Quantum Buckyball

Do TFA to gain some real experience, you could always work on your MA afterward. This will give you an idea if teaching is for you or not before you invest too much time or money in it.

Yes, I know plenty of graduate students in my program are still supported by their parents, even when they are in their 30s (ex. phone bill, car insurance, rent, etc.) I have noticed that most generous people I have met in graduate school were all from low- or middle- class background. One of my former coworkers was an international student from a third world country, but he often fail to mention that everyone in his family are medical doctor and that they just bought a beach front house in US in full cash, in order to gain legal resident status. Oh, and he wasn't even willing to contribute $20 for a farewell gift for a postdoc who helped our lab research a lot for 3 years. Another kid (also a former coworker) was also bragging about he doesn't have to pay any rent because he owns a house that his parents gave it to him (he doesn't pay for property taxes) and he has a fund ready for him to use once he turns 30.

nursing

Yes, the ability to do research is definitely more important. Applied science has an expiration date, kinda like nano-related topics, it was a hot topic 5 years ago but not anymore. My buddy's research is in nano (fundamental) rather than applied research and it was very hard for him to land interviews despite of his 8 first authored papers in ACS journals. Timing is everything As for right now, some of the hot topics including MOFs (Inorganic), CRISPRS (Biochemistry), and Machine Learning (Data Science) Your problem-solving skills, creativity and soft skills are really important if you decide to go into industry. Most people know the number of pubs are influenced by the size of the research group you are in. If you decide to do a postdoc, limit to 1 postdoc only. My PI did two for a total of 6 years and it was too "long" for private sectors, a couple companies he interviewed thought he was too far in, and thought he would be too difficult to be re-trained. --------------------- I know that we have been told that as long as you do good science and being productive in graduate school you will be alright after graduation. I recommend you to take a look at couple profiles on LinkenIn to get a reality check.

I totally agreed with you, I have been having doubts recently as I know I have anxiety problems and I don't know if taking on a job that is fast-paced and high-stressed is a good idea, especially in the field of biopharmaceutical where its profit-driven and highly volatile. On top of that, I really don't like snow and cramped area, I have only been to NYC twice before and really hated both times. I'm seriously considering to just become a high school science teacher in the rural area and live a simple life.

I really hate snow, especially after talking to someone from Boston it made me really not want to take on the job offer from option 3. ...I don't want to have to deal with...45 min/one way for 3 mile commute everyday...

we can do tutoring but that is about it, and we cannot teach at a community college as an adjunct...it's pretty bad, I know someone got removed from the program because she decided to take on a part time job and work on weekends.. because you cannot support a family with a graduate student stipend, unless you take out loans.

Our program does not allow graduate students to have any additional side/part time jobs or you would get terminated from the program, they pretty much expect you to work for them 60 hrs/week on a 20 hrs/week salary, sketchy much?