Stable Lame Career Vs. The Unknown

[mal4mac]

You say:

Where do I want to go, what do I want to do, what do I hope to achieve in this? Happiness. How can I know that there will be happiness? I won't...

Then:

For me, reading journals, research papers, books, etc on previous findings or current research never gets old. I sit back and say "wow, that's pretty awesome!" So, I enjoy it.

So you do know there is happiness. And happiness now! I would pursue happiness in the present because the future is an enigma trapped inside an illusion.

You assume that working for a PhD is "shooting for the Stars" when it might (probably) will only be working as a technician for a megalomaniac ... that is, another form of mindless corporate drone, this time unpaid!

I would work at your job until you have *enough* money (say, by age 40/45). Then retire and do what you want, outside the military-industrial complex.

 

[Hmoob]

Magmatic,


What's bad about learning it yourself? You get it done faster. You feel a greater sense of accomplishment. It won't take more time than if you go to school, much less. You save $10K. And ultimately it will bring you to other things you never knew you liked. Self-teaching is always the best way to learn, and with forums like these, you can ask questions when you need help FOR FREE!

Good luck in your final decision though.

 

[TMFKAN64]

While I'm a believer in the value of self-study, I believe that there is a limit to how effective it can be. At some point, you will hit a wall... and while this forum is a great resource, the further along you are, the less likely you are to find help here.

If you don't actually want to find a job in the field, though, self-study can take you quite far.