When I finished my PhD in molecular biology, I did something that was either very stupid, or very brave, depending on who you ask, I jumped straight into freelance science writing with a minimal amount of experience. I had taken one science writing class, and written a few articles for my school’s alumni magazine and the local community newspapers, but I had no formal journalism training. However, I loved writing, and loved interviewing other scientists, hearing firsthand about their cool research. The thought of staying in research, either as a post-doctoral fellow or at a biotech company, turned my stomach, so I guess I didn’t have too many other choices. Although looking back, I think it would have been a good idea to do an internship, but I didn’t want to move away from my girlfriend (who later moved away from me to start graduate school – different story). Instead, I just stayed in San Diego, and started sending story pitches to editors at various magazines. It was a slow process, but after 6 months of depleting my meager savings and running up a credit card bill, business started taking off. The last 3 months have been very good, and if this pace keeps up, I’ll be ok.

Now I get to work at home, interview people over the phone in my pajamas, and take a couple hours off in the middle of the day to go surfing sometimes. Things are looking up.

One of my favorite quotes is from Joseph Campbell: “Follow your bliss and don't be afraid, and doors will open where you didn't know they were going to be.” Lots of other books say similar things, follow your heart, do what you want to do. It’s true, if you listen to your heart, the universe will take of you.