Quote Originally Posted by Melalvai View Post
I said "Maybe I should look for a teaching job" and he said "Let's hope it doesn't come to that."

I don't care about the career, or research, any more. I'd love a teaching job. For one thing, it would bring a paycheck. I suppose if it comes to it, I'll take the pay cut and keep the fellowship, for a little while. In the meantime I'll be chasing those "mere" teaching jobs with all my might.
I went to graduate school with the intention of becoming a teacher, not a researcher. And I was put down for that goal time and time again in my department. I did what I wanted to anyways, and I'm totally happy with my decision. I love teaching. I work at a small liberal arts university. Teach 12 hours a semester (the load's a little tough at times), and do some research here and there to keep my self fresh, and bring new light to my courses.

If you want to be a researcher, then by all means work towards that goal. If you think you'd enjoy teaching for a while, then don't let anyone's comments stop you. One thing to remember: it's not a life sentence. You can always teach for a while and get back into research later. Or try to find a happy medium, a job at a more research oriented institution where you teach 3-6 hours a semester and spend the rest of your time doing research.

Either way, I hope you find something that works for you!
Anastasia