At one point in our lives, everyone has experienced absolute certainty in what they wanted for their career and the next moment, feeling completely unsure of what they wanted to do for the rest of their life. This can cause anxiety and unneeded stress on both the body and mind. And so, I’ve some gathered information about a psychology teacher and an ecologist along with comparing the two from almost all aspects of the job, such as their salary, benefits, duties, and responsibilities, and what is needed to become either, a psychology teacher or ecologist. Which will help ease the anxiety of choosing between one or the other.
To start, a general overview of both jobs is a great place to start. As with every job, tasks and responsibilities come along with it. Psychology teachers must teach psychology, initiate and foster class discussions, grade papers and assignments, update student records, and create weekly lesson plans. (Source 1) Ecologists must study the environmental changes and impacts from ecosystems and humans, collaborate with colleagues, and read scholarly works in related science fields to stay relevant. (Source 7) They also have many responsibilities, such as identifying environmental impacts from third parties, examining local, regional, and global usage and flow of energy and materials in industry, prepare technical and research reports, observe and obtain information from relevant sources, and assess the value of things and people, along with many other unnamed responsibilities. (Source 7) Whereas, a psychology teacher must evaluate and grade assignments, compile, administer, and grade exams, maintain student records along with other required records, collaborate with fellow colleagues to address issues or topics, estimate the cost, quantity, and quality of materials needed for class, and many more responsibilities. (Source 1) The job environments between both jobs are also worlds apart. A psychology teacher usually works in a classroom with many people coming in and out, with little-to-no traveling out of the classroom and school. (Source 1) While an ecologist may work in offices, laboratories, or in the field--which is traveling outside of the usual workplace and going somewhere to study animals. Sometimes working out in extremely warm or cold climates with little modern luxuries, in all types of weather, and for several weeks or months at a time. This can be emotionally and physically demanding. (Source 8) Ecologists also work full-time, with hourly pay but may work on holidays and weekends along with sometimes working long or irregular hours, especially in the field. However, there is paid overtime. (Source 8) Unlike a psychology teacher, where there isn’t any paid overtime. There are regular work hours with almost all major holidays off and seasonal breaks, however. Although, there are no bonuses and it is a salary paying job. (Source 2) Though the tasks, job environments, and hours for an ecologist and psychology teacher vary quite a bit, they each have their own benefits.
Next, is learning what courses and degrees are needed to succeed as either a psychology teacher or ecologist. Ecologists require at least a bachelor’s degree in ecology or a related field and taking courses in ecology, anatomy, wildlife management, cellular biology, and other related courses will also be beneficial. However, a master’s degree is needed for advancement and a Ph.D. is required to have the option of independent research and overseeing many other projects. (Source 9) Typically, aspiring ecologists go to a four-year college, have a well-rounded scientific background, and some sort of experience in a lab, or with a related field--sometimes this is required in order to be prospected. Although, after being hired and out of school, not much needs to be kept up-to-date except for any licenses that have been gained and reading scholarly works about ecology and related science fields to stay relevant. (Source 9) As for psychology teachers, they must have a doctorate degree in psychology, complete a one-year internship, obtain a teaching license and certification, and take coursework in education and communication. (Source 2) Usually, a psychology teacher goes to a 3-4 year college along with training workshops. Afterward, if wanting to become a professor in psychology, they have to produce scholarly works and renew their teaching license. Along with keeping a close eye on new discoveries and staying up-to-date with current research. Even if the outward appearances of learning how to become one of these careers may be easy, a lot of work and effort must be put in to qualify--as with most careers.
Now, for most people, one of the most decisive pieces of information when researching a possible career are the salary and benefits. So, knowing how much a psychology teacher and ecologist make are very important if one wants to be well-off. In the beginning, psychology teachers typically make $39, 240 in Pennsylvania. The average is $81, 750 and the maximum salary in Pennsylvania is around $128,170. (Source 1) Of course, there is no hourly wage because it is a salary job. Although, teachers, in general, are known for having a very good health and retirement plan, the downfall is that there isn’t paid overtime, typically no bonuses, and there is a small to moderate or no budget at all for class materials so teachers sometimes need to pay out-of-pocket for them. For ecologists, they typically make $41, 580 at first. Then, it could progress to $116, 810 with $72, 630 being the average in the Pennsylvania area. It is an hourly paying job, so beginning rates in Pennsylvania is $20.57 with the max being $56.16, and the average--$34.92. (Source 7) No bonuses are given, but there is excellent health insurance and paid travel expenses when doing fieldwork. However, hardships are limited budgets that must be followed, finding funding if doing independent research, possible mental instability, and possible sickness or injury while working in the field. There is paid overtime. (Source 7)
With every job, there will always be competition, and sometimes that can be rather scary for people because it causes anxiety about if they will get their dream job or not; learning about the possibilites of employment and the opportunities to advance will greatly increase the chances of being hired, however. So, if you wanted to become a psychology teacher then it’s best to get a doctorate or a Ph.D. in psychology. It is expected that opportunnities will grow 14%--possibly because of the increase in mental awareness--along with strong competition, especially in areas with a large pool of teachers and low employment rates in those areas. (Source 2) In order to advance, a Ph.D., Ed.s, or a Psy.D. is highly recomended, although, there is generally no advancemnet once a person gains a teaching position. (Source 2) As for Ecologists, because of the growing awareness in environmental impacts and changes, opportunnities are expected to grow 8% from 2016 to 2026. There may be strong competition, and so, applicants with practical experience gained through internships, summer jobs, or volunteer work completed before or shortly after graduation will have greater chances of finding employment. To have the possibility to advance, a Ph.D. will allow for ecologists to conduct independent research and control the direction and contents of the project. Although, leading more independent research will lead to the responsibility of finding funding for said project. However, advancement can also come from experience, and as one has more experience throughout their career, the more responsibility and independence they will have. (Source 9) Although, even with the stiff competition and daunting tasks of gaining specific degrees, becoming an ecologist or psychology teacher is all about what a person makes of it. To some, getting a Ph.D. seems easy; to others, it’s not.
Both careers have their good and bad aspects, but thatcomes with the territory of all jobs. Previously, I believed becoming an ecologist or a psychology teacher was rather straight-forward and easy. However, now I see that there is much more than what I once believed. Both careers are equal in their own rights, but I much prefer to become an ecologist because it is what I love to do, to watch an animal’s behavior and understand them. A psychology teacher and an ecology teacher are wonderful careers, leaving the decision of choosing a lifetime career on statistics is not something that should be solely done. In the paper, reading and learning about the tasks, education, and overall overview of both careers, being a psychology teacher and an ecologist, bring greater expansion of my current knowledge and encourage me to explore other careers. Overall, I believe it is good to do research about different careers, but I also believe that a career should be chosen based on where a person’s skills lie and want their heart wants. As Larry Myers said, “...It’s things that we laugh about that make it satisfying. We make friendships that are meaningful,...” and without those meaningful friendships and the things to laugh about, what else is there? So, even though there are so many other careers that have amazing pays and benefits, if you can’t enjoy what you do, then don’t stick with it. If it’s possible, I think everyone should have a career that they want, not what they need to do.