As a geologist, which is more interesting and exciting for you teaching geology or practicing geology?

Question

As a geologist, which is more interesting and exciting for you teaching geology or practicing geology?

Answer 1

I very much enjoy teaching my labs when the students have questions and are keen to learn about the Earth on which they live. When their energy level is low or they don't care it can be a drag.

I enjoy going out and doing my mapping when I am having success at finding what I am looking for and seeing things that support my hypotheses. But it frustrating when I find no exposures.

I am a field geologist, so I will probably spend my life "practicing", but who knows what the future holds. I am a good teacher and I got the highest overall rating on my evaluations than any other geology TA at my school. I may find my niche as an instructor.

Answer 2

Depends on the circumstances.

Answer 3

Interesting question.... All I've ever wanted to do is teach Geology to motivated students at the junior college level (money be damned)....What did I wind up doing?...working over 30 years in the oil business which is currently paying nearly obscene amounts of money to hire and retain experienced people like me...Now I am so far into the pursuit of money, IRA, 401, nice cars etc. that I reckon I will never get out.  Don't get me wrong, I enjoy most aspects of being in petroleum exploration and I have had some marvelous experiences on 5 continents, from getting in the middle of a shootout in Yemen to being sized up for lunch by bears in Alaska.  I have figured out a job in retirement though and that is to be a volunteer at the local JC in the geology dept. or work on some dinosaur dig somewhere.

Answer 4

I get as much thrill from teaching as well practising geology, how ever practising you need to appreciate, the working in all kind of weather and temperatures, away from family for weeks if not months. Geology could appear both lonely and a fulfilling career that you will much appreciate.