Time for a change... looking for past experiences

[MarrKr]

I've been an EMT and paramedic for a total of 10 years. I started my career in Houston, TX around the time of hurricanes Katrina and Rita. That was more or less a trial by fire to say the least. About 2 years ago I took almost a year hiatus from the field and went back to working retail so that I could get my head back together and get past the point of burnout. Now I find myself dreading my next shift, and wishing that the majority of our frequent flyers, and the ow I need pain killers patients would just drop off the face of this earth. I also find that the drama that is overly abundant is beginning to make me wish I could cardiovert 90% of the people I run across.
I know that it would probably be best for me to step off the ambulance, but I have yet to find a job or career that can support my family. BTW I make less per year where I live in GA when you consider cost of living and state income tax comparatively to TX, which had a lower cost of living in a larger town than I currently reside, and no state income tax.
Has anyone here known a paramedic that has made a radical career change, and been able to do more than survive, or maybe done it yourself? If so, what did they do?

 

[mycrofft]

Knew a couple who went and got their nursing degrees.

 

[bahnrokt]

Look into jobs around ems. Consider working for a company that services the EMS industry, like working for a company that sells supplies to Ambulance Cos and FDs. All the guys I deal with from Zoll, Stryker, etc are all ex providers. Take the civil service exam to be a dispatcher.

 

[MarrKr]

Thanks. I actually hadn't thought about selling equipment. I have looked into nursing, but figured that would be the same thing just in a hospital instead of on the truck, which kind of ruled that out for me. I will definitely look into Zoll and Stryker. I have quite a bit of experience with those two items for sure.

 

[MedicBender]

Have you considered going into teaching full time?

 

[MarrKr]

I unfortunately have no college degree due to the fact that I did certification courses, so teaching full time isn't an option where I'm at. They also have the slots pretty well filled for a while around here.