I’ve loved learning about dinosaurs all my life. It’s likely that way for many others “on the spectrum” as well. My current boss, who quickly noticed my passion for natural history, once asked me why I didn’t become a paleontologist.
That would be a valid question if one did not consider the realities of the job field. True, as a senior in college, I often stated that if I ever became a professor, it would either be in Entomology or Paleontology. That statement was based simply on interest alone. At that age, with one’s brain still not fully-developed, you don’t consider that just because you have a degree in something doesn’t guarantee you’ll actually have that type of job.
With subsequent years of life experience, trial and error, continuous learning, and yes, a fully-developed brain, it eventually became clear that there was a good reason why I never considered Paleontology as a viable career move.
To put it bluntly, there is no opportunity in Paleontology. There are literally only a few hundred people in the entire world who are full-time Paleontologists. Not exactly a growth industry. Worse yet, most operate on shoestring budgets, as the major sources for scientific research funding favor major projects with big machines, lots of bodies, or both.
Now, contrast that with all the kids who grow up with a love of dinosaurs – likely millions – and contrast that with only a handful of opportunities throughout the world to study them professionally. Still want to push your son who is “on the spectrum” into this futile endeavor?
Speaking of futile endeavors, lots of kids grow up thinking that just because they are very interested in ocean life, they should become marine biologists. While there are more jobs in that field than there are in Paleontology, there is still little opportunity. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts just a four percent growth in that field over the next 10 years. But, wait for it, here is the real punchline: you’ll be in for at least six years of grad school (masters and doctorate) just for a job that currently pays $56K annually. You can do that or better in some normal jobs with only an associate’s degree (I know, because I myself do this now!). Sure, when I was in junior high, I too thought I was going to be a marine biologist. But when I realized that it was too much school for so little money, I instantly gave that idea up and moved on.
Back to the question posed by my current boss: I matter-of-factly told him that there was zero opportunity in the field of paleontology, and so I pursued this line of work (engineering) where I could help create value by putting my practical and analytical mindset to good use. Plus, I enjoy making drawings, and in my current job, I get to do that all the time. Compared to the majority of jobs out there, what’s not to love?
So, just because you have an interest in something within the natural sciences does not automatically mean that he/she should pursue a career in that subject. Odds are, there are lots of folks like you who have those same interests and harbored those same career goals. Having lots of folks who want that line of work meeting very few open slots for that line of work in the field equals zero opportunity to make a good living.
Are there ways to combine passions with practical opportunities? Yes, there are, and we shall explore those in due time.
I still love dinosaurs, insects, and fish, and I take numerous opportunities to visit museums, zoos, and aquariums, where I can indulge in these strong interests. But as fascinating as they all are, I keep them as avocations, and concentrate my career efforts on practical, viable areas, such as my current job within engineering. If you want to make it in this world, you should, too. By doing so, we’ll all be able to keep learning, growing, and prospering together.