From Marketing VP to EMT: A 61-Year-Old’s Life-Changing Career Shift
Health 10 days ago
After decades in tech marketing, Stephen Condon traded boardrooms for ambulances at 61. Despite earning over $200,000 annually, he felt unfulfilled and isolated in remote roles. A 10-week EMT course with 20-year-old classmates reignited his passion for hands-on work. “It’s a career AI won’t replace,” he says, valuing the human connection and life-saving skills.
Now earning $18.25 hourly, Condon works four night shifts weekly, transporting patients and responding to emergencies. The physical demands—like lifting 300-pound gurneys—improved his health, replacing weeknight drinks with ocean swims and morning workouts. Challenging calls, like stabilizing critical patients during short transports, keep the job unpredictable. “A two-hour drive feels like 20 minutes when chatting with a young partner,” he laughs.
With his wife retiring soon, Condon eyes roles as an emergency department technician or retirement community EMT for better benefits. He even jokes about working at LEGOLAND. “This pivot taught me it’s never too late to find purpose,” he reflects, proving emergency medicine isn’t just for the young.