That is exactly what Dunedin-born senior firefighter Mike Stanley (47) did late last year, resigning from the Fire Service after a 20-year career, almost all of it in Invercargill.
For the previous four years he had worked part-time, studying for a teaching qualification through the University of Otago's Invercargill campus.
After resigning, he tackled the final phase of teacher training full-time this year.
"I was looking for a challenge. I was looking for a change."
Frontline firefighting was what he had always revelled in - "riding on the trucks and going to the fires".
"The only option for promotion for me would be sitting in an office. That didn't really interest me.
"The guys at the fire station thought I was crazy, taking time off work to be a student and start on a salary that was way below what I was on."
These days, his former colleagues do understand.
Mr Stanley, who lived in Dunedin until the age of 26, said that ending his firefighting career was a wrench.
But he had no regrets.
Today, he takes a big step into his new career as a primary school teacher when he graduates from Otago University with a bachelor of education degree in primary teaching.
He will be one of about 50 graduands who will graduate through the university's Invercargill campus.
Eight of will graduate at a 9.30am ceremony at the Murihiku marae, and the rest at a second function at 3.30pm, at the Civic Theatre.
His parents, Jack and Joan Stanley, of Sawyers Bay, will be present this afternoon.
Mr Stanley jun has landed a full-time job, at Otatara School, near Invercargill, where he taught this year during his final practical training.
"They're doing some exciting and innovative things out there."
His wife, Isabel, teaches at Windsor North School.
"At the end of the day, it's not really about the money. It's about starting a new challenge and doing what I enjoy."
