Hi,
Are there any Life Scientists out there that left their career in biotech for something else? If so, what did you do instead?
Background:
I am currently a Principal Scientist in a drug discovery biotech, but I feel trapped. I love science, but I can't handle the environment anymore. I can't deal with the hyper competitiveness anymore, the "constantly on" attitude (because obviously we love science so much), the hypercritical environment (yes - I know critical examination of data is important...).
I find it so hard to combine my work with childcare: I am still partially at the bench, but have three children that need picking up. Child drop offs/pick ups are usually on me as my husband has long working hours in healthcare. I feel judged when I have to go to pick up my children as everyone else seems to stay late (and no: it is not in my hand, my commitment to work was questioned!).
Maybe it can be solved by a company change, but as this is not the only job I have held in industry, I feel this is endemic and part of the work culture. Will a change to Big Pharma solve the problem?
At the moment, I have a very strong urge to leave science altogether for an alternative job. However, I have no idea what alternatives are out there.
So: did you change from a scientific position to something else? if so, what did you do and do you regret your choices?
Thanks