What’s something in your thinking that has changed over time?

Ask a Biologist Monday 7/14/25

Answers from Biologists:

  • My end goal was to be a federal biologist, I made it but current political climate, is it worth it?

  • That going to multiple conferences a year was important for your career.

  • Maybe a permanent position with a company isn’t what I want out of a career.

  • Land acknowledgements are great but they are not enough to make up for past wrongs.

  • Consulting is actually a great career option, not terrible like people make it out to be.

  • Federal jobs have the most security.

  • I wouldn’t feel as much fulfillment working in science support (admin). I do!

  • Taking work home to catch up. Leave that shit at home. It never ends.

  • Prioritization of tasks/projects doesn’t mean you’re neglecting the species you work with.

  • Do anything to get that invasive plant. No. Don’t get yourself killed to get one plant.

  • I was going to spend most of my time outside. Spent more time writing reports.

  • A good field lead is a person that is willing to listen to their crews ideas and opinions.

  • That loving my career would make up for a low salary (news flash, it doesn’t).

  • It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.

  • More experience doesn’t mean they can be a good leader.

  • I’ve been sorely disappointed to learn that many big name (often male) scientists are jerks.

  • I use to work myself ragged to protect the resource. Now I aim for fair treatment and balance.

  • That I had to go to a big name, expensive school to be successful. Not true.

  • Agencies cannot be effective if they’re not reading and publishing peer reviewed papers.

  • The need for a Master’s degree.

  • Making mistakes/not knowing certain things doesn’t make you a bad biologist.

  • It doesn’t have to be my whole life/identity.

  • I thought policy or desk work was boring and “selling out”.

  • That a gap in my resume was bad. No one notices or cares.

  • I now prefer office work over field work.

  • That I have to endure unreasonable fieldwork schedules. Boundaries and crucial.

  • The most experienced person should always get the job. Actually fresh ideas are better.

  • Satellite technology has increased safety in most areas. Your employer should be offering you a beacon.

  • Leaving a toxic job will harm your career. Leave it. Save yourself. Get a better job.

  • I’ve found that working with big name species is actually pretty awful a lot of the time.

  • Well known researchers can make pretty awful advisors. Talk to their past students.

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What do you like/dislike about a sector you’ve worked in?