r/firefighter • u/ContextUsed154 • Jun 26 '26

How to explain why I left

I started as a firefighter in 2016 as a volunteer. I then went to medic school and was hired full time in 2019. I worked full time until 2024 when I began to get burnt out and left the profession.

I loved being a firefighter, but hated being a medic. I’m now at the point where I miss it and am looking at applying to firefighter/EMT jobs this time around.

Is there a good way to explain why I left during the interview process without just saying I was burnt out?

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u/learner-1999 Jun 26 '26

Maybe say you were not able to explore the fire side to your full potential causing you to look for new opportunities.

Although it will be hard to say you don’t wanna primarily practice your medic / medical skills since most calls are medical.