Career Guidance for 11th grader in Science

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the desire to pursue a career in science, particularly in physics and physical chemistry. The individual expresses a lifelong passion for science, driven by the thrill of discovery and a natural aptitude for math. They seek guidance on narrowing down their career focus and are open to self-directed learning outside of the school curriculum. A response emphasizes the importance of considering personal interests over job titles, highlighting the challenges of becoming a "scientist." It suggests exploring a specific forum thread for insights on becoming a physicist and reinforces the idea that job satisfaction is more important than the title associated with the profession. The overall sentiment is a quest for meaningful work in the scientific field, regardless of conventional labels.
Elemere
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Hi,
The first thing you probably noticed was how broad I was with the term science. Basically in a small sop story, ever since I was a kid I wanted to be a "scientist" at first it was fir mixing magical potions and becoming invisible but as time passed I think it's more the sheer thrill of the idea of being a pioneer someone to discover something no one else has. But sop story over next year I need to pick my main 5. With due modesty I have a natural aptitude for math and out of all the scientific fields I like the concept of physics despite the apparent job insecurity but have a love for physical chemistry and don't find any of these subjects unusually challenging. I know I am young to start thinking of these now but I am not afraid to self teach myself outside of the school curriculum and if my interest waers so be it but for now I'm just interested at narrowing down a career and learning what to studt for that general area.

Please note that though ignorant I admit to it and would appreciate it if you informed me politely of ant oversites.

Sincerely
Elemere
 
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Its probably better to think about what you want to do rather than what you want to be called. In any case, getting a career where you are called a "scientist" can be quite hard.

I would look at the thread in this forum titled "So you want to be a physicist" for insights into the process.

edit - here is a link, https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=240792 Its in the academic sub-forum, not this sub-forum.
 
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It's not so much the title as the meaning. As insecure a Job as it would be I think I would love a job where there is not a mandatory task that you've already been done a hundred times only to do it a hundred more and the biggest frontier in that kind of job environment seems to be the field of study we call science. I really don't care if I'm referred to as the garbage man I just want to enjoy the my job and feel a satisfaction in my work
 

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