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To preface I’ll provide some personal information, I am a 26 year old male. I went to University to study Biomedical Science, but after a particularly traumatic personal situation in my second year I dropped out. In September I will complete my BSc in Health Sciences with the Open University, with a projected 2:1, potentially a first with a stellar dissertation.
I spent most of my life working as a chef, a job I somewhat fell into, but subsequently fell out of love with on account of the nightmare ish work-life balance and pay. In the last year I have worked a few months as a lab technician in a materials testing lab, and currently work in a microbiological lab in the industry sector, doing environmental and bioburden testing for the health sector.
I really enjoy my current job, but the pay isn’t great. I currently earn £21,500 per annum. From what I understand, it doesn’t get too much better from here for lab techs in this sector.
I debated applying for the STP, but the competition ratios for microbiology are rough, and chances of making it in are slim. As well as this clinical scientists suffer the same work-life balance issues, although maybe not as severe, as chefs – having to work weekends etc.
I’ve also debated doing a PGCE and going into secondary or post-16/FE. I could see myself being a good teacher, and the pay is good. However, having to conform to school holidays and having to take work home with you doesn’t appeal to me greatly. I think I’d prefer further education, and lecturing with the potential for research projects along side it, but again I’m not really sure how getting into this would work.
I do like the idea of going to research, but again the pay isn’t great without a doctorate. I would be open to completing a masters and then potentially a doctorate, but I’m not sure what area to focus on.
I guess my question is: how do you decide what the best next steps to take are? I just feel a little lost, and I am in need of guidance.
Cheers.
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