I am always contemplating switching to teaching. This almost became a reality about a year and a half ago when I nearly took a job with a brand new, private high school in East Harlem. I knew I would be doing good things and would have a more secure job than the soft money jobs I am used to in research. I am a scientist and love research, but Bush has cut research funding to the bone so that far fewer grants are being funded. My last boss, despite top notch publications, had to lay me off when he lost a grant.

It came down to taking another soft money job in research and taking the private school job. I wound up staying in research but still have a connection to that school and they will still consider me as they open up new grades.

A recent primary election in Brooklyn reminded me of the racial inequalities that is a reality too often denied by liberals. I realize that if I take the East Harlem job I would be putting myself where my mouth is. Of course scientific research is not a selfish job--low paying and hard, but interesting and benefitting society. But to help kids who need help in East Harlem would be a whole other layer of living my values. So I am still considering it.

Good diary and it gives me further food for thought when I next consider my job options.