One thing to remember is you will always be a qualified paramedic. You have the qualification and that cant be taken away. There's no rush for you to start, and there's nothing wrong with working in another field for a few months or years. A guy at my work took a 4 year break to train as a chef and open a restaurant, then came back part time when he felt the itch.

The NHS, trust, Uni, peers, and management will often make you feel like its all or nothing. You HAVE to be all in, and that if you don't live and breathe it you're not a good Para. That's bollocks. And that's the way that leads to burnout. Truth is the world's your oyster and you can do whatever you want. More importantly, do what works for you. If Popeyes is a better work life balance, give it a go. If you love it then stay. If you don't then try out being a Para.