Physics Theoretical physics as a backup carreer

[Vanadium 50]

If you are doing something to improve your self-esteem that a) requires you to be the next Einstein, and b) by your own admission has the same probability of working as winning the lottery, perhaps you should find something else to try.

 

[tgt]

If you are doing something to improve your self-esteem that a) requires you to be the next Einstein, and b) by your own admission has the same probability of working as winning the lottery, perhaps you should find something else to try.

Have my mind set on maths and physics only unfortunately. I see my worthiness as defined by them. Also I've rejected all women in the past due to my incompetence in these areas