-
Asked by Big G Dawg to Francesca, Laura, Matthew, Andrew, Rebecca on 7 Nov 2014. This question was also asked by 624spea27, Ajay.
-
Matthew Camilleri answered on 7 Nov 2014:
When you choose a career one should do so because he loves the work he is going to do.
Having said that money is important because it can help you live a comfortable life, and most scientific jobs do pay you enough money to do so. I love science, and I want to be able to make a difference, which helped me take a decision to do a PhD, which does not pay as much as normal science jobs, but hopefully it will be a good stepping stone for a good high salary job.
-
-
Rebecca Ingle answered on 7 Nov 2014:
I think it depends a lot on what you consider ‘a good wage.’ Sadly most scientist don’t earn as much as premiership footballers!
Generally scientists earn less in academia (doing research/teaching in universities) then they do in industry. However, most chemistry graduates will earn £20,000+ in their first graduate job in chemistry so it’s hardly badly paid. Most of my friends with chemistry degrees also found it a lot easier to get jobs than people with English and History degrees.
In the UK, most PhDs are funded by either a company or the government so you are paid whilst you study (generally around £14,000 but it is tax free which it equivalent to a much higher salary.)
I’d say science isn’t as well paid as being a medical doctor or something like that but I wouldn’t say most science jobs are badly paid either. Also, as there aren’t as many science graduates, you’ve often got a better chance of getting a job too.
-
Francesca Palombo answered on 8 Nov 2014:
Probably not, but the advantage of freedom of mind and flexible hours at work is more important than wage, in my opinion.
-
Laura Schofield answered on 8 Nov 2014:
It honestly depends on what you go into. Unfortunately as the others have said, it’s not something you would do to get rich quick. There are lots of routes to making a lot of money though! Being a chief researcher in a company is pretty well paid and if you stay in a University and become a Professor it is good money. As Rebecca said, doing science gives you more chance of getting a higher paid job but doesn’t guarantee anything.
-
Andrew McKinley answered on 10 Nov 2014:
I could earn more money elsewhere. But I would not be happy in what I do.
I do not define my job by my salary – I have enough money coming in; pays for my house, my bills, my food and my travel. I can also afford the occasional luxury, and I have enough to save for the “rainy day” fund.That said, I am not paid badly; I am well above the ‘average wage’, and I will, in all likelihood, never have to worry about money.
If you want to be rich, that’s fine – and I fully respect that. But you don’t get to complain about your job 😉
Comments