Its Friday at 9:30am.
I'm laying in bed. Most people would be at work by now, but I'm just laying in bed.
Did I take the day off? Kinda...
This is one of the few perks of being an academic scientist. Flexibility. You don't get the same flexibility in scheduling from any other job: not even scientists working in biotech or the pharmaceutical industry.
You may have a friend in academic science, or maybe you are a scientist. Its true, we complain a lot about low pay, long hours, and failed experiments. We often overlook my favorite benefit; most academic researchers have extremely flexible schedules.
Although maybe we don't need to actually be at work as often as other professions, this does come with some downside. I never leave work (at least mentally). Does this drive you crazy (you ask)? Not if you love your work! For example, on a typical day, I'll work much more than 8 hours, but I may only be at work for 8 hours.
Of course, this isn't true for all scientists. I've heard about labs where the PI expects everyone to be present for over 8 or even 9 hours every day. However, I think everyone works differently, and its counter-productive to shove a square peg into a round hole. I am present at work less than my labmates, but I publish more and accomplish more than everyone combined. And I could never do this much if someone was standing over my shoulder and forcing me to sit at a bench on my laptop.
The other [potentially] really great perk about being a scientist is the travel. Last year, I attended 5 conferences in different cities. If you love travel, then you would love this. At first, while I was still afraid of air travel, I hated this part of the job. Now, I'm extremely comfortable on planes and in airports. I've got it down to a system.
The moral of the story is that if you don't love what you do every day, then you need to change it.
What is the point in doing something you hate everyday, just so you can keep doing what you hate? Better to rather find something deeply fulfilling to you and just do that. You will find a way to survive doing it.
Don't be afraid of the unknown, be afraid of unhappiness.