I am a Firefighter/Paramedic myself. Fortunately for me, my wife understands the job. Her dad was a cop. There will be many more people that will like your job but not truly understand the sacrifice that comes with it. It is a calling! My suggestion would be to look for a partner that is in the emergency medical field. They will understand the things you do and see, as well as the shift work. Finishing my degree while I worked full time and raising a family was tough but VERY rewarding. Keep your head up, time heals all wounds. Someday your ex will need someone like you and then he will be grateful that people like us can do what we do. That is when he will regret treating you this way. I am thankful I get to do this job. Chasing a pencil around a desk would kill me. Also, I can relate to the broken foot. I broke my hand my second week into medic school. 17 years later and I am still on the job.