Should I give up on astrophysics and study something else?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the dilemma of pursuing a career in astrophysics versus transitioning to a more stable field such as quantitative finance. Participants explore the implications of job prospects, personal passion, and the potential for regret in their academic and career choices.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a deep passion for astrophysics but is concerned about the dismal job prospects in academia and the likelihood of not securing a tenured position.
  • Another participant suggests considering other fields in physics with better job prospects and emphasizes that pursuing a passion does not necessarily require a career in that field.
  • A different viewpoint highlights the importance of having a backup plan while pursuing one's passion, suggesting that an honours physics degree allows for exploration of various sub-fields.
  • One participant shares their advisor's experience, noting that only a small percentage of PhD graduates in astrophysics enter academia, while others find good jobs in different sectors.
  • Concerns are raised about the practicality of pursuing a PhD in astrophysics given the slim chances of securing a research position, with some advocating for more vocational paths like finance.
  • Another participant reflects on their own indecision between engineering and physics, expressing a desire for more intellectual stimulation and considering a switch to physics.
  • One participant argues that technical education alone does not guarantee financial success, suggesting that social skills and a solid employment plan are also necessary.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of views on whether to pursue astrophysics or switch to a more stable career path. There is no consensus, as some advocate for following passion while others emphasize the importance of job stability and practicality.

Contextual Notes

Participants discuss the uncertainty surrounding job prospects in astrophysics and the potential for regret in their choices. There are varying opinions on the balance between passion and stability, as well as the implications of pursuing advanced degrees in academic fields.

  • #31
I feel like I've been there before, not sure what to pursue.

Thus far, I have two bachelor's degrees and I'm off to graduate school to get a master's degree. Next year I'll be 30 and I'll have been in school for most of my life. I'm facing two more years of school, with the difficulty ramped up quite a bit (I imagine).

I think I could've saved a whole lot of time if I had just stuck with one plan.

My advice is to stick with one, single long-term plan, that has measurable goals. Reflect on your progress, when it's made, and expect some challenges.

Once you've reached your goal and experienced that reality, you'll probably have a very different perspective on things.
 
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  • #32
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE! DO NOT GIVE UP ON YOUR PASSION!

yes, you cite competition and lack of jobs.. but you are PASSIONATE! almost NOBODY is... PLEASE! I just graduated from a VERY demanding major (architecture) that i wasnt passionate about, and i just kept pushing myself because it was what I was supossed to do, what I needed to do.. I have now discovered my pasion is in product design, and I feel like I lost 4 years of my life.. where would I be now if I had dug deeper, and didnt just go along with what everybody expected.

You are lucky enough to know what you are passionate about. Please do not quit. I know this sounds naive, but trust me. You don't have to do traditional jobs... You can write books about astrophysics, make movies about astrophysics, sing songs, I don't know. Anything! But do not give up on your passion... Maybe you won't be rich (who knows!?)... But you'll be so passionate about your work, you will change somebody's life...

I know this man who sells food off a food cart. This man will never be rich or famous. And it doesn't matter. But this man is so dedicated and so passionate about his craft, that you just know. Eating this man's food is a pleasure. You feel like you are experiencing a work of art. This guy is an inspiration. Please keep inspiring yourself and other through your passion... DO NOT LET GO!

Passion and devotion to work are absolutely essential to live meaningful lives...

I leave you with a quote that may sound cliché, but i feel to be absolutely true today.. don't know where its from..

"But what if I fail?... Oh darling, what if you fly..?"
 
  • #33
luisgonz said:
Passion and devotion to work are absolutely essential to live meaningful lives...
...
"But what if I fail?... Oh darling, what if you fly..?"

You make it sound as if work is the only meaningful thing there is in life. It is not.

My wife and children matter to me more than work.

I have passions: brewing beer, building radios, piloting airplanes, and coaching shooting sports, to name a few. My job helps to fund those passions.

I like my work, but if it were the only thing in my life, I would be a very shallow person.
 
  • #34
totally understand.. And I am happy you have found meaning in your life.. I speak only from my opinion.

I do not have a wife or kids, and am at a moment in my life where i feel like i need to define myself as a individual in society, and I particularly feel like that has a strong connection to my work and career. I am 24.

Thanks for the kind words,

Luis
 
  • #35
luisgonz said:
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE! DO NOT GIVE UP ON YOUR PASSION!

yes, you cite competition and lack of jobs.. but you are PASSIONATE! almost NOBODY is...

I think graduates in physics are likely to be passionate about their chosen major. You hardly embark on doing a PhD in physics without passion (when most of your friends and schoolmates are starting their first well-paying jobs).

But I found the concept of an alleged life-long singular passion for something not very helpful anyway. You don't really know what it feels "to do physics" (academically) unless you tried or unless you talked to some persons who speak from first-hand experience and who probably change the picture of a typical physicist created by popular science shows and articles.

On the other hand you might find out that you are passionate about things you did not even consider when "discovering" your first passion - because you don't know about existing jobs or industry sectors yet - and because technology is evolving fast: I am passionate for fields / things / projects and indulge in ways of working today that simply did not exist at the time I graduated.
 

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