Switching to physics after doing finance as a quant

[dark-knight]

hi everyone.
i am a physics graduate on the verge of entering a phd program. obviously my aim is to do physics research. one possible way is to get a phd, do a post doc and then do research. i know its THE ONLY WAY. but there r a few apprehensions i have-

1. to do research u need equipments (latest science equipments are really expensive),
2. u have to lobby for grants and all (this really puts me off).
3. though my family can afford my phd education, it is going to cost them a huge money.

i came to know recently that physics majors get highly paid jobs as a quant in finance sector.
they use physics models to evaluate pricing and forecast future trends.
do u think it wud be better for me to earn really handsome money and then do phd to do serious research without any worries of future, as there will be no additional worries related to money. i want to do things without any boundations. plus i wud be in a position to have a personal lab of my own.

i must also clear that i wud prefer doing physics research and making less money than making huge money and doing something which is completely aloof from physics.
this "quant profession" really seems to offer handsome money as well as applied maths and physics(which i really like)

let me know what u think abt this approach.

 

[Vanadium 50]

Please reread the PF Rules on text speak.

The amount of money you are likely earn as a quant in a year or two is not enough to support a career in physics research.

 

[Raioneru]

most students, at least in the US, get some sort of compensation (as research or teaching assistants) when they study for a PhD in physics. basically you get enough money to take care of yourself. was that what you were worried about? (I may not have understood your question fully)

 

[Kalidor]

No, he wants to be "in a position to have a personal lab of his own" after a few years as a quant.
Looks like this guys needs to "get real" a bit.

 

[alan2]

Nobody is going to hire you as a quant with an undergrad degree in physics. You need to decide what you would like to do and see where that takes you. If you are in the US, you were accepted to a physics PhD program, and you were not offered financial support including tuition, then you should be looking elsewhere.