An education wasted?

I was reading a local online news article in which a Douglas Hall PhD., comments how the U.S. isn't educating enough students in the field of science. That more non-Americans are obtaining advanced degrees than Americans. The article then suggest that the field of science just isnt appealing to the general youth of America now a day. I completely understand this. Most of our youth think science is too hard and requires too much math and critical thinking. Most just opt for an easier degree, or dont even seek out an advanced degree and settle for a high school diploma, if even that. Then there was a comment left by an unknown person telling his situation. Basically he is a PhD research scientist who works nonstop in a laboratory, is training graduate students, earns less than $40,000 a year and doesnt own a home or fancy new car. This sounds like an average joe living, but he has a PhD, isnt that suppose to mean higher success. It kinda got me thinking, is this the portrait of a typical scientist in America? I wanted to become a research scientist assistant, in pharmaceautical or genetic developments, but looking more into it, I see how they are pretty much under paid, have to sometimes work extended hours, sometimes weekends and holidays, and maybe dont really have a guaranteed long term position (if the grants end, or the research terminates, the job ends). Not having a secure long term job is really unappealing right now. And besides, I kinda dont wanna be a scientist anymore. I tried, I really did. Right after college I tried applying at all these research facilities we have here, but they all wanted either a higher degree or way more experience than what I had. So after a while, I kinda gave up. So this office job kinda fell into my lap and I took it, and its satisfying and actually decent paying. That anonymous commentator also said "being a scientist does not pay and is no more rewarding than any other field...leaving young Americans to ask themselves 'why bother?'" I know this is just ONE persons point of view. But I understand this point of view. At the job I have now, medical receptionist/referral & insurance specialist/nerve conduction technician (we're really short staffed and I do all these), I do not need my bachelors degree in biology. It helps with terminology and all, but anyone can pick that up along the way. Im earning a stable constant weekly salary with much less effort as I would have as a research assistant. A higher paying job would require a
higher degree = more school = more money needed.
But I kinda wonder...why bother? For now at least. I like my comfy job. Yes of coarse it gets hectic and busy and stressful but then in the afternoons gets slower and work can be done with more ease. I guess it is also a question of where your heart is and how badly you want something. People who dont have the drive to be a scientist, or any other highly qualified career, would probably prefer an easier job rather than killing themselves over a Masters or PhD degree. Its kinda sad that most people prefer to go the easy route and focus on what gets them instant gratification. But I cant really criticize because I'm one of those persons. Yes for now I am settling for what I already have. Right now economic security is a bit more important. When the economy stabalizes more and I can afford to go back to school, then of coarse I would love to go back and pursue a higher degree if not just for my personal satisfaction and sense of achievement.


But I will say that being a scientist doesn't have many perks or positive stereotypes attached to it. Be honest, most people think of scientist and think of a nerd, socially isolated, with glasses and in a lab coat. Well...
thats what I wanted to become LOL :)

Perhaps if that stereotype changes, and the benefits improve, and I have more ability financially to take that risk, then I'll have more of a strive to become one.

(article referenced above at: www.mysanantonio.com/community/US_producing_fewer_scientists_top_educator_says.html )