That is how Carlton Irving has managed to work 100-hour weeks as a paramedic and be a dad to his seven children, all while studying to become a doctor.
The 46-year-old yesterday said those long hours were worth it, as he prepares to graduate from the University of Otago today with a bachelor of medicine and a bachelor of surgery.
When he left school, he wanted to study medicine, but the cost was too prohibitive for him and his family.
"I had to shelve that dream and go on and do other things."
So he did the next-best thing and trained to become a paramedic.
But six years ago, he decided it was time to realise his dream of becoming a doctor and he started studying medicine in Dunedin.
Being Māori (Te Whakatōhea, Te Ūpokorehe), he was also driven to become a doctor because he wanted to see more equity in the health system.
Unfortunately, the student allowance did not cover the costs of childcare, schooling, groceries and rent, so he continued to work as a paramedic in ambulances and rescue helicopters to keep his family’s finances afloat.
"I’ve pumped out ridiculous hours to get through med school.
Asked how he had managed to get through the past six years, he said: "A lot of coffee, and a lot of support from the most beautiful and forgiving and supportive wife on the planet.
"She’s been so amazing. I couldn’t have done it without her," Mr Irving said.
He believed the busier people were, the more efficient they became and he had become a very well-organised machine.
He said he had sacrificed a lot of time with his family, but it had all been worth it.
"I find joy in doing good for others."
He was now looking forward to starting work as a part-time house officer at Hastings Hospital, in Hawke’s Bay.
"The reality is, it will be less hours than I’ve been doing up until now and I’ll be getting paid for it.
"So I’m definitely looking forward to spending more time with my family — 100%."
