What are the pros and cons of being a chemist?

The pros and cons of being a chemist relate to innovation, the opportunity to specialize, and exposure to hazardous chemicals. Here are the top pros and cons of being a chemist:

• Innovation

Chemistry is an exciting and innovative field. It is constantly evolving and changing with the development of new methods, knowledge, technology, and other tools. Being a chemist can be satisfying and fulfilling for these reasons. You might get to work or collaborate on the forefront of some specific area in the field, which can keep work fresh and compelling.

• The opportunity to specialize

Chemistry is also a great career choice because it is a very broad field that enables you to specialize in one or several areas. You can determine which area you want to work in based on your own knowledge, skills, and interests. Here are just some of the examples of different areas of chemistry you could specialize in as a chemist:

• Polymer chemistry

• Biochemistry

• Forensic chemistry

• Inorganic chemistry

• Astrochemistry

• Industrial chemistry

There are many other areas as well. If you are thinking about being a chemist, you should first perform some research into all of the subfields to help determine the proper education for your interest.

• Positive impact

When you are a chemist you might have the opportunity to make a positive impact on humans, animals, or the environment as a whole. If there are certain issues or causes you feel strongly about, being a chemist might allow you to make a significant contribution and possibly create solutions to pressing problems.

• High compensation

Many working in chemistry earn very good salaries. The average salary for a chemist in the United States is $73,920 per year. And then some chemists can earn much more than that, depending on their area of specialty and employer.

Cons:

• Exposure to hazardous chemicals

Some chemists may work with hazardous chemicals and materials that can have adverse effects on their health if strong caution is not used. Exposure to hazardous chemicals, materials, and substances can lead to both minor and major health risks, including skin irritation, respiratory issues, and at worst, some forms of cancer.

• Long working hours

• Competition

While the job demand for chemists continues to rise, it is a field that is somewhat saturated with aspiring chemists. This can make finding a chemist job in a subfield you are interested in challenging sometimes.

• Evolving field

While this can also be looked at as a pro, it can also be a negative aspect of the job. Chemists have to remain up to date on evolving trends, knowledge, and tools that are used in the field.