Update: I am still working as a firefighter/paramedic, but I am looking at Air National Guard as a means of giving me more education opportunities, so here I sit. The process that brought me to this decision was an interesting one, to me at least, so I figured I would write about it.
As a medic and firefighter for a municipality and without a union, benefits and pay increases throughout my career will more than likely be few and far between. I state this not to bitch, but to point out a fact. I enjoy the job but as a medic the work load, based on ever increasing medical call volume and lack of ambulance staffing, grows yearly. Again, not bitching, just a fact. When it is a good call I love it, be it fire or medical. There really isn't anything quite like knowing that you really and truly helped save a life. That being said, those calls are few in number compared to the headaches, toe pains, and warm electrical outlets. Coupled that with the slow, if any, upward financial mobility and you can begin to see my concern.
On a more personal level, my wife and I want. I hate that word: want. It denotes desire and attachment to an idea, which can ultimately lead to stress and disappointment. But let's face it, we are human and that means wanting things, experiences, people, etc. It's the first one on that list that irks me some to admit. I was raised poor and was taught, and firmly believe, that this life is so much more about our experiences than the things we own. As I write this, I can't help but think about a Daniel Tosh skit where he states:
"Money doesn’t buy happiness.” Uh, do you live in America? ‘Cause it buys a WaveRunner. Have you ever seen a sad person on a WaveRunner? Have you? Seriously, have you? Try to frown on a WaveRunner. You can’t!"
While it's humorous, it has a hint of truth to it. As an adult I have lived dirt poor and out of my truck to owning my own home. I can tell you that having the stability that more money can bring to the table can give one a big piece of mind. Which brings me back to my wife and I. We want. We want to get out from under our student loans. We want jobs that offer us enough free time to be a family. We want jobs that offer enough money that we can occasionally treat ourselves with a vacation where can see and experience new things. We eventually want kids and to be able to provide them not just financial stability but parents that are actually there to raise them. To achieve this means that I can't just sit on past laurels. The goal is eventually PA/Grad school, through the military, and that means it's time to put up or shut up.
And so now I am here, after much discussion with my wife, sitting in a hotel lobby sipping some coffee and writing. Waiting to wake up in the morning to go get poked, prodded, and to see if I am physically able to join the service. I am sitting here waiting to see if I can make a pretty big commitment of time and energy, in hopes that the benefits that it brings to us is worth it in the long run so that we might get some of those "wants". I am not nervous and I am pretty certain, as is my wife, that this is the best way for us to achieve a better future for our family. If things go well, in terms of the right offer hitting the table, then tomorrow will mark a big decision for us. If they don't, then I am not worried. I have a wonderful wife by my side and life goes on. f nothing else, I am excited for change.
I want but I am unattached, and I am pretty ok with that.
I want but I am unattached, and I am pretty ok with that.
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