ChemE Student's Dilemma: Should I Pursue a PhD?

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A junior in a Chemical Engineering (ChemE) program expresses a preference for chemistry over engineering, citing a heavier emphasis on physics than expected. Despite managing the coursework, the individual finds enjoyment in chemistry classes, particularly in biochemistry and lab work. They contemplate switching to a chemistry degree, which requires an additional semester and summer compared to ChemE, and express a desire to pursue a PhD in chemistry to deepen their knowledge. The possibility of attending medical school is also considered, though concerns about GPA and workload are raised. The discussion highlights the importance of studying what one enjoys, with suggestions that pursuing a career in chemistry can be financially rewarding, even if it leads to jobs outside the field. The notion of being an "alchemist" is mentioned as a personal aspiration, emphasizing a passion for chemistry despite the practical challenges.
Acidcat.
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Hello, I am a junior in a ChemE program right now and it is a lot more physics than I had imagined. I have some affinity for physics and my calc is strong, I am handling the coursework but I enjoy my chemistry classes much more than my Chem E classes. If I were to switch to chemistry I would be trying to get a PhD immediately because I am well aware that its kind of a joke and that you need the extra 4 years to actually learn wtf your talking about when it comes to sciences like these.
The chem E degree is an extra semester and summer compared to the BS in pure chem. I like the lab, I like biochemistry, I like plants, I don't know if engineering is for me. I don't HATE engineering i just enjoy chem more. I have always wanted to be an alchemist my entire life. If I do stick with engineering I was still looking to get a PhD in chemistry because I want to master it, I would just spend a few years in industry first. Med school may also be an option except I have a 3.0 and I'll have to work harder or something... its already pretty brutal.

Thank you for reading my first post
 
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What exactly is the question?
 
what would you do?
 
what would I do? To be honest, you can try to convince yourself money doesn't make you happy. Study what you like then go work wherever you can; most likely it will be a job unrelated to chemistry, but it will pay the bills. You can be an alchemist on your own if you like to.
 
its 15K its not poverty vrs upper-class... I am worried about doing chemistry I don't give a **** about. What about oncology pharmocognetics, 115k ave salary. Chemistry is a profitable major if you devote yourself.
 
So you want to be an alchemist?
 
your a sharp one
 
I thought there were no more alchemist these days, guess I was wrong
 

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