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Original poster

Feeling lost with my career

5 replies

01mex · 30/01/2025 13:08

Hi! I’m at such a loss, I feel like I’ve failed because I don’t know what to do with my career.

i recently qualified as a paramedic with a first but being out on the road isn’t for me now I am a mum to a 18 month old covering childcare for shift work is hard even with nursery which is an absolute fortune. The shift work 3 days on 2 nights on then 4 off wasn’t working for my family I was doing 60 hours I was exhausted. and I would really like another baby this shift pattern does not work you have to be married to your job.

I recently started an apprenticeship to become a nurse as I thought a nurse would give me more opportunities. However it’s 4 years Monday - Friday and unsure if the funding will be accessible the whole way. I’m hating being a student again especially at this level and I feel I have so much passion along side knowledge ( yes I do have things to learn I suppose ) but I’m hating starting from the bottom when I’m already a qualified health professional. The MSc Uni route isn’t do able due to finances the student loan wasn’t enough I have a Mortgage to pay. I just want to be with my little girl more! The 5 week days ( not evenings) away from each other is hard and expensive. I’m sure I’m not the only mum who feels like this.

I just don’t know what to do with my carer and I am a loss I’m looking every day for job roles that would suit me still in health care but all gp’s, call clinicians, prisons etc that I could do with my paramedic degree all depend on finishing newly qualified phase which I haven’t and can’t do as it can only be done on ambulance. I suppose I could apply for a job in the call centre as a call handler but that would be at a lower pay.

no point really to this post just looking for some hopeful advice as I feel absolutely awful right now! I don’t know if I am just overly hormonal …

OP posts:
Wordless · 31/01/2025 16:00

Bumping …

CorsicaDreaming · 02/02/2025 16:42

@01mex
It's not my career area so quite general ideas - it sounds like an emergency 999 call centre role could work well for you now given your caring responsibilities and would build up a lot of useful knowledge and experience dealing with the general public when they are in extremis and absolutely need your urgent support (it's a heroic job in my view).

Then go back to finish off the hands on ambulance training to allow you to qualify and progress in a year or two once your baby is older. Down side is less pay now but if that is financially do-able, you will then get support with nursery fees when your child is older and you return.

I wonder if it might be worth starting a thread with a more specific title such as "advice from paramedics/medical professionals on alternative career routes please"
You might get more responses with a more specific title.

CantHoldMeDown · 02/02/2025 20:16

This reply has been withdrawn

This has been withdrawn by MNHQ at the poster's request.

Original poster
01mex · 06/02/2025 13:26

This reply has been deleted

This has been withdrawn by MNHQ at the poster's request.

Thanks. My idea behind the nursing apprenticeship was it offers me more flexibility and job roles when I’ve finished and my hours atm with the apprenticeship are Monday - Friday 8-5 so the hours are better. I just have to start from the bottom which is frustrating and awful pay. Thanks for the reply

OP posts:
Original poster
01mex · 06/02/2025 13:30

CorsicaDreaming · 02/02/2025 16:42

@01mex
It's not my career area so quite general ideas - it sounds like an emergency 999 call centre role could work well for you now given your caring responsibilities and would build up a lot of useful knowledge and experience dealing with the general public when they are in extremis and absolutely need your urgent support (it's a heroic job in my view).

Then go back to finish off the hands on ambulance training to allow you to qualify and progress in a year or two once your baby is older. Down side is less pay now but if that is financially do-able, you will then get support with nursery fees when your child is older and you return.

I wonder if it might be worth starting a thread with a more specific title such as "advice from paramedics/medical professionals on alternative career routes please"
You might get more responses with a more specific title.

Yes I agree the call handler role it’s definitely on my mind atm thankyou. I am actually a qualified paramedic the tricky thing is no access to other jobs outside the ambulance service unless I do the NQP period which I don’t think I’m wanting to do atm I’m kind of stuck and feel so let down. Thanks for your reply

OP posts:
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