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by orijing
5563 days ago
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> I think it's easy: jobs as scientists in the U.S. suck relative to other jobs. Consider that firefighters or cops get paid reasonably well; effectively can't be fired after a short probationary period unless they do something incredibly egregious because they're protected by unions; have jobs that demand physical activity, so they aren't just sitting in front of a screen all day; and, in the case of firefighters, have a level of social prestige that means (male) firefighters are almost universally admired by women. But do you think the "vast majority of kids" take that as their main reason? Do you think they know the labor market dynamics? That the job is incredibly secure? Not so mentally demanding? Requires only a two-year degree? I think that kids in majority think mostly about the act of being a police officer, rather than the auxiliary benefits of being one (financial security being one). Perhaps they are drawn by the power, the apparent admiration, or some desire to "serve his/her country." |
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No, but many adults take it as their main reason, which leads to more potential "role-models" becoming police officers/fire fighters, which leads to more kids wanting to be like these particular role models. Example: kid grows up admiring his uncle the fireman, who has nice things (always employed) and makes a difference in his community. His uncle might have simply taken the job because of the benefits mentioned in the grandparent post.
Kids don't necessarily need to know the labor benefits of a job, but (I think) they know the types of people that take these jobs, and want to be like them. Of course, it doesn't mean that they'll actually become firemen, but we're talking about the "what do you want to be when you grow up" question, not necessarily what they end up doing.