Switching Careers: Is A Physics Degree Worth the Investment?

[Kawakaze]

Hi all. I am a precision engineer with 10 years under my belt. I want to switch to a physics related career. My school is to college level, mechanical and electronic engineering (in Europe that is not University), I am studying for a BSc in physical science, part time. The problem is the time and cost, I am 27 this year and I expect at least another 3 years to finish my degree.

I already crunched the numbers on my AMA. I worked for 50eur a week for 4 years. While my forklift driving friends were laughing at me, making 250eur a week for an unskilled job. After 6 years working I have worked out I am still at a loss behind my friends. My education has not offset my low income from college, despite higher income now. I only pulled this off because I was still living with my folks.

I am looking at science related jobs, very broadly speaking as I find the entire subject fascinating. I see their starting salaries arent really fantastic. The cost of a BSc part time is around 5x the price of an AMA, assuming a realistic career, I can't see how it would pay for itself within a reasonable time.

I know people will say take the option I really would prefer to do, ignore the finance. This is true, I would prefer a career in modern physics, but I also really enjoy having a roof over my head too. Ideally I would like to switch career before I complete my degree, then I would at least be gaining industry relevant experience and a recognised qualification. Anyone have any thoughts?

 

[mrb]

What is an AMA?

 

[kramer733]

So you became a precision engineer when you were 17? I hope you meant you were 37

 

[Kawakaze]

AMA = advanced modern apprenticeship. Its 4-5 days workplace training, 1 (damn long) college day per week. Its way to get papers and a wage. No, I started in the industry at 16. Finished training at 20. So that's almost 11 years in the industry, almost 7 working solo.

I don't get what you mean by you hope I was 37, please explain. Mechanical engineering is not exactly rocket science or brain surgery, even most doctors don't need 20 years training.

This is all besides the point, how many forum readers have gotten into a job they love and higher education without having to go full time to uni?

 

[kramer733]

AMA = advanced modern apprenticeship. Its 4-5 days workplace training, 1 (damn long) college day per week. Its way to get papers and a wage. No, I started in the industry at 16. Finished training at 20. So that's almost 11 years in the industry, almost 7 working solo.

I don't get what you mean by you hope I was 37, please explain. Mechanical engineering is not exactly rocket science or brain surgery, even most doctors don't need 20 years training.

This is all besides the point, how many forum readers have gotten into a job they love and higher education without having to go full time to uni?

My bad, i meant 27. =)