Working in EMS is difficult, not least because of the long hours and stressful environment. However rewarding the job might be, it can be a challenge to balance your professional and personal life.
One of our Facebook fans, a current AEMT student and single mom trying to figure out how to juggle shifts, care for her son and afford it all, asked us for some advice. How do you balance a demanding EMS work schedule while still being there for your family?
Here are the top advice tidbits that are sure to help this mom and others:
1. “You need good friends, a supportive family and a desire to be in the business. It will all work out; it just takes a little getting used to.” – Raquel Horky
2. “If someone you work with is in the same situation as you and you work different shifts, arrange to watch each other’s children when you’re off.” – Jim Stanley
3. “If you don’t have family close, I suggest doing 12-hour shifts, which is still hard, but there is good after-school care available, too.” – Leslie Franklin
4. “Inquire from fellow students and co-workers on how they do it and if they have anyone to recommend. We are a huge network.” – Martin F. Samaniego
5. “You might want to look at departments that offer child care or have split shifts. It’s important to spend your time off with the children and recharge your batteries because this can be a tough job and wear you down if you’re not grounded in reality.” – Glenn C. Gerber
Have more to add? Add your words of wisdom by commenting below!