In about a week, I’m about to start a new job. Actually, I’m about to start a new career. I’m leaving the world of science to enter the world of law, which sounds like a huge leap, but really it’s a step in the right direction for me.
I’ve been really frustrated with science for some time now. The glossy sheen of geekiness has disappeared with the reality of long, unpredictable hours, unaccountable failures, and the lack of financial stability and gain in the field. I want a job where I don’t have to worry about layoffs every other year. I want a job where if I am working overtime, at least it’s at 8 pm instead of 3 am. I want a job where I get overtime or bonuses. I want my performance to determine my pay instead of my degree. I want to have the ability to work at home and not be chained to the lab. I want a job where I can wear peep-toe shoes to work! I want to be able to wear lipgloss and makeup and skirts!
The last bit should explain the majority of my blogging, because I’m not really fashion obsessed. I’m just tired of a decade of crappy jeans, t-shirts, and eyeglasses. (Not my Pradas or Chanels, but my safety glasses!) And I’m ready for a different life, a life that’s filled with stress of paperwork and deadlines instead of Class V cytotoxins and Tyvex suiting (1).
So it’s an end of an era for me and the end is rushing forward so fast. I thought this week would drag on, but it hasn’t. It has felt like everything is moving so fast around me and I’m in slow motion, trying to decipher what I need to do for next chapter in my life. And there’s a lot to do, but right now, I’m just happy to be going in a different direction and learning something new.
1. If you have ever worked in a clean room/sterile envelope with Tyvex/ventilators or ever gowned up, you know what I’m talking about.
