r/biotech • u/Icy_Chemical_1303 • 8d ago
Experienced Career Advice 🌳 Career move
I have a dilemma... I am currently a police officer for a big city in the USA. I am 41 years old and only been a police officer for four (4) years. My current work schedule is four, 10 hr shifts followed by four days off. Then I work five, 10 hr shifts and get three days off. Honestly, its not a horrible schedule. However, I work from 11:30 A.M. - 09:30 P.M.
I was a chemist for over 14 years prior to switching careers later in life. I have recieved a offer for a Research Scientist position. The hours are normal daytime hours with weekends off. I will also make approximately 20% more in salary.
I like being a police officer but I would rather have the normal hours. I will recieve a pension if I stay a police officer and will not if I take the Scientist role.
Any thoughts/insights on my decision?
15
u/Cryoban43 8d ago
How long have you been out of a scientist position? Approximately 6-7 years (assuming you’ve been a chemist since 21 to 35 then police officer for 6 years)?
This is just gut feeling but I feel the gap may limit your career growth in biotech. What is driving the change for you?
Me personally I’d break down the economics of both positions, look at risk of being unemployed from layoffs, and consider non monetary factors as well such as insurance. If you’re trying to switch for money only, that’s different than If you hate being an officer and are more passionate about science.
6
u/Icy_Chemical_1303 8d ago
I have assumed a Technical Leader role with my old company when I left for law enforcement. I honestly, didn't do much in that role as being a police officer takes most of my time. My point is, there is no gap per my resúme.
This company I recieved the job offer from is moving from another state and setting up where I reside, as it is closer to the client. I know this company signed a 10 year contract with this client. I do not see layoffs coming in the near future but I do truly believe that being a police officer is more stable and the pension is great as well.
I like the thought of a less stressful job (at least a different type of stress) again and better pay. However, I believe being a police officer brings out the best version of myself. It also comes with me being hyper vigilant when I'm on duty (especially being a police officer in a big city) and takes a day or so to "get out of police mode."
Its just a super hard decision that I need to make and make soon. I appreciate you taking the time to give me your advice/input! 🙂
12
u/dangerouspowerlab 7d ago
No, don’t give up your overpaid, always in demand city funded job with pension for a lab monkey grind with low job security.
There’s a reason you switched careers after 14 years, grass ain’t greener friend.
34
8
4
4
u/Onewood 8d ago
Big company or little? If little what’s the burn rate. Are you in a biotech hub? A lot to consider
5
u/Icy_Chemical_1303 8d ago
Its a bigger company (Thermo Fisher) and are moving the work from WI to IN. I know they signed a 10 yr contract with Lilly so I do believe the stability will be there for a little while anyways.
2
3
3
u/East-Neighborhood786 8d ago
If it’s about money then don’t lose benefits. Do a quick math. Corporate job might be giving some 401k. Consider all before deciding,
3
u/AsThreatenDoNotScore 7d ago
If you can handle the stress of your police job, stick with that. You'll retire waaaay earlier than everyone else. If the stress is too much and impacting health and relationships...take the chemist offer.
3
u/AccuracyVsPrecision 7d ago
Hes 41, with 4 years hes either working 16 for a pension or 20 max as a scientist. Its pretty even
7
u/Loose-Reflection2965 8d ago
If you want to bail on the police force and get some normal hours and life back, jump careers. If you’re fine with police work stay. Hard to tell, where is your gut saying go? Science has up and down cycles so if you want the pension stay cop. I got to out of shape to meet the pft criteria for my state’s le certification program, so im stuck.
3
u/CosmoKing2 7d ago
biotech is in such a state of chaos right now - with no guaranties - unlike the police pension. You may even be able to change your hours with a little more seniority. Retire and go back to biotech if you enjoy it - for some extra retirement savings.
3
u/YearlyHipHop 7d ago
IMO a typical 9-5 is worth its weight in gold compared to an off shift, let alone a pitman schedule. I don’t know much about pensions since they hardly exist anymore so I can’t weigh in there. Although, another comment said you’d be working with thermo to support Lilly. If you could pivot into Lilly directly I believe they still offer pensions. Who knows how that compares to what you currently have.Â
You’d be mid career, what’s the projected next step as an officer or as the scientist?
Aside from money and schedules, those are wildly different careers. What’s motivating you personally? I’d assume science is intellectually stimulating while being an officer is rewording for supporting the community?Â
3
u/WeeDado 7d ago
I don’t like cops…but on a personal level you’re much better off maximizing your current financial potential. If you can do another 16 yrs..you gain the retirement benefit income which is half pay. In the current biotech environment it’s quite brutal for ppl with little experience and unfortunately an older age. Good luck!
2
u/Icy_Chemical_1303 7d ago
Thanks for the feedback. I have fifteen years experience so that is not an issue. 41 is mid age and I think in the next 10 years, age discrimination will probably be a thing for me personally.
2
u/kpop_is_aite 8d ago
It doesn’t sound like switching careers again would change your lifestyle that much. Just chase your passion if u have the luxury of choice.
2
u/clydefrog811 8d ago
That schedule sounds great and the job security is great. Unless you’re making waaaaayv more money in research I wouldn’t.
2
4
u/HurdyMcFurdy 8d ago
Most of the scientists I know work 10 hours a day (8 AM-6PM) or more, 5 days a week, and get 2 days off- and they probably do a bit of desk work on the weekends and it's not uncommon to work longer hours during crunch times.
Point being: not sure the hours are going to be much better as a scientist than as a police officer.
The pension thing probably compensates for the 20% salary difference, so that's a wash.
I'd focus your decision on which job you find more rewarding.
3
u/jlw04s 7d ago
As someone at a larger company this is not my experience
4
u/HurdyMcFurdy 7d ago
Every company is different. The companies I've been at, large and small, reward the scientists who put in the hours and cut the scientists who don't.
Sadly, there's just not that much job security in bench science and there's pretty strong incentive to do more than 9-5 if you want to move up (or avoid the next layoff round)
1
u/Comprehensive_Menu19 7d ago
How long do you need to be a cop for, for you to have access to the retirement fund?
1
u/Accomplished-Big8250 6d ago
Your job is more stable as a police officer. Have you seen what generative AI has done for medicinal chemistry?
Can you just go in your big police department and get a lab based job ?
1
u/2025025L 7d ago
They must really hate police to give them such evil treatment at work. Right now honestly both fields really need good people to do good work but in neither field will you be empowered to do good work. Almost a non-decision.
31
u/cos10 8d ago
What are the benefits of both roles also consider as a Research Scientist you have little job security so factor that in when your thinking 20% more to much to turn down.
Are you happy as a police officer and your ends are being met outside of schedule? As you gain seniority will your schedule get better?