Software developer (or at least I think that's what "Systems Analyst" means) for large telecom corporation. Hope to parlay that into something better at some point...

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Originally posted by Super Flippy:
Don't leave us in suspense! Are you a physical therapist? An "idea guy"? A slave-caste alien from a nearby planet?

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Wired Apple Geek

When I go to college, I hope to study to be a "Computer Security Specialist."

:-D

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Originally posted by Twinkle Toes:
What does anyone think about Biochemistry/Biochemical Engineering as an occupation? I haven't decided on which on I want to do yet (I'm only in 8th grade).

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Well, if you are by nature a scientist, I would highly recommend the fields you mentioned above as careers. When I was in high school everyone told me physics was the science to study - well, then the cold war ended and physics funding dried up like a wading pool in the Kalahari - by this time I was doing my graduate stuff. Nearly everyone where I work at present (a sodding big lab) were trained as physicists and are now more or less practicing the life sciences to some extent. There's a pile of cash in Genetics and Bio-informatics - and it's just going to get bigger. And cash means jobs.

But all this must be weighed against what you feel. It's no good trying to persuade yourself that you should find a subject interesting. I suggest you go with what you like - don't force yourself down a path that isn't exactly you. If sixteenth century Polish literature is your thing, for example, just do it.

Feel the force, Luke.

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Originally posted by Twinkle Toes:
What does anyone think about Biochemistry/Biochemical Engineering as an occupation?

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I think it rocks, but I'm a biochem major so what would you expect me to say?

Here's something to consider: it's a long road. You don;t get to do really creative work unless you're a PhD (me someday!!) and that's about 5-6 years of grad school. Then you've got a couple years of post-docing to look forward to before you can get a real job. Engineering is faster.

Sit on me arse and answer phones... sounds a whole lot better than slingin' dough.

Twinkle-- it's hard. It's REALLY hard. But here are some pros about it:

-|- Our major is high in demand (always) by government (NIH, NCI, FBI etc..) and industry (pharmaceuticals esp.).
-|- People are always in awe of our major. (I don't understand it myself, but...)
-|- It's FASCINATING if you're really passionate about it. You learn a lot in college and even more in your research experiences.
-|- White lab coats are really sexy. (It's true. )

And as for what I do: I live. I read, write, blog, dance, kiss the days, and savor the nights. I am a labslave. I study a LOT. I dream. I wish and linger and fancy and long. I take bubble baths, inspire, and contemplate. I breathe, eat, and metabolize. Sometimes, all of these things I do I do within 24 hours if I'm industrious enough.

Compared to washin dishes in a lab, I have a pretty nice job. i get enough to buy jolt cola & pizza and, yes, out of the 25 dollars per week, i put 2 dollars aside for a NEW laptop G4. Right now i'm @ $300...sigh. I guess it's a long way to go for a G4, but i'd be just as happy with a G3, and those go for around $600.

...and an EXCELLANT Imitation of a Garden Gnome