OK, lots of people claim that they understand what it is like to be in science and why so few Americans are in science. What is interesting is that all those that turned down a career in science (see the comments after this post) point out the reason why - lack of job security. But no, that can't be it (say the rest who don't have a clue), apparently scientist do it for the love of discovery. Others claim that scientists have to embrace industry. While it is true that industry is frowned upon in some circles, it's not that bad. Others who are obviously not in a tight situation and are perhaps sadomasochists, claim that they enjoy the ascetic life devoted to scientific research and nothing else. (I guess these researchers are not thinking about starting a family!)
To all you postdocs out there, it is your turn!
Tell the world what you love about science, and what you hate. Propose some measures that would encourage more Americans to embark on a scientific career. If you were the head of the NIH or some other major scientific institution, what would you change?
Email me your best blog entries on postdoc-hood. A compilation of these posts will be available in the next postdoc carnival this coming Monday on The Daily Transcript.
For more on the postdoc carnival, visit the What's up postdoc? homepage.