The corona pandemic exposes dissatisfaction that we often suppress. Whether at work or in private, suddenly the question of what makes sense is knocking on the inner door. And sometimes the answer is that it makes sense to start over. We talked to the former moderator Tobi Schlegl about his new start as an emergency paramedic and what this decision has changed in his life.
Normal life has disappeared due to the corona pandemic. People suddenly have to deal with things in their life that were previously under Work, everyday life and stress have hidden. For example, if you are not satisfied in your job, this becomes clearer during this time when external distraction is in short supply. The Ask about the meaning behind it and why you actually do certain things come to the fore.
Anyone who is satisfied with their everyday life will simply be happy when everything goes back to normal. Yet those who are unhappy may have just got through this crisis the chance to bravely break out of your hamster wheel and start all over again. Because that can also be the pandemic, an opportunity to question your own life and change things that have probably been depressing you for a long time.
We have with the former presenter Tobi Schlegl spoken, who at the age of 40 made a conscious decision to start over from scratch. He turned his back on the world of TV and today brings both worlds together after training as an emergency paramedic. In his Podcast “2Retter1Mikro” he lets people participate in his work as an emergency paramedic. We talked to him about why he decided to start over and what that changed in his life.
Hello Tobi, how are you doing right now?
Quite well. The pandemic is a bit on the nerves. In my Job as a paramedic it definitely made the work much more arduous. After every Corona mission, the ambulance must be completely disinfected by the crew. You really know what you did at the end of the day. Fortunately, I work part-time in the emergency services and so I have a few more recovery phases in between than the full-time employees.
RTW instead of TV, what made you take this step back then?
I still wanted to do something completely different once. Something completely relevant. Help people. To give something back. And what’s more relevant than being part of a lifesaver? That’s why I quit my moderation job at ZDF and completed a three-year training as an emergency paramedic. Full time.
After my training, I combined the old job as a moderator and the new one as a paramedic. Because the working conditions in the ambulance service are troublesome. Even many people in their early 20s can quickly get out of their jobs. But in combination it is feasible.
Are you happier professionally today than 5 years ago and if so, why?
Definitely yes. At least I wanted to save a life as a team and I actually did that. And not just once. An indescribable feeling. Besides, it’s good to just dare to do something. To take a risk. And to follow what your heart, head and stomach are saying. This is how you can be really happy.
Is there anything that bothers you about your job as an emergency paramedic?
The heavy workload. Twelve hour shifts. Shift work. Paramedics work full time 48 hours a week. So a good 9 hours more per week than any other employee. Then there is the mental stress. You see things that you couldn’t prepare for. And then there are people who dial 112 too quickly, even though they would be better off with a family doctor. It’s frustrating. But these are structures that don’t have to stay that way. That’s why I’m fighting for a change.
Read also: Social engagement: why it is good for you too
You haven’t completely turned your back on the media world. What made you choose your new podcast “2Retter1Mikro” and what is it about?
With this podcast I can connect both worlds. The world of the moderator and reporter and the world of the paramedic. I can offer people from the rescue service and nursing a stage. This is important because there is an absolute shortage of staff in both areas and you have to talk about the things that are changing have to change politically. We can also tell incredible patient stories. And at the end there is a small first aid school for everyone. This is absolutely necessary because in my missions I notice again and again how little people can do first aid and how confident they are.
What would you give to all those who are also thinking about starting all over again?
You don’t have to do it as radically as I do and quit everything from now on. One can for example sometimes gaining experience through volunteering and think about whether you could possibly combine two jobs. But still the following applies: Be brave, dare to do something. It pays off. Says my experience.
Thank you for the time and the interview.
Tobias Schlegl (44) is known to most as a radio and TV presenter. At the age of 40, the former VIVA moderator decided to start over and completed his training as an emergency paramedic. In addition to his job as an emergency paramedic, he also works as a writer, musician and podcaster. His debut novel “Schockraum” is about the life of a young paramedic. He has moderated the “2Retter1Mikro” podcast since January 2021 and speaks to colleagues about everyday life in the rescue service and care, their experiences and working conditions.
Learn more about the #weltverbesserer
More #weltverbessern:
- A fresh start requires courage and should be considered carefully
- I can do that too: women in men’s jobs and men in women’s jobs
- This is how you regain control
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