taylornickySo after months of applying and interviewing and getting turned down for dozens of jobs in Chemistry, I finally land this job doing environmental testing. I’m super excited about it because it’ll get my foot in the door for environmental chemistry, which is something I’m very passionate about. Plus after not getting a job after graduating and feeling like I’m in this rut, it was so awesome to have a company acknowledge my hard work and passion.
Anyways, it being an environmental job linked with the EPA, pay isn’t the best especially for an entry level position. I’m okay with this because it’s the experience I need and want to do bigger things later on (I’m only 22).
But this whole time my dad has made me feel terrible about getting this position. I schedule the interview -> “well how much does it even pay?” I interview -> “so how much are they paying you?” I get offered the job -> “there’s so much other stuff (like business jobs and marketing) that’ll pay you more.” I go to sign the offer letter -> “well how much is it even worth?”
Why the hell cant he just be excited for me. I’m not 35 with a child trying to earn 6 figures. Yeah, it’d be nice. Yeah, I worked my ass off in college to get this degree (that he didn’t pay for) that isn’t earning me more than a restaurant job. But I’ve come to terms with knowing that doing something that I care genuinely about like this won’t actually make me a millionaire. My happiness and drive is worth more to me. Just be fucking happy for me for once.
Hey man, I totally know where you're coming from, with my family it's always the same "how much money will you make". The fact is, even woth a not so great pay if you're still living at home+ single + don't have a kid to pay for ... You wont feel broke at all lol!
Also a job at the EPA is super cool! The thing with places like that is that sure you'll start with a bad salary but if you work your way up it can end up being a big pay out. Also you can probably get them to pay for your masters if you do work in a subject that relates to your job.
Don't worry about your parents man just do what makes you happy and never forget that you're doing it for you, not them! I actually just switched out of chemistry with 2 semesters left to finish my Bach. I like org synth alot but most jobs in the field are analytical as I'm sure you know and having done 2 analytical stages I knew I couldn't do that forever. So I switched to chemical engineering with ALOT of backlash from my mom to just finish my chem. But I said fuck it and haven't looked back since.
