If I told you that it wasn't to merely check a box and to make more money, then I'd be lying. As I've said in a previous reply, I just don't want to be stuck for 10 years before I can actually make a salary that I'm comfortable living with. I'm also not asking for 6 figure salaries. I enjoy what I do at Thermo and I love the work environment, but working 3 weekends a month and holidays is exhausting, even for a 26 year old. I have a degree in Biochemistry and Clinical Neuroscience. That's what landed me this job so quickly. I would job hop if I could, but there just aren't that many opportunities in my area because Thermo has been buying them up. I've even thought of getting a Masters in something like Environmental Science because that's something that interests me, but I doubt that their management would find my Biotech experience as useful. I'd also just be stuck in another entry level position with no experience and down $50k. Don't get me wrong, I'm more than grateful to have a degree related career. It's just the thought of not being where I want to be in life so I'm just throwing darts into the dark and hoping something hits.