Once upon a time I was browsing on Pinterest (as I always do...) and stumbled upon this picture:
I found it to be very appropriate seeing as how I was just having a conversation with my buddies about this a few days ago while sitting on the beach one evening. All three of us are biologists and share a love of environmental science and conservation. Although we have chosen to take slightly different paths within the field, our roots are all the same. Before long we found ourselves complaining about life's little challenges that everyone has to face at some point or another...you know 1) Financial hardship 2) Working conflicts 3) Relationships with friends/family 4) Too many tourists in the area 5) The waves being too big to ride (boo hoo, right?). We then got on the topic of our careers and couldn't help but laugh at all of the previous venting we had just done. We realized that well, quite frankly, we're living the dream! So for today's blog post, I want to share some of the amazing perks (and downfalls) to choosing this career path. Also, I want to ask you guys, what made you chose yours? What keeps you pushing through?
I didn't always know that I wanted to be a biologist. In second grade when my teacher asked us all what we wanted to be when we grew up, I responded with the following: paleontologist, killer whale trainer, marine biologist, veterinarian, musician, jockey, and astronaut, depending on which day of the week it was. You know, all of the stereotypical cool jobs that nobody actually think is attainable. I'm also pretty sure at one point I wanted to BE a horse. Not a job that involved horses...just BE a horse. Let me mane and tail fly freely in the wind. Be able to run faster and jump higher. Eat grass. No paying taxes. The good life. Unfortunately, I wasn't born with Animorph skills so I guess I'll settle for the human life.
Why? Just...why?
I could write an entire blog post about when/why I chose this path, but to save some time I'll wait until later. Alright let's begin.
The Perks of Being a Biologist
1) Travel
Whether it be for research/conservation purposes, attending a conference with other nerdy people, or a new job, one of the perks to this field is being able to see new places. I don't know about you guys, but I can't stay in the same place for TOO long. Perhaps it's because of my age and curiosity, but I WANT TO SEE EVERYTHING AND BE EVERYWHERE! Being able to travel gets you out of your comfort zone and allows you to experience new cultures and scenery, but you also do quite a bit of growing and learn a lot about yourself! (Cheesy, but true)
This is one adventure I'll pass on.
2) SCUBA!
This is more specific to marine/freshwater biology of course, but man OH man. I cannot even begin to tell you guys how happy I am that I made this decision (and you should try it, too!). I mean, I had to for my career anyway, BUT STILL...BEST THING EVER. This sort of ties into my next topic of wildlife/scenery, but let me explain.
Between the ability to breath under water, feeling weightless, exploring, and just being in an entirely different world, I could go on forever about how awesome it is. Seeing it on TV and actually experiencing it are two completely different things. Things that I thought I would be terrified of (like sharks and barracuda) make you feel humbled and put you in this sort of daze while you're under water (or maybe I was just narked...who knows). Plus, as someone with a marine science background, it only makes sense to experience what I'm trying to conserve, right? I hear some people out there right now... "MmMMmm you ain't gon catch me cuba divin' wif dem sharks!"
3) The AMAZING wildlife/scenery
Loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) not diggin' all this paparazzi.
Pretty self-explanatory. From endangered species of sea turtles to poisonous dart frogs to birds of prey, I am very fortunate to have worked with some incredible species. Already at the age of 24 I have experienced things that some people would give an arm and a leg to do and for that I am incredibly grateful! Just another perk to being a biologist/animal lover...
4) Being Active
I don't just mean being physically active, you know, climbing Mt. Everest and what not, I mean active in making a difference. Sure, not every scientist is directly involved, but in some way it is going to make a difference. Whether it be for medical reasons, protecting the local species of squirrel (squirrels need love, too), engineering, etc. Whatever the reason may be, you're being active! Not every person can say this. To see the difference you're making is even more incredible! Once again, just another perk.
I just love chemistry cat. (don't judge)
5) The People
Last, but certainly NOT least, the people that you meet in this field are absolutely incredible. To be surrounded by people THAT UNDERSTAND YOU and make you realize that you're not the only crazed/weird person out there that cares about all of the "dorky stuff". There are surprisingly a lot of us out there! (Beware...) In fact, I met some like-minded people the other night at the bar who have apparently been in this small town for quite some time and I was just NOW meeting them! All it took were some simple words "I majored in blah blah blah SCIENCE" and it was all over. No worries my non-sciencey friends because I still love y'all, too.
Someone to talk nerdy with...thank God.
The Downfalls To Being A Biologist
Between the adventures, the people, the wildlife, and the overall amazing experiences that come along with this field, there are obviously some downfalls to this lifestyle. Here are some of the ones that I have personally struggled with:
1) You are always broke...end of story
Cool job = crappy pay. That's just the harsh reality. There are some exceptions, but for the most part, most scientists/zookeepers don't make jack diddly squat. So if you plan on being rich, don't become an animal trainer/zookeeper! However, if you want a "rich" and fulfilling life, than you chose the right path ;)
This happens too often for me.
2) Competition
Cool job = crappy pay AND competition! Yes, nowadays jobs are not easy to come by in general, but especially in this field. Everybody wants a fun job. We all have this expectation of graduating college and having our dream job right after we step out of the gymnasium doors, but there are few and far in between that are THAT lucky (if you are one of these people, high five!). It usually takes several months if not years of persistence (aka applying a bazillion times) before you land your dream job. The fact that you are 1) specialized 2) there aren't that many jobs readily available 3) most people stick with their job and don't leave 4) blah blah blah, puts you in a hard spot. YOU MEAN I SPENT 4-5 YEARS BREAKING MY BACK TO GET A BACHELOR OF SCIENCE DEGREE TO WORK AT MCDONALD'S???? A lot of us have to flip burgers just to get by until we have a breakthrough. You almost feel embarrassed and ashamed. You shouldn't, but it's not what we expected. At some point you may even feel like you're "too good" for that kind of job and become cynical or bitter (don't let this happen to you). Everything happens for a reason. Luckily it's not forever!
So it has come to this.
3) Relationships
Just like being able to travel is one of the perks of being a biologist, it is also a downfall. If you're constantly moving from one place to another trying to gain experience, or to take advantage of new job opportunities, it starts to wear on your personal relationships with family, friends, and significant others. Not to mention you're really busy! Sure, the job is awesome which helps to fuel the flame, but it's difficult to balance everything out sometimes. With that being said, I think this is something that everyone struggles with...not just scientists/zookeepers/trainers! Aside from balance, my relationship with my parents has sometimes been on edge simply because they don't seem to understand what it's like for recent graduates. Jobs were simply easier to come by when they were my age. There is this constant tug-of-war with wanting to be COMPLETELY independent, yet you're still having to rely on them somewhat for support until a full-time job comes through for you. I am very thankful to have this support, but sheesh I can't go a day without the "when are you going to get a real job" talk. Jeez guys, I'm trying!
All in all, I have not a single doubt in my mind that I made the right decision about my career path. Regardless of the occasional doubts and life's little struggles, the rewards have been well worth it. I know that for a fact because I've been through this process many times already. When people ask me what I do for a living I always get a little giddy on the inside. Actually being happy at work and being proud of what you do overrides everything that may temporarily bring you down. My goal is to set up a life that I enjoy and don't feel the need to escape from. So tell me guys, what are the ups and downs to your career?
Typical day...no big deal.
