The answer to your question is one of self-soul searching. It is a huge investment of time, if you would have in mind to make it a future career choice, like Matt then go for the full EMT-P. If not, run as an EMT-B for a few years as a volunteer and see if the EMS bug bites you. If so, then you will have more of a reason/validation to take the EMT-CC/EMT-I level training and may make convincing your family that all that time spent away from the family and family activities is worth while.

I wish you luck whatever your decision might be and know it will be very self-satisfying and worthwhile endeavor.

Pete