How long do I have to think about what to retrain in?

[Bontanics]

I don't like my job, I'm not interested in the field anymore its effecting my performance because I just don't care. I work in data/systems and whilst I could still progress to a higher salary I'm effectively just moving numbers on screens and I don't want to do this for the rest of my life. I've thought about this for many months now.

I've spent a lot of time thinking about what I don't want to do but I haven't really been spending a lot of time thinking about what I do want to do, until last weekend. I've suddenly got it into my head that I could be a paramedic. I've researched training pathways and as I've never been an undergraduate before I think I would qualify for funding. I've written out the pros and the cons of the job. I don't have children/family commitments so shift work isn't an issue. I want purpose and a sense of accomplishment at the end of the working day. I'm resilient and could easily manage the hard work. I also want a bit of security and not have to worry about ever increasing KPI's set by the boss plucked from thin air and totally unachievable.

I know NHS is on its arse on a systematic level and being a Paramedic means I can still make a difference to people's lives now and surely in 10-20 years time I could be part of that systematic change to improve paramedic medicine and my current system logic skills could be a strong advantage to this.

So, I've been thinking about it LOADS but only for the last 5-6 days but I'm acutely aware that I'm very impulsive and when I have an idea I just want to make a start. How much longer do I have to consider it before I just jump in and start an access course?

I'm impulsive too, so I get what you mean. But maybe the next step for you could be doing some kind of healthcare/hospital volunteering or work experience (you may need to do this to even get onto a course in the first place? I don't know, not my area) and seeing how you find it? You could do this asap to scratch the itch of feeling like you're doing something, and to meet some people already doing similar work, then take it from there.

You're right they do require some caring experience which I have but over 5 years ago so I'm not sure how relevant it is but I intend to start volunteering in my community ASAP for experience. I'll start the access course now whilst I'm earning and save money to live off when in full time study.

I've brainstormed ideas why I want to do this. What makes me think I'd be good at this, what makes a good para and I honestly cant think of anything else I'd want to do. I've got a training plan, finance plan and I've checked out Unis that offer the course. Checked every resource I can to find out what it would be like (student room, faceache, YouTube videos, nhs sites, trust sites)

On paper it's all planned out and I've checked the possible routes how to get there but how do I know this is my calling after only a few days of considering it? Do I keep looking in case there's something else?

I really want to just go for it but I'm just worried that I'm just running towards it because I want to run away from my job right now.

You've done all of that after only a few days of considering it? That's some impressive pace!

I wouldn't keep looking for other things if you're excited about this. I think I'd just try to slow down a little, take it one step at a time, and let it sink into your mind a bit further while you do much more research. Read some books about it maybe. Have you read memoirs about being a paramedic? Blood Sweat and Tea by Tom Reynolds is meant to be good, and Can You Hear Me by Jake Jones.

When's the application deadline for the courses? Have you spoken to family/friends/a partner/people who know you really well about what you're thinking? Sometimes it helps to hear someone you love say "Oh yes, I can totally see you doing X".

The only other thing I can think of would be to talk to some paramedics or do some shadowing.

If you signed up now, what would the consequences be to back out ie can you sign up with no penalty for a few months and just sit with decision to see how it feels?

Thank you for those book recommendations I will have a read of those.

Dh is supportive and is encouraging me to make a start whenever I feel ready. My DM went back as a mature student and my niece is newly qualified midwife so maybe I'll ask their perspectives.

I think the only consequences I would have if I were to make a start and find out I don't really want to do it several month down the line would be the financial cost of the access course which wouldn't be a problem and I don't really think learning subject is a bad thing even if it doesn't eventually what I end up doing.

Sounds exciting OP! You really need to look at what you need to get onto the glide green programme mind, and double check that whatever you do meets the university's you are interested in applying to requirements. University admissions are normally very good for this.
Getting some experience in a healthcare setting is a great idea. You need to show your 'people' skills. How you cope in stressful situations etc.

Have you looked into the pathway of getting in via being a band 4 and getting on the job training?
I often work in ED. A lot of amazing paramedics are increasingly frustrated at spending whole shifts (and more) parked outside ED with their patient awaiting a bed in ED. Shifts often run over the schedule. A lot of mental health call outs I believe as well. Speak to as many people doing the job as possible. Try and get a real insight for it.
I'm guessing an access course would also open up the doors to other health related courses as well?

Access courses generally start in September of each year so you’ll have a while, although the application deadlines will vary college to college.

I agree with PP that you need to do some healthcare work exp and speak to paramedics if you can to make sure it’s for you. You’ll be able to pull out of most access courses up until the start date without owing fees.