I know that in the end it is up to me to decide what I do with my life. I am posting this here because from what I hear there are quite a few of you who are professional chemists. I'm interested in experiences you have as professional chemists, and any helpful words you care to offer.

Okay, so at the moment I am an undeclared engineering student. I'm leaning more towards declaring chemical engineering as my major, but am still unsure if that will lead me down the path I want to go. From what I understand, as with most engineering degrees, I will basically sit around solving equations, messing with formulas, and the like(mostly on a large scale). Question one: How often would a chemical engineer actually spend time in a lab?

I am interested in organic chemistry more-so than general chemistry, and would love spending as much time in a lab as possible. Question two: Should I stay in the engineering field, or switch majors to just chemistry or biochemistry?

I'm in the engineering field because I like math, but I like chemistry more. I would also rather be involved in research versus making things more efficient. Money isn't really a big deal as I am sure both of those professions will provide a comfortable lifestyle. I just want to be able to provide for my future family without hassle. Question three: How much time do those of you that are chemists have to spend time with your family?

As I understand, the job outlook for engineers is much better than those with just a chemistry degree. Question four: Those of you in the field, how is the job outlook? Question five: Do you enjoy the work you do?

I would also like to hear any other helpful information such as what kind of work you do, if you do not mind sharing.

Thanks in advance.

Chemical engineers can rake in some serious cash. Especially those in the petroleum field of chem. engineering.

However, one of the tutors who came into the engineering dorms where I stayed last year was previously going for a chem. enginerring degree, but changed to Organic chem.

He explained that chem engineering simply wasn't what he wanted. If I recall correctly, he made the switch for many of the same reasons you've stated.

An anecdote isn't the best thing to base such a large decision on, but it's something you might want to consider.

Happy trails!

Serious cash is an understatement. haha.

I thought that I wanted to work with engineering all throughout high school until I actually got in a university lab. Instantaneous love...