What do you do for work?

[Margie J]

You're in research now? What did you do before? What degrees did you have then and now? I was talking to someone today about how I would be better suited for lab work, but with my degree the highest-paying jobs would be in animal research, and I definitely don't want to do that. I'd be afraid of getting stuck in yet another depressing job. And where did you find your career counselor?

Yes, I'm in research and this is the job I've done for years. So, I ended up staying put for now. Although this is not where I wanted to be I had important family issues to deal with. Considering that in the mix I decided it wasn't the best time to go back to school, etc. I stayed with the steady job. Now that my home situation has changed I'm back to the career change phase again.

My background is a little mixed. I have a BS in Psychology but since I started as a Bio major I'm just shy of a double major. I have Graduate classes in Bio under my belt too (a Thesis shy of a MS). I worked during College in a research lab also. When I graduated, Psych jobs didn't pay well and I had experience in research so I stayed with that. Through the years my job has changed from being a basic Tech doing assays and protein purifications to chemistry as projects changed and new equipment and technologies arrived. I've done and learned a lot within this one position but I'm at my peak here with little challenge or chance at advancement. Hence, the career questioning.

If you end up in the right lab the environment can be challenging and fun. Our group is rather relaxed in attitude and we certainly aren't a 9 to 5 bunch. We work hard though and that can mean late nights and weekends, all on our own time. I work in an Academic lab. Even though it's an Ivy League supported group our pay isn't wonderful. Those who work in Biotech labs make more in salary, sometimes much more plus stock options, extra benefits, etc.

The Career Counselor I used was from my Undergraduate University. They have Career Services available for Alumni whic include counseling, resume matching, interview coaching, etc. I'm putting their plan into action once again and will be attending a Law School info session this week.

If you have any other questions about lab jobs feel free to PM me.

 

[Deb & Bill]

I started out as an elementary education teacher. After two years of that I went back to school to get a Civil Engineering degree. Worked oilfield until it went bust in the early 80's. Got into technical training (combined the two degrees) and got a Masters in adult ed. Did that a while, including training users of software packages, and followed husband as he moved up with his company. I got back into Engineering - hospital facility engineering - during one of his jobs. Still in that and I love it.

If you want to change your job, find out what your passions are and see how you can turn them into a means of earning money for your family.

 

[dmslush]

Originally posted by Tuffcookie
dmslush, Bless you for the work you do! I am a secretary for a local police dept. detective bureau and I know about the work you do from watching our own victim's assistance advocate. As part of my job, I notarize the applications for the protection orders.

TC

Thanks!

 

[DMickey28]

I do need to go to a career counselor.

As far as my passons...
I love to read and learn.
I love kids and watching them grow.
I love Disney.... duh!!!!
I love paperwork and organization..... love pens, calenders... not very financially but I love to be organized at my desk at work...

I would love to go back to school to be a teacher... just afraid of the job market and not being able to get a job... should I just follow my passion and cross my fingers....

I think I have a lot of positive traits, education and experience... I am young, only 25 but I have a lot of diverse experience at least I think so!!

 

[Miffy]

DMickey28 Of course! you should follow your passion. There are always jobs for people who are passionate about what they do. Also, there's no perfect way to predict what the job market will be like in 3 or 4 years, so you might as well go for what you're interested in. Things will open up for you along the way.

Melora I sent you a pm.

--miffy--