The discussion revolves around career options for a physics PhD student considering a transition to more lucrative fields outside of academia. Participants explore various industries, potential earnings, and the implications of such a career change, including the compatibility of high-paying jobs with personal interests and lifestyle choices.
Participants do not reach a consensus on the best career path or the feasibility of achieving high salaries in various fields. There are differing opinions on the compatibility of high-paying jobs with personal interests and lifestyle choices.
Participants express uncertainty about the specific earning potential in niche fields of physics and the transferability of skills to other industries. The discussion reflects a range of assumptions about job markets and personal priorities.
Individuals considering a transition from academia to industry, particularly those with a background in physics or related fields, may find the insights and experiences shared in this discussion relevant.
As with many things in life, striking the right balance is key. On the one hand, you don't want to put off some activities until after retirement, just to find out that you are no longer physically capable of doing them. On the other hand, if Present-You burns through too much savings, then Future-You might face an intractable scenario (not be able to take care of the big problem that Present-You saddled him with), and not be able to enjoy a retirement at all.aa said:I don't want to say exactly what my mid-life crisis goal is because it's a bit compromising, but like most it is purely a way to enjoy the remainder of my life. I'm thinking about what to do up til about 60, and not worry so much about money - let the Future Me take care of that little problem. Let Future-Me be servant to the Present-Me for once. That's my current thinking at least, and all this only relates to those lucky enough to have this choice.
When I started my college-teaching career (at a definitely non-elite institution) 40 years ago this fall, if someone had told me that I would have the amount of money I ended up with when I retired (six years ago), I would have thought he was crazy. However, the cumulative inflation factor since then (in the US) has been about 3x.haushofer said:If you want to become a millionaire, you should start teaching. But starting as a billionaire.