06/23/2025
eople often say to me they’d love to have my job — and don’t get me wrong, I really do love what I do. But I try to always explain with the highs come the lows — and those don’t often make it onto the feed.
So here are a few of the struggles that usually stay behind the scenes …
1️⃣Job security is tough. At the beginning of your career short-term contracts are the norm (especially in academia), and being expected to work unpaid is far too common — even as you progress. During my PhD, I had some stability but since then, I’ve been working as an independent consultant, and my longest contract has been just four months.
2️⃣Despite what it might look like, 85% of my job happens behind a laptop. Stats, coding, writing, emails — not exactly what people picture when they think of marine science.
3️⃣ Travelling for work is a real privilege — but it comes with sacrifices. The time away really does put pressure on relationships and I’ve missed birthdays, weddings, and important moments with the people I love.
4️⃣It’s hard to make long-term plans. Between long stints away and the uncertainty of short contracts, settling down isn’t always easy.
5️⃣ Science is only part of the job. Project management, people skills, communication, finances, networking — these are all part of the job and often take up more time than the science itself.
I’m grateful every day to work in this space — but i think it is important to show the full picture! Follow along for more honest marine science content ✌️
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