No clue what to do with my life.

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around career choices for individuals interested in physics, mathematics, and computer science. Participants explore potential job paths, the importance of higher education, and the value of flexibility in career planning.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested
  • Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a desire to pursue theoretical physics but questions how to make a living in that field and seeks job suggestions.
  • Another participant suggests considering higher degrees and further academic choices.
  • A participant mentions their intention to attend university for Physical Sciences, indicating a focus on formal education.
  • Some participants advise not to worry excessively about career decisions at this stage and to focus on enjoying college learning experiences.
  • One participant emphasizes the importance of researching potential career paths and being flexible in decision-making, acknowledging that plans may change.
  • Another participant recommends exploring introductory electives in various fields to discover personal interests and aptitudes.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the importance of exploring interests and being flexible in career planning. However, there are differing views on the necessity of immediate concern over career choices and the role of higher education.

Contextual Notes

Some discussions reflect uncertainty about specific job opportunities in theoretical physics and the implications of pursuing higher education. There are also varying assumptions about the importance of early career planning versus exploration during college.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals contemplating careers in physics, mathematics, or computer science, particularly those considering university education and exploring various job paths.

mayodt
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Hey, I enjoy to do physics, math and work with computers, but all the jobs I know of that consist of these subjects do not interest me. Maybe there's something I'm missing or something? A job like theoretical physics would interest me, but how does someone make a living doing something like that? What are some jobs that I should look into?
 
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What about the academical choice? Higher degrees and so on?
 
Sorry, I forgot to mention, I'm hoping to go to university for Physical Sciences.
 
I don't think you need to worry too much about that right now. I was the same when I started going to college. A few of us know right from the beginning what we want to do the rest of our lives, but most of us don't. Try to learn something you enjoy in college, and you'll probably be fine. (:
 
mayodt said:
Hey, I enjoy to do physics, math and work with computers, but all the jobs I know of that consist of these subjects do not interest me. Maybe there's something I'm missing or something? A job like theoretical physics would interest me, but how does someone make a living doing something like that? What are some jobs that I should look into?

First piece of advice that I have to get off my chest: spend a bit of time to research what you are getting yourself into, especially if it is a big decision that will take up a lot of your time and other resources (like money).

Also in conjunction with this, be flexible and if something is telling you to pursue other means, then always listen to this nudging factor. This may seem like a paradoxical piece of advice compared to the first, but even the best set out plans don't turn out the way we envisaged so its important to accept a 'bad turnout' and be ready to move on with things.

Also one final piece of advice: see if you can ask someone that works in a particular job what it is like.

Before the internet, you would probably have to speak to someone face to face to ask them what their job was like, what it entailed, and what 'really' went on as opposed to what is 'publically thought' to be happening (i.e. the truth and not the 'glamour').

Now with the internet, you can ask questions and find things like this out (if people are willing to come clean with you) and tell you what they do so you can get a real idea of what is involved.

Also if you do the above, remember you make the final decision and I hope all goes well.
 
Hobin said:
I don't think you need to worry too much about that right now. I was the same when I started going to college. A few of us know right from the beginning what we want to do the rest of our lives, but most of us don't. Try to learn something you enjoy in college, and you'll probably be fine. (:

I second that. I suggest you study your field of interest say physics but take the introductory electives in other areas such as engineering, chemistry, etc. See what tickles your passions and where your aptitudes lie and what the subjects really entail. Weigh that with your other interests (do you want to try to raise a family on your income? get rich? work for yourself?)
 

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