HORSHAM'S Roger Murray never wanted to be a "cynical old man" discontent with how his life had played out.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
At not-quite-60 years old, he's yet to fall into the "old" category. It seems unlikely he could ever be labelled with the cynical tag, either.
This week Mr Murray celebrated 35 years in his career as a paramedic.
And he wouldn't change a thing.
"I've been very, very blessed," he said.
Mr Murray joined the Horsham Ambulance Victoria unit in 1985, at 25 years old.
He had previously worked as a labourer.
"The honest thing is I wanted a better job - something I could work at for a career," he said.
He liked to help people, and working as a paramedic gave him the opportunity to do just that.
"I fell into what was suitable for my personality," he said.
Mr Murray said he loved feeling a part of his community.
"You go out and see people you treated, or you picked their father up," he said.
"I like being part of that."
He also loves his Ambulance Victoria community. He is the longest-serving member of the Horsham team.
"We've got a good group," he said.
Mr Murray began his career at a time when most people wanted to be a plumber or builder.
"Back in our day it was not seen as a top-10 profession," he said.
Mr Murray said the industry had experienced a number of other changes over the years as well.
When he first started, it was an all-male profession. Trainees did a combination of classes and on-the-job training to learn their skills - not three years at university.
On the job, paramedics had just oxygen and one analgesic at their disposal for patients.
"We've come leaps and bounds with clinical practice," Mr Murray said.
"The ones who are coming out new are just so well-educated."
Mr Murray used to help with clinical industry, but he stopped a few years ago.
"You know when it's time to hand that on to someone else," he said.
Mr Murray is pragmatic about his career as he contemplates more time with his grandchildren in the future.
He said he would probably hang around for another two years.
I can honestly say I would do my career again
- Roger Murray, Horsham paramedic
"I've got more to give but I can see (that time) coming," he said.
"It's time to pass the baton on. I know where I'm at."
Mr Murray said there were tough days on the job, but overall he loved it.
He said some people looked back on their careers and saw only regrets.
"I wouldn't agree," he said. "There's nothing I would change - I'd do it again.
"Every job has its days, but that's just life.
"Getting old is something I've always challenged myself not to get cynical about.
"I can honestly say I would do my career again."
Did you know you can receive updates from the Wimmera Mail-Times straight to your inbox? To make sure you're up-to-date with news from across the region, sign up below.