The
reasons why people choose careers in science are as diverse as the
types of job available to those with scientific training. It's not
all dirty white lab coats and boiling test tubes! In fact, I sometimes
think that school science lessons can give many completely the wrong
impression of what life as a scientist is like. One of the most
important things about being a scientist, and one of the hardest
things to teach, is the ability to think scientifically. Learning
the elements of the periodic table, being able to correctly label
a kidney diagram or knowing how to perform a test for the presence
of carbohydrates is all fine; but critically analyzing your results,
constantly questioning why something happens as it does and trying
to explain things when they go wrong is far more important.
So forget everything you might have learnt up to this point and ask yourself a few questions: Are you fascinated by the world around you? Do you love learning new things? Do you want like finding out how things work? Are you always asking Why? Do you get a kick out of solving problems? If the answers to any of these questions was a resounding 'Yes', then a career in science might just be right for you.
On the other hand, if you find it difficult to accept challenges to your way of thinking, hate being wrong, accept things as they are without question, and don't give a monkey's why the sky is blue just so long as it doesn't fall on your head, then maybe you won't enjoy life as a scientist.
While working in a scientific field can be incredibly rewarding, there are plenty of bad points too. Some jobs can be extremely competitive and you might need to work long hours, research jobs generally last just a few years before you need to find a new one, you will have to come to terms with things not working about 90% of the time, lab work can be repetitive and dull at times, and the money isn't generally very good.
My advice to anyone considering a science career is to find out as much as you can, as soon as possible. Don't just drift into a university course, PhD and research job because you happen to be good at high school biology. If you fancy lab work, try to get a few weeks' placement in a research institute. Many labs will take on 16 year olds and up, but this sort of work experience is rarely widely advertised and you have to make the effort yourself. Or see if your school will invite in a scientist to tell you a bit more about what their job involves.
Of course, there are a range of scientific jobs you could consider. Please check out What sort of jobs could I do? to find out more about the sorts of career available.
