Just for fun, here my top 15 reasons for being a scientist. Add your own reasons in the comments below if you so wish.
- Not being stuck behind a desk all day every day
- Conferences… see the world for free
- Understanding some of the fundamentals of life and the universe (and if you want to know whether the bug’s bitten you for good, here are 20 telling signs you’re a scientist)
- Getting paid to do something you can actually enjoy
- Realising just how little understanding we have of life and the universe
- Having the freedom to plan & execute your work (If you are a PhD student you may have to wait until you have finished your studies for this one!)
- People believe what you say (trust me I’m a “doctor”)
- Not having to wear a suit to work every day (could you imagine that?)
- Getting paid to think creatively
- If it doesn’t work, it’s not your fault. Most things don’t work anyway – this is research!
- Getting paid to think logically and innovate
- Lab coats – even less need to dress smart for work.
- 1You can work in nearly any country in the world that you choose (you can even take the lab to the people — see how a mobile lab brings science to the masses)
- Owning a bunsen burner (or the equivalent gadget for your specialization)
- Your mother/father/grandmother thinks you are a genius (unless he/she is a scientist too!)
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