• Question: Is your job hard working

    Asked by anon-253698 to Tom on 7 May 2020.
    • Photo: Tom Hewat

      Tom Hewat answered on 7 May 2020:

      Hi Ruby, I would definitely say that it’s hard work, but don’t let that put you off! For me, I know that the work that I do could make a positive difference to somebody’s life and health, which is great to know. The other thing that helps is that I really enjoy what I do; I find the science that I’m working on really interesting, and I work with incredibly talented, friendly people every day. It may seem cheesy, but I honestly think that if you enjoy what you do, it starts to feel a little bit less like work. If you’re enjoying science (or anything else) in school at the minute, then keep enjoying it, and see if there’s a way to turn it into a career: that’s what I did! Hope this helps!

Comments

  • Photo: Alena

    Alena commented on :

    Hi Ruby, yes, research is hard work. Whether it is handling and analysing data or working in the lab be it with parasites, stem cells or animals, many times there are no boundaries of time… it is certainly not a 9 to 5 job. But we invest because we are pursuing our own curiosity, trying to answer our own questions, so it doesn’t feel like hard work more like a choice to follow our own path. Sometimes, when experiments don’t work or data is convoluted, it can be very frustrating and it becomes hard to find way to overcome the hurdles. There is usually sunshine after the rain though and the sense of achievement when we get it is exhilarating!
    I also feel fortunate to be able to do something I really love and am passionate about and therefore have no quams to invest myself in.