Where to focus my focus?

[MDA]

Job situation: Working full-time and part-time at two local ALS ambulance companies.

School situation: Going on and off part-time to my local California University.

Career goals: To become a Paramedic and to finish/continue my schooling into a graduate/higher education level.


Now my question is where do I ficus my attention. Should I split it up and focus a little toward each goal, or should I break it down and focus on one thing at a time. My logical side says one thing at a time, but my ambitious I can do anything side says I can handle this.

Aside from working more than full-time hours I also have a Wife and young son, so that plays into my decision making.

So should I take a college class here and there online that will definitely demand a chunk of my time possibly daily, or at least weekly ultimately resulting in lost off time when I am home with my family? Or do I put my college studies on hold a little while so I can start focusing on Medic school now so I can get as ahead of the game as possible so when I enter Medic school I'm more confident, have a better grasp of the material which can free up some possible home time (since I plan on working while in school)?

That just seems more logical to me, but I'm curious how others have done it.

Right now I have a couple friends finishing Medic school now, and I have direct access to multiple Preceptors and knowledgeable Medics. So why not take advantage?

Of course I want to knock Medic school out before so I can start my career soon, and make better money. Plus my degree will take longer to complete, but I don't want to get to the point where I feel it's too out of reach. I just want to make the best use of my time.

So many options, and ways to go about doing this. Comments, and suggestions are welcome. Also feel free to share your experiences with work/school/so on.

 

[Veneficus]

A paramedic is not a graduate degree in the US. What is your longterm goal?

 

[Fbarba123]

Are you looking to get a Degree in emergency medicine/ Paramedicine?

I think you should give me your part time ALS job, continue your Full time ALS work, and continue taking classes to better prepare yourself for Medic school.

Go to medic school, get licensed, work 24's, and Spend time with that wife and kids of yours!



If your looking to get your degree in business, or something of the like, I say finish it now, and then move on to your ems Career. What do you have the most passion for?

 

[MDA]

A paramedic is not a graduate degree in the US. What is your longterm goal?

Yeah, I know that.

Are you looking to get a Degree in emergency medicine/ Paramedicine?

I think you should give me your part time ALS job, continue your Full time ALS work, and continue taking classes to better prepare yourself for Medic school.

Go to medic school, get licensed, work 24's, and Spend time with that wife and kids of yours!

If your looking to get your degree in business, or something of the like, I say finish it now, and then move on to your ems Career. What do you have the most passion for?

I want a career in EMS, if you asked me right now, I'd want to work as a Medic as long as my body/mind can handle it. I'd also like to work as a Preceptor/FTO if possible. After that I want to get into the Operations and Management part of it all.

I have double AS degrees in Agricultural Business Management, and Animal Science. Did all that for a while and got tired of it. Transferred to a local CA Univ. and basically finished all my general studies. I've been leaning toward Business (General), or possibly Business Management/Admin.

 

[terrible one]

Where are you working and/or location?
Are you planning on staying at one of your two co. after school? Relocating? Transferring?

 

[MDA]

Where are you working and/or location?
Are you planning on staying at one of your two co. after school? Relocating? Transferring?

Stayin where I am, and with both companies. They will sponsor me through the Medic program, so I will owe them two years anyway. We have no intentions on moving.

We're in the middle of CA and I go to Fresno State.

 

[firetender]

What I'm hearing is that you've done the schooling thing, got degreed in fields you're not crazy about and, along the line, you fell in love with EMS.

You also managed to get married and have a kid.

you're a serious guy who wants to do serious stuff, and I also hear you pile up your plate pretty high!

I'm generally on the opposite side of everybody, but how about this: You are early in learning the field. What exactly are you dedicating yourself to? Are there really avenues where you can progress in the system of which you will be a part? What does a management opportunity look like? Is there REALLY a future in it? And the work...what aspect of the work would you REALLY want to dedicate a few more years to in your education?

EMS is what supports you and your family, and that won't change, so my vote is take your time, pick up a few relatively easy, foundational classes as you really get to know the field and really figure out a way to contribute that will serve you and your family's future.

I'll echo the others who have placed emphasis on the family thing. If you relax your drive, you may find a bit more satisfaction in enjoying what you want to work hard to eventually get. That part, you already have!