Most of us started out with the intention of EMS being our lifelong profession, our "calling" if you will. I remember that when I started in EMS, working per diem at a private IFT company, all that I wanted was to do NYC 911 EMS. Nothing else mattered. After a while, I wanted to be a 911 medic. Then, benefits and retirement became more important, and through research of numerous systems throughout the country, I've found that retirement in single role EMS is not that great.
Meanwhile, the frivolous calls, the late jobs, the nights and weekends, no meal breaks, realizing that I was one pt care error from losing my job no matter how sterling my record, sitting on a street corner in an ambulance, seeing that there are practically no promotional opportunities, this all started to wear on me, just like it does for many other EMS professionals. Some stay for the long term, many do not. Many gradually marginalize the profession as just a transitional job and look for something better.
Again, early in my career, just being a NYC 911 EMT or medic would have made me plenty happy. But then the realities of the job wear you down over time. It's a gradual process, but many of us end up with the attitude that EMS (in the USA) is just a job, and not a profession per se. I've found this to be true enough of the time in the different systems I've worked in several states, that I feel this is true most everywhere. This forum only confirms that.
Look back on this thread in 5-7 years and see if you still feel the same. 75% chance you will not. If you do, then enjoy a happy career in EMS (seriously, no sarcasm). I know of a few people here or there who still love EMS after 25-30 years in, but they are the exception rather than the rule.
