Alternative careers for biologist?
I have reached a point that I absolutely HATE my new job (science teacher at a high school/first year). I was hoping that other posters could brainstorm or think of options that I have not thought about - I plan to do a lot of work (informational interviews to reading career alternative books) - but this post may give me new ideas!
I am a bit worried as I frequently become bored with jobs and what I am looking for may not exist.
I have a Ph.D. in a neuro field. I hated research but subsequently enjoyed teaching college courses (everything from intro biology to advanced courses, especially reading and discussing recent literature with students).
My own interests that have evolved over the years although not in my field - I love anatomy. In grad school, I taught myself basic anatomy, enough to teach anatomy labs. I had a chance to teach human anatomy at a small college - loved working with cadavers, although I am not an anatomist. Taught comparative anatomy and loved that too - again, dissecting, looking at bones, etc.
I enjoy reading about science (NY Times science section) to keeping up with what is new in the field (mental health, pharmacology, genetic studies) - a bit broad, but again, I don't want to do research. I am interested in psychiatric disorders - mainly because those close to me have been severely affected. Also really enjoyed psychopharmacology and neurochemistry in graduate school.
I have also been interested in diseases (how do they work?).
Finally, I do not want to work in development, but I feel passionate about world events especially in some of the African countries (i.e., Aids). I loved overseas a few years as a volunteer in Africa.
I am not really a people person - very introverted/shy - although I did relate well to college students (connected through the material).
I've been dissatisfied with high school teaching because (besides the fact that as a first year teacher, I have a wild class) - it does not seem to be intellectually challenging, it is riddled with emotions (=high school students), I miss the creativity and freedom, and most of my job no longer involves the field I love, biology. I actually want out of the job now but am trying to hold on until the end of the academic year.
I am in my 30s. I am also committed to living in the New York city area (that is actually why I took this job).
I would love to have free time for my other interests, whether it be museums, biking, reading or staring at the wall. Or maybe there is a job that incorporates other interests too?
posted by Wolfster
on Dec 4, 2005 -
14 answers
