I am making the plunge to join the EMS community however I am a little concerned about the financials of day-to-day life for my family (wife and 2 kids, 2yo & 5yo) and myself. I currently make about $50k/yr and I am the sole provider for my family. My wife will be finishing her degree very shortly and is expecting to make around $20k/yr starting. The local private companies pay EMTs about $10/hr but seem to always be hiring, I would assume there is overtime there but I don't want to rely on something that isn't a guaranty. Locally (S-SE Wisconsin) we also have 2 full time EMT crews at the Fire departments and 2 other full time city run rescue squads.
Has anyone else taken a pay cut like this, any suggestions to ease my nerves?
City run or private companies, benefits/experience gained/moral?
I was thinking of at least 1 year experience before joining the medic program, should I do it sooner? I have been working full time and going to school full time for years so that isn't really a concern.
My wife is backing me on this 100% and it has been a dream of mine for a long time to become a Paramedic. I am sooooooooooo amped! The income is the only thing that is freaking me out.
Thanks for your time!
Has anyone else taken a pay cut like this, any suggestions to ease my nerves?
City run or private companies, benefits/experience gained/moral?
I was thinking of at least 1 year experience before joining the medic program, should I do it sooner? I have been working full time and going to school full time for years so that isn't really a concern.
My wife is backing me on this 100% and it has been a dream of mine for a long time to become a Paramedic. I am sooooooooooo amped! The income is the only thing that is freaking me out.
Thanks for your time!