4 answers
Isobel
Student
Welwyn Garden City, England, United Kingdom
2
Questions
Updated
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Would it be better to live in a city or somewhere quieter/ more rural for a job in biology?
I am only 16 but I am probably one of the least social people ever. I want to work in a lab doing biological research (partially for the lack of social interaction, but mostly for my love of biology). I love the idea of living in a small rural town where everyone knows everyone but I wonder if that will hinder my job opportunities. I hate the idea of living in a city because it is 1) way more expensive, 2) I have been in situations where I have been shoulder to shoulder with randos and I despise physical contact most of the time and 3) I can just imagine myself living in a little cottage in a tiny town and curling up with a good book with my 2 dogs after a long muddy walk.
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4 answers
Flo L.
Strategist | Educator | Consultant | Intuitive Creator
12
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Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Flo’s Answer
You’ve already made some great points to consider, Isobel. I think it would be beneficial for you to try both options.
Start by exploring the living arrangement that speaks most to your heart. You might not need to sacrifice much; instead, aim to find a balance.
When making a decision that's specific to you, follow what brings you peace. Not necessarily avoid challenge. Give yourself a reasonable time frame to try it out, and if it doesn't work, you can always explore the other option. That way, you'll at least feel confident knowing you gave it a fair shot before making a final judgment.
If your love for biology will require a significant investment of time and energy, it seems that having a home where you can truly feel at peace—where you can rest and recharge—would be a good starting point.
Start by exploring the living arrangement that speaks most to your heart. You might not need to sacrifice much; instead, aim to find a balance.
When making a decision that's specific to you, follow what brings you peace. Not necessarily avoid challenge. Give yourself a reasonable time frame to try it out, and if it doesn't work, you can always explore the other option. That way, you'll at least feel confident knowing you gave it a fair shot before making a final judgment.
If your love for biology will require a significant investment of time and energy, it seems that having a home where you can truly feel at peace—where you can rest and recharge—would be a good starting point.
mike pszeniczny
Senior Engineering Technician
3
Answers
Albany, New York
Updated
mike’s Answer
Any type of lab technician career, such as in biology would be suitable for someone who likes to work unsupervised.
Mohitha Chandrashekara
Solution Delivery Manager
5
Answers
Dublin, California
Updated
Mohitha’s Answer
Choosing where to live for a career in biological research involves considering several factors, including job opportunities, lifestyle preferences, and personal comfort. Here are some points to consider:
1. Job Opportunities:
- Cities and urban areas tend to have more job opportunities in biological research due to the presence of universities, research institutions, hospitals, and biotech companies. This is where you are more likely to find well-equipped labs and diverse research projects.
- However, some research institutions and universities are located in smaller towns or rural areas. Additionally, agricultural and environmental biology research might provide opportunities in less urban settings.
2. Networking and Collaboration:
- Working in a city or near a university can offer more networking opportunities and access to seminars, conferences, and collaboration with other researchers. This can be important for career growth and staying updated with the latest developments in your field.
3. Lifestyle Preferences:
- If you prefer a quieter, rural lifestyle, you might look for positions at institutions located in smaller towns or consider remote work opportunities, which are becoming more common in some research fields.
- Balancing your love for a peaceful environment with career goals might involve living in a small town within commuting distance to a city.
4. Remote and Field Work:
- Some biological research roles, especially those related to ecology or conservation, may offer more fieldwork opportunities, allowing you to work in natural settings rather than a traditional lab environment.
5. Education and Training:
- Consider where you will pursue higher education. Universities in both urban and rural settings offer different experiences and opportunities. It might be worthwhile to attend university in a city to gain access to resources and then later move to a more rural area if that suits your lifestyle better.
Ultimately, your decision might involve a compromise between your ideal lifestyle and practical career considerations. It’s also important to remain flexible, as career paths can evolve, and opportunities may arise in unexpected places. Seeking advice from professionals in the field and exploring internships or volunteer opportunities can provide more clarity and direction.
1. Job Opportunities:
- Cities and urban areas tend to have more job opportunities in biological research due to the presence of universities, research institutions, hospitals, and biotech companies. This is where you are more likely to find well-equipped labs and diverse research projects.
- However, some research institutions and universities are located in smaller towns or rural areas. Additionally, agricultural and environmental biology research might provide opportunities in less urban settings.
2. Networking and Collaboration:
- Working in a city or near a university can offer more networking opportunities and access to seminars, conferences, and collaboration with other researchers. This can be important for career growth and staying updated with the latest developments in your field.
