- #1
d3nat
- 102
- 0
I've struggled a lot in the past two years about whether or not I wanted to stay in Physics. Last year I graduated with my Bachelors and immediately started at a university to get my PhD.
I didn't like the program for various reasons, so I took "an absence of leave" because I got a research assistant position at a university in the Bay area. I applied to their Masters program and got accepted to start back up this Fall.
I didn't want to start a PhD again, and since I already had some credits, I decided I might as well finish the last few and in a year or less at least have my Masters degree.
The problem is, I'm no longer excited about learning or researching physics. I've held a research position for about two years on various projects, but I'm no longer enjoying what I do. I don't want to be in school anymore, either.
I'm tired of getting paid slightly above minimum wage and looking at all the loans I owe and realizing I'll have YEARS of paying these off at my current rate. And a higher salary isn't really guaranteed in Physics.
I still LOVE physics, but I've reached the point where I love it on a recreational level.
I really don't know what to do. My Bachelors in Physics can't really get me a job (I tried before I accepted another Physics Research Assistant position.)
I have some programming skills, but nothing competitive with CS grads. I've had a few interviews for programming positions, but I've been told that while they love me and my work ethic, I don't have the necessary background or skills for software work.
I thought about going into finance since I love math, but I don't want to work 60hour (minimum!) work weeks and on weekends too. Maybe that seems lazy, but I actually love going to the gym or spending time hiking or with friends or just hanging out with my boyfriend when we have free time.
My boyfriend suggested I look for QA jobs, but I can't seem to find anyone to call me back from my applications.
Has anyone been in this situation before? If so, what did you do? Any advice or potential career paths would be appreciated.
I didn't like the program for various reasons, so I took "an absence of leave" because I got a research assistant position at a university in the Bay area. I applied to their Masters program and got accepted to start back up this Fall.
I didn't want to start a PhD again, and since I already had some credits, I decided I might as well finish the last few and in a year or less at least have my Masters degree.
The problem is, I'm no longer excited about learning or researching physics. I've held a research position for about two years on various projects, but I'm no longer enjoying what I do. I don't want to be in school anymore, either.
I'm tired of getting paid slightly above minimum wage and looking at all the loans I owe and realizing I'll have YEARS of paying these off at my current rate. And a higher salary isn't really guaranteed in Physics.
I still LOVE physics, but I've reached the point where I love it on a recreational level.
I really don't know what to do. My Bachelors in Physics can't really get me a job (I tried before I accepted another Physics Research Assistant position.)
I have some programming skills, but nothing competitive with CS grads. I've had a few interviews for programming positions, but I've been told that while they love me and my work ethic, I don't have the necessary background or skills for software work.
I thought about going into finance since I love math, but I don't want to work 60hour (minimum!) work weeks and on weekends too. Maybe that seems lazy, but I actually love going to the gym or spending time hiking or with friends or just hanging out with my boyfriend when we have free time.
My boyfriend suggested I look for QA jobs, but I can't seem to find anyone to call me back from my applications.
Has anyone been in this situation before? If so, what did you do? Any advice or potential career paths would be appreciated.