I have a chemistry degree and I’ve been working in labs since I graduated college a handful of years ago. There are definitely fun parts like not sitting at a desk all day, working with my hands, and problem solving with equipment. Overall, I’d say I haven’t loved working in a lab like college me thought I would. It’s been, fine.
All that said, I recently accepted a new role that won’t be lab based. I’ll be helping with lab audits and troubleshooting. I’ll visit labs but my day-to-day work won’t be in one. I’m very excited about the new opportunity. (It’s worth mentioning there are some other issues at my current company, that I’m very much looking forward to getting away from.)
I put in my notice at my current job (lab-based), so I have a limited number of days left. While wrapping up my lab work, I’m starting to get a little nostalgic. Admittedly, I’m getting a little caught up in my title and work, and potentially not being/feeling like a scientist anymore.
For those of you that have changed work environments or job types, can you share your experiences? I’d love to hear some success stories of people that don’t wear a lab coat anymore but are still kicking a$$ as a woman in stem.
Tl;dr took a new job outside of the lab and getting a bit anxious to change things up. Looking for some feel good stories from others to calm my nerves.