Is the Life of a Physicist as Serious and Intense as We Imagine?

In summary: Keep in mind that life AS A STUDENT often has very little resemblance to life as a working professional.
  • #1
uperkurk
167
0
For some reason when I think of physicists I sort of imagine them to be extremely serious people, don't consume alcohol, don't party, don't go on sunny holidays ect and I know this is stupid but when I think of a physicists I kinda think of them going to bed at 2am after trying to solve some complex equation, waking up at 8am only to grab the pen and get back to figuring out that equation.

Also I wanted to know just say if you got paid minimum wage for your job, would you still do it? Or would you get a better paying job and then work in your own time from home trying to figure stuff out?
 
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  • #2
Feynman was definitely not what you described.
 
  • #3
A common stereotype. Physicists are exactly like everyone else in the fact that everyone single one of them is a unique person with different interests, behaviors, lifestyles, etc. Some are lazy and stupid, some are lazy and brilliant, some are just lazy, etc. And while I'm not a physicist, I doubt many would continue their work if they just got minmum wage. Real life demands such as raising a family and paying back school loans is pretty big pressure. Also consider that most physicists couldn't work from home. They require access to specialized equipment and rarely work alone anyways.
 
  • #4
uperkurk said:
For some reason when I think of physicists I sort of imagine them to be extremely serious people, don't consume alcohol, don't party, don't go on sunny holidays ect and I know this is stupid but when I think of a physicists I kinda think of them going to bed at 2am after trying to solve some complex equation, waking up at 8am only to grab the pen and get back to figuring out that equation.

Wow. And you think ALL physicists are theorists?

Zz.
 
  • #5
uperkurk said:
For some reason when I think of physicists I sort of imagine them to be extremely serious people, don't consume alcohol, don't party, don't go on sunny holidays ect and I know this is stupid but when I think of a physicists I kinda think of them going to bed at 2am after trying to solve some complex equation, waking up at 8am only to grab the pen and get back to figuring out that equation.

You've just described the entirety of my undergrad life. YMMV, I had to sacrifice a lot of hobbies just to get by. I am stupid but hardworking, but lately the burnout has been so great that I am probably not going to study anything seriously for a while once I graduate this year.

Right now I would rather get any comfortable job that pays the bills and if I ever get bored with it, I would consider graduate study again.
 
  • #6
Lavabug said:
You've just described the entirety of my undergrad life. YMMV, I had to sacrifice a lot of hobbies just to get by. I am stupid but hardworking, but lately the burnout has been so great that I am probably not going to study anything seriously for a while once I graduate this year.

Right now I would rather get any comfortable job that pays the bills and if I ever get bored with it, I would consider graduate study again.

Keep in mind that life AS A STUDENT often has very little resemblance to life as a working professional.

Zz.
 

1. What is a physicist's daily routine like?

A physicist's daily routine can vary greatly depending on their specific field of study and current projects. However, most physicists spend a significant amount of time conducting experiments, analyzing data, and writing reports or papers. They may also attend meetings, conferences, and give presentations on their research.

2. Is the work of a physicist mentally and physically demanding?

Yes, the work of a physicist can be mentally and physically demanding. Physicists often spend long hours in the lab or at their desk, solving complex problems and conducting experiments. They may also be required to travel frequently, present their work, and collaborate with other researchers, which can be physically tiring.

3. Do physicists only work in academia?

No, physicists can work in a variety of industries and fields, including government agencies, research and development companies, and even finance and consulting firms. Many physicists also work in interdisciplinary fields, such as biophysics or materials science, which require collaboration with professionals from other disciplines.

4. Are physicists always serious and intense?

While the work of a physicist can be intense and requires a high level of focus and dedication, physicists are also human beings with diverse personalities. They may have a serious and analytical mindset when conducting research, but they also have interests and hobbies outside of their work and can have a sense of humor.

5. What skills are necessary to succeed as a physicist?

To succeed as a physicist, one must have a strong background in mathematics, critical thinking, and problem-solving. Excellent communication skills are also crucial, as physicists often need to collaborate with others and present their findings to a wider audience. Attention to detail, creativity, and perseverance are also important qualities for a physicist to have.

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