you'll be under a lot more pressure, with lots of triggers to relapse. I certainly don't know how you'll react to that pressure. Maybe you don't know, either.

Why not start with an occupation that doesn't involve long, stressful hours trying to help manage an epidemic of recreational substance abuse? You don't have to commit to just one career for the rest of your working life.

 

[STXmedic]

You're probably out of luck for any big city FD jobs. For anything else, you should still be okay though. Assuming you grew up and stay away from all that crap that is. If you keep with the marijuana, then no, you'd be wasting your time.

As for courses and course, just look up EMT courses in your area. There are usually courses affiliated with your local community college. Since you're in DFW, there will probably be something affiliated with UTSW. EMT is one semester, and paramedic is typically another two semesters after EMT.

 

[Chewy20]

Cocaine use will be a big no-no for any reputable Fire or EMS department.

 

[gotbeerz001]

I got caught up with the wrong people and made a vow to not return to that. I know that it isn't going to get me anywhere good in life.

Just so you know, this may sound good to you, but it is simply an excuse; you chose to do things that any 4th grader knows is illegal. In public safety, you will have many people attempting to sway you to various ends and you need to be able to make sound decisions in critical moments. If you own your past failures completely and demonstrate how you have changed, maybe you will have a shot.

I would have more respect for someone who simply can say:
1. I made a series of bad choices
2. That time of my life is over
3. Here are the good decisions I have made since: (list positive things here)