[maccyd82]

I would only say this is true of jobs such as reserve management, environmental education, working for wildlife trusts and other charities for example as a ranger/warden.

I initially wanted to get into this side of things but realised after a couple of years that there are few/no chances of promotion, having a career as such, half decent pay and other perks such as pensions. Call me a sell out but im much happier now in consultancy - good pay (although not when you first start), perks, career progression, working in a dynamic team on interesting and important projects such as doing all the ecological work on the creation of the largest new wetland habitat in the uk. Its great! And i can afford to go on nice holidays too! I dont have a social life though, i havnt had a day off for 3 weeks!

Also dont necessarily see doing a masters as a way of jump starting your career. When i was an assistant ecologist there were 9 others, some with masters, some without and we were all in the same boat. Ive got where i wanted fairly quickly without one and its by no means essential in my opinion.

Good luck with everything, hang in there and itll all come good!