Physics BS - is it even worth it?

[gsmith]

WannabeNewton, how important is Cornell to you? It seems to me that your problem would be easily solved by finishing out your undergrad at Stony Brook or similar institution. Another thing to remember is that because you have an undergraduate degree in physics, does not mean you cannot continue with graduate education in a different field such as EE or Materials which have less discouraging employments statistics.
The fact that your passion is in question is preposterous. You evince more zeal for this topic than almost anyone on the site, but, considering that, would you ever be happy if you did not give physics/math a shot?

Some things to consider from someone who you have helped in the past.

 

[WannabeNewton]

WannabeNewton, how important is Cornell to you? It seems to me that your problem would be easily solved by finishing out your undergrad at Stony Brook or similar institution.

This question is hard to answer for me because I won't really know if I regret giving up Cornell or not until after I do, at which point it will be too late to go back if I do regret it. Transferring isn't an issue in principle but, if you put yourself in my shoes, it is easier said than done considering what has to be forsaken. It would certainly solve somethings that's for sure.

Another thing to remember is that because you have an undergraduate degree in physics, does not mean you cannot continue with graduate education in a different field such as EE or Materials which have less discouraging employments statistics.

I think it can be done in principle but I've read previous threads on this site where people have said it's quite hard to go from physics -> EE PhD when there are people who already did their undergrad in EE applying for EE PhD etc.

The fact that your passion is in question is preposterous. You evince more zeal for this topic than almost anyone on the site, but, considering that, would you ever be happy if you did not give physics/math a shot?

This is also what my parents asked me and honestly I would probably be unhappy, or at least disappointed, if I had to give up pure physics. Then again we can't always get what makes us happy now can we ?

Thanks for the reply by the way!