Is Pursuing a Career in Astrophysics Worth It?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the viability of pursuing a career in astrophysics, particularly in academia, and the concerns associated with job stability and financial prospects. Participants reflect on personal aspirations, the implications of moving for job opportunities, and the credibility of a referenced article that critiques the academic path in astrophysics.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a strong desire to pursue research in astrophysics but is apprehensive about job stability and the potential need to relocate frequently.
  • Another participant references a previous discussion about the same article, suggesting that while the author is a respected scientist, his views may be controversial and should be considered with caution.
  • A different participant humorously critiques the article's advice against becoming a professor, arguing that the job market for lawyers is equally problematic, highlighting issues such as high debt and low job placement rates for law graduates.
  • Some participants indicate that there is a recurring theme in the forum regarding the challenges of academic careers, particularly in the context of the referenced article.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the value of the article or the implications of pursuing a career in astrophysics. There are differing opinions on the credibility of the article and the job market in both academia and law.

Contextual Notes

Participants express concerns about job security and financial stability in academia, but there is no resolution on the validity of the article's claims or the overall worth of pursuing a career in astrophysics.

Who May Find This Useful

Students considering a career in astrophysics or academia, individuals interested in the job market for Ph.D. holders, and those exploring alternative career paths in STEM fields.

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http://wuphys.wustl.edu/~katz/scientist.html"

I'm an undergrad, getting ready to start taking physics classes next year. My interests lie in astrophysics, mostly. I have always thought that being a professor was the career for me. I know I wouldn't make as much money in this field as I could in others, but I'm okay with that, as long as I can live comfortably.

However, I keep running across articles like this, and I'm getting scared. I still want nothing more than to do research, but I'm getting worried. I'm in a very serious relationship, and after reading the above article, I hate the thought of moving around that often, trying to find a job. Not so much moving around, I guess, but having no control over where I go is what scares me. I am a very good student, top of my class in everything, but I don't think that guarantees me anything.

Is this article accurate? If so, what can I do to avoid this situation? I really do want to be a researcher, but is it worth it? This man seems to think that even after all of that struggle, the profession doesn't live up to expectations.

EDIT: Really sorry, meant to post this in the Careers forum! I'd appreciate it if this could be moved there. Again, Sorry!
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
This "article" had already been addressed in https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=102209". You may want to do a search on it.

While Katz is a respectable scientist, his opinion on other matters can be quite controversial (do a search on his name). I'm not saying you should totally ignore what he says on such subject matter, but you should at least have some perspective on the type of opinion that he holds on to.

Zz.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Thanks. I did do a search, but I guess I missed it.
 
Hah! I haven't even been on this site for too long but I have probably seen 4 threads about this article! :P
 
The article is hilarious, not because of its obvious advice to not become a professor, but because it tells kids to be a lawyer!

If he thinks there's a glut of PH.Ds, he should seriously check out law schools.

$40,000/yr for schools ranked 150th?
Job prospects, even at top schools, that make people go into bankruptcy from the debt?

Hell law schools in the top 15 generally place 20-30% of their ENTIRE graduating class into jobs paying market price... with people below median being unemployed in the field.

Too funny.
 
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