3. Lifestyle Preferences:
- If you prefer a quieter, rural lifestyle, you might look for positions at institutions located in smaller towns or consider remote work opportunities, which are becoming more common in some research fields.
- Balancing your love for a peaceful environment with career goals might involve living in a small town within commuting distance to a city.
4. Remote and Field Work:
- Some biological research roles, especially those related to ecology or conservation, may offer more fieldwork opportunities, allowing you to work in natural settings rather than a traditional lab environment.
5. Education and Training:
- Consider where you will pursue higher education. Universities in both urban and rural settings offer different experiences and opportunities. It might be worthwhile to attend university in a city to gain access to resources and then later move to a more rural area if that suits your lifestyle better.
Ultimately, your decision might involve a compromise between your ideal lifestyle and practical career considerations. It’s also important to remain flexible, as career paths can evolve, and opportunities may arise in unexpected places. Seeking advice from professionals in the field and exploring internships or volunteer opportunities can provide more clarity and direction.
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1903
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Isobel !
If you want to live in a rural environment for your career, I think that you should. It's great that you have recognized your ideal location while still in the American equivalent of High School. That will help you make decisions about college right about now. Not feeling comfortable with strangers (randos) and preferring peace and quiet will keep you happy and focused in a country or rural area of your country. I am American, so my advice is without knowledge of the environment of Hertfordshire, the city in which your current town is in.
My suggestion is to first consider a college that is set in a more suburban setting. Thinking about your first career job is no help now, you will have to decide where to spend four to six years for your studies in biology or lab science. Take it in episodic steps. While you are in college, you will be receiving specific and tangible information about companies that are possible employers. This is when you would know where it is possible to apply for work. You must choose a University at which you will feel comfortable, one that provides a strong science department and keeps you connected to this field of work. Research some possible Universities for right now as that can prove to be an important first step. You have a lot of time to learn where employers are located.
In the U.S., sometimes there are employers/Labs in very rural areas. Sometimes people live in cities and obtain employment in suburban nearby areas. I have seen some pretty big name science based employers stuck right in a secluded area. I hope this is the same for your city, too. I think you may not have any problem living in your dream cottage in a quiet setting.
As a student at University, you will make your own opportunities. Never worry about this. You will go through a process that will provide you with enormous amounts of information for the career you strive for. Each year at University, you will become more and more familiar with older and new science based employers, so it's a bit too soon to have answers about your first career job, but like I said, I do not think you will have any problem with it.
Also, during your educational path, you may even change your mind at some point, or you may not. As we move forward in our careers, it's perfectly natural to change one's mind as new opportunities present themselves.
So, for now, concentrate on choosing the university and once you are enrolled, your opportunities will unfold. I wish you the very best !
If you want to live in a rural environment for your career, I think that you should. It's great that you have recognized your ideal location while still in the American equivalent of High School. That will help you make decisions about college right about now. Not feeling comfortable with strangers (randos) and preferring peace and quiet will keep you happy and focused in a country or rural area of your country. I am American, so my advice is without knowledge of the environment of Hertfordshire, the city in which your current town is in.
My suggestion is to first consider a college that is set in a more suburban setting. Thinking about your first career job is no help now, you will have to decide where to spend four to six years for your studies in biology or lab science. Take it in episodic steps. While you are in college, you will be receiving specific and tangible information about companies that are possible employers. This is when you would know where it is possible to apply for work. You must choose a University at which you will feel comfortable, one that provides a strong science department and keeps you connected to this field of work. Research some possible Universities for right now as that can prove to be an important first step. You have a lot of time to learn where employers are located.
In the U.S., sometimes there are employers/Labs in very rural areas. Sometimes people live in cities and obtain employment in suburban nearby areas. I have seen some pretty big name science based employers stuck right in a secluded area. I hope this is the same for your city, too. I think you may not have any problem living in your dream cottage in a quiet setting.
As a student at University, you will make your own opportunities. Never worry about this. You will go through a process that will provide you with enormous amounts of information for the career you strive for. Each year at University, you will become more and more familiar with older and new science based employers, so it's a bit too soon to have answers about your first career job, but like I said, I do not think you will have any problem with it.
Also, during your educational path, you may even change your mind at some point, or you may not. As we move forward in our careers, it's perfectly natural to change one's mind as new opportunities present themselves.
So, for now, concentrate on choosing the university and once you are enrolled, your opportunities will unfold. I wish you the very best !