Current EMT student, wondering what's next

R

Rebelalliance

Forum Probie
Messages
11
Reaction score
1
Points
3
so I am currently nearing the midpoint of my EMT class. I've been making great money in the insurance industry for 2 years, but I've started this Saturday only program since A. I've always wanted to do this and B. I'm done sitting behind a desk all day. I'm starting to feel very torn tho, and would love to hear how others balance life and working 60 hours a week.

It isn't the abnormal schedule that gets me, or working holidays. I went through all of that in retail, and I was fine with that. It's the sheer number of hours that I wonder if I will adjust to. Everyone tells me typical EMTs and medics work 60 hours a week, for pay maybe at $30k a year.

I have a hard time wrapping my head around this. I WILL NOT give up now, because honestly, I feel good in these classes so far, better than I will ever feel counting someone else's money at a computer. But it is hard to believe I will be doing harder work, working 50% more hours per week, and making 25% less than what I do now.

So my question is: how do u guys make it worth it? How do you leave your family for that much time every week and continue to do so? Does ANYONE work less than 60 hours a week on average? If so, where are you and how did you achieve that/what type of paramedic/EMT are u, as in, are you in a fire station, or an amusement park, etc. I'm in Orlando, Florida, if it makes any difference.
 
My suggestion for you would be finish your emt class and start part time or per diem to see how do you like it on a ER or in a ambulance. It does not pay well but i do it because i like it. I work 90 hours or more every 2 weeks. Thats 45 hours on average a week for me. I work 12 hour shifts for 3 days consecutively one week and 4 days the other. I do get to see my family and friends a lot.
 
Thank u for your reply. Do you mind my asking, are you in a fire station? Inter hospital or something else? I could def do 45 or even 50 hrs a week not much worry with that.
 
I work an a ambulance and you can probably take a wild guess, it is the biggest and baddest of them all lol. It just depends on your area and what private ambulance is also there . Some companies do 24 hours to 72 hour shifts while others are 8 to 12 hours. A lot of people go towards the emt route and find themselves hating their job. Which is why we have a huge turn over rate in my area. Going to a fire department or public EMS is the right route to go if you want to further your career than working for a private company making peanuts .
 
It's hard to give you advice because if you have a family then the most important things about your job are that it pays enough to support your family and that it does not keep you away from them for too long. As you will be working for a private ambulance company as an EMT, you will only make a little more than minimum wage. If you need to bring in more income, you'll have to work over 40 hours a week.
 
Volunteer and keep your day job. While there are places that make a decent living, those are typically paramedic positions and they're still not in the six figure range (or even close). The only exception is a handful of large, city fire departments.

Yes, EMS can be a fulfilling job, but there are still bills that need to be paid. I can't see the overwhelming benefit of taking a 75% pay cut just to feel like I'm being helpful- especially while supporting a family. There are other ways to help people. If you're set on EMT, volunteer in or near your community as an EMT.
 
zzyzx said:
It's hard to give you advice because if you have a family then the most important things about your job are that it pays enough to support your family and that it does not keep you away from them for too long. As you will be working for a private ambulance company as an EMT, you will only make a little more than minimum wage. If you need to bring in more income, you'll have to work over 40 hours a week.
Click to expand...
thx for the info. I'm definitely fortunate to have a spouse who makes enough to support us both...it was the future family I was thinking of :) if I can be an EMT and work 50 hrs, I'd be happy I think. Granted I like the clinicals that start on Sunday :p
 
STXmedic said:
Volunteer and keep your day job. While there are places that make a decent living, those are typically paramedic positions and they're still not in the six figure range (or even close). The only exception is a handful of large, city fire departments.

Yes, EMS can be a fulfilling job, but there are still bills that need to be paid. I can't see the overwhelming benefit of taking a 75% pay cut just to feel like I'm being helpful- especially while supporting a family. There are other ways to help people. If you're set on EMT, volunteer in or near your community as an EMT.
Click to expand...
Well I would prob be making 25% less, not 75. I am nowhere near making 6 figures, nor do I have the desire to. I am fortunate that bills are not really an issue, since my spouse makes enough. I work because I like working...that being said, ideally I would have a job I like too. Unfortunately I am told central Florida has all but phased out the volunteer network completely.
 
JohnTheEMT said:
I work an a ambulance and you can probably take a wild guess, it is the biggest and baddest of them all lol. It just depends on your area and what private ambulance is also there . Some companies do 24 hours to 72 hour shifts while others are 8 to 12 hours. A lot of people go towards the emt route and find themselves hating their job. Which is why we have a huge turn over rate in my area. Going to a fire department or public EMS is the right route to go if you want to further your career than working for a private company making peanuts .
Click to expand...
I would love to know the name of this big bad ambulance company :p
 
If you are thinking that you are gonna make decent money starting at a private company you are gonna be disappointed. I make 11.54 now and work clos to 40 hoyrs a week. Its not bad, I got used living within my means. Also starting school soon so i love the schedule that I currently have. Work keeping in mind that technically I work 12 days a month.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top