drrich2
Contributor
Aside from the inadvertent consequences of spousal choice, contraceptive failure and carelessness, long-range plans about a minimum # of kids don't always pan out.
A small house commuting distance from an area with good sea conditions might cost more than you think. Some people think higher income is about owning a mansion and driving a luxury car. Often it's about a comfortable home in a safe neighborhood and sending your kid(s) to a better school, and maybe a retirement that isn't spent on Social Security in the projects.
Be aware you'll need a number of college Chemistry classes in the pursuit of a Biology degree. And the knowledge to understand a lot of what goes on in Biology and Ecology. You don't have to have a degree in it, true.
Some Ph.D's pursue teaching jobs in college, but from what I've seen years ago in other 'hard sciences' and heard about the academic career path, it was my understanding that....
1.) The pay was laughable considering all the years, labor & high achievement put in to get there.
2.) Once hired, a person stayed 5 years hoping to 'publish or perish' and build the support needed in the 1st 4 to get the coveted tenure. If not granted tenure, the person would likely leave, go to another University and start over. No small thing if you graduated high school at 18, college with a Bachelor's at 22, grad. school with a Ph.D. at 26 (if you are lucky!) then (if we ignore the possibility you're doing 'post-doc.' work awhile before you get a long-term job) at age 31 discover it's time to pack up and seek an academic job elsewhere.
May not be that way everywhere, but it was been some, so be aware.
Mason, I don't think anyone here wishes you anything but good. 'Tough love' is often the best gift one can give early on.
"Life is what happens while you are busy making other plans" - John Lennon. The truth in his statement is something those of us a bit older can savor more deeply.
Richard.
A small house commuting distance from an area with good sea conditions might cost more than you think. Some people think higher income is about owning a mansion and driving a luxury car. Often it's about a comfortable home in a safe neighborhood and sending your kid(s) to a better school, and maybe a retirement that isn't spent on Social Security in the projects.
I definitely don't want to get in degree in chemistry, math, or physics but I am getting a PhD in Marine Biology and a Bachelors in Conservation Science.
Be aware you'll need a number of college Chemistry classes in the pursuit of a Biology degree. And the knowledge to understand a lot of what goes on in Biology and Ecology. You don't have to have a degree in it, true.
Some Ph.D's pursue teaching jobs in college, but from what I've seen years ago in other 'hard sciences' and heard about the academic career path, it was my understanding that....
1.) The pay was laughable considering all the years, labor & high achievement put in to get there.
2.) Once hired, a person stayed 5 years hoping to 'publish or perish' and build the support needed in the 1st 4 to get the coveted tenure. If not granted tenure, the person would likely leave, go to another University and start over. No small thing if you graduated high school at 18, college with a Bachelor's at 22, grad. school with a Ph.D. at 26 (if you are lucky!) then (if we ignore the possibility you're doing 'post-doc.' work awhile before you get a long-term job) at age 31 discover it's time to pack up and seek an academic job elsewhere.
May not be that way everywhere, but it was been some, so be aware.
Mason, I don't think anyone here wishes you anything but good. 'Tough love' is often the best gift one can give early on.
"Life is what happens while you are busy making other plans" - John Lennon. The truth in his statement is something those of us a bit older can savor more deeply.
Richard.