I really decision about dropping out of graduate program

AI Thread Summary
A student in a terminal master's program in physics is experiencing significant anxiety and burnout, leading to concerns about their academic performance and future career prospects. Despite a successful undergraduate experience balancing multiple commitments, the transition to graduate school has triggered generalized anxiety disorder and health anxiety, prompting visits to a psychologist. The student is contemplating whether to continue in the physics program or switch to engineering, driven by a desire for a more applied focus and better job opportunities. They express frustration with the challenging grading system and a lack of motivation for classes, feeling trapped by financial obligations and student loans. Suggestions from peers include toughing out the semester, considering a medical leave of absence to address mental health issues, and exploring job opportunities with a physics degree. The discussion highlights the challenges of graduate school, mental health impacts, and the importance of making decisions that prioritize well-being and future career satisfaction.
fire8085
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I recently started a terminal masters program in physics. Shortly after starting, I had a big anxiety issue that I never had in my life before. In my undergrad I worked 2 jobs, was in a fraternity, was in a physics program full time and had a social life. I managed to make it all work and life was great.

I moved to a new area for my program and out of the blue one day had a big panic attack. Since then I've been having a bit of issues with GAD/Health anxiety (been seeing a psychologist). I don't currently work, I only grade to support myself and am only taking 2 courses (which I believe I'm failing - the grading system for this MS isn't just A/B although it requires a B minimum).

Now I have spoken to my adviser and he basically told me to make out a pro/con list to leaving the program and ultimately to do what is best for me (told me to envision myself in 10 years).

I'm considering in the next year to switch to engineering. I find myself completely disenchanted with more mechanics and math methods courses for physics. I wonder if I only did the MS program because it was the next logical step for me.

Now I'm just thinking that I want to be more applied and have a decent job afterwards. One of my friends went into an engineering program and he said he enjoys it much more than undergrad (went to same place). We both were like minded.

I'm wondering here if it's my recent anxiety issues that are dictating my thoughts/feelings or if it's legitimate. I currently HATE going to class and although the professors are really nice and helpful I just feel completely burned out. I don't want to even leave the damn apartment lately. (I know depression/anxiety can cause a lot of negative feelings)

I currently live with my gf down here, I need to be able to pay rent and have student loans...so I feel trapped.

I'm at a loss of what to do here.

Stick with the program?

Try to get out while I can and switch to an engineering MS?

Find a job? I mean I don't even know where to begin with a physics BS. I haven't really heard of anyone in the last few years landing a good job with a BS in physics (besides teaching HS).

Thoughts are appreciated..

Thanks
 
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I am in a similar situation. My professors also have this insane grading policy where they grade on an absolute scale, the exams and homeworks are so inhumanely hard it probably violates the UN charter and the math is getting to my head.

At least tough this semester out though it only has 1-2 weeks left.
 
Yeah I have one week left. Idk what to do though outside of studying as much as I can...

Other input is appreciated
 
Nobody has advice for this? At all?
 
Can you take some sort of leave of absence (medical?) so you can get things sorted out and simultaneously decide whether or not this experience is worth it to you?
 
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I graduated with a BSc in Physics in 2020. Since there were limited opportunities in my country (mostly teaching), I decided to improve my programming skills and began working in IT, first as a software engineer and later as a quality assurance engineer, where I’ve now spent about 3 years. While this career path has provided financial stability, I’ve realized that my excitement and passion aren’t really there, unlike what I felt when studying or doing research in physics. Working in IT...
Hello, I’m an undergraduate student pursuing degrees in both computer science and physics. I was wondering if anyone here has graduated with these degrees and applied to a physics graduate program. I’m curious about how graduate programs evaluated your applications. In addition, if I’m interested in doing research in quantum fields related to materials or computational physics, what kinds of undergraduate research experiences would be most valuable?

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