I've always enjoyed working in the lab and actually prefer it to being a manager because I don't like all of the responsibilities that comes with it. I'm just curious if working in industry always leads to becoming a manager in the end? Is making a career out of doing labwork not an option in industry? And if I want to just do labwork, am I better off going to academia?
I am currently working in industry and would like to pursue other positions. However, the question that comes up a lot in my interviews is whether I prefer to stay in the lab or become a manager. I've been honest and say that I'd like to stay in the lab, however I always get the feeling that that was a bad answer. Do I need to rethink my career goals, or reconsider my interest in staying in industry?