On Choosing Biology Career Path

In the early 2000s, most of my peers were choosing the engineering path for a career. Whether they were capable or not, the early job prospects and higher salary were the attractions

I listened to my conscience, didn’t join the rat race, and chose biology!

In Indian families, parents often manipulate and force kids to study what they want. My father did too. But I remained steadfast. I didn’t want to be rich, but I wanted to study something, I deeply identified with. It was biology for me.

After much persuasion efforts, which failed, he let me go biology path. I did exceptionally well. I earned a PhD and two Master’s degrees in biosciences by the age of 33. There are expertise in microbiology, and bioinformatics in my skillset. One from a top institute of India, and one from the USA. Both with scholarships. I published above 200 science articles in academic journals. You can easily find me in PubMed, the repository of bio-related articles.

I worked as an Assistant Professor, bioinformatics researcher, and laboratory technologist in different phases of my life. But to have a fulfilling family life and protect my health from chemicals and stress, I pushed my career to the backseat.

Anyway, the point is, biology has helped me countless times. Let me share:

When a cockroach allergy happened, I understood all about it. I realized that hormonal balance is key to restoring health, and avoided chemicals. I don't think many people can do it.

When a plant matter caused a big angioedema on my chest, I realized it’s due to contact with urushiol oil of a pepper tree. Earlier, I had checked a fallen nest from that tree, to make sure there were no bird eggs or chicks. Skin contact with that corrosive oil caused the painful edema.

When infertility reared it's ugly heard, I heard my body saying: raise progesterone levels, lower estrogen. I minimized chemicals further, from my lifestyle. Inflammation score reduced. Despite some congenital hypothyroidism, I managed to have two healthy kids.

My children are smart. I never put any chemicals on their skin, but put organic coconut oil as emollients, sometimes. If I applied chemical cosmetics on them in the name of skincare, they would be sick.

I go on nature walks once or twice daily. I call them my flexible field trips.

I recognize things that most people will not be able to. Even my kids are so well-versed in biology and fauna, they come across. Let me share examples.

Mushrooms can kill a robust tree by infecting it's vascular system.

That's a pair of mourning doves.

That's cotoneaster berries.

A marmot near it's rocky den.

I’ve spent several thousand hours in the nature, in the past decade, and they boost my emotional health immensely.

I sweat profusely, due to hyperhidrosis. But I manage with gloves, socks, and handkerchiefs. Unnecessary medical interventions are not okay with me.

I make sure to avoid chemicals and stay vigilant to stay healthy. I live with awareness and our house is a no chemical sanctuary.

So, all credit goes to biology. I’m happy and proud I chose it. No regrets about not agreeing with my father.

When you know all the components of nature, you can’t help but fall in love with it. You know your place. You know you have to be kind, because everything is interrelated. Your reckless actions can bring doom to yourself.

Biology makes me a better, more aware person. I feel rich, despite slim material possessions. I am content.

What about you? How happy are you with your career path?

Even if you have other career, learn biology. You will see big positive changes in your life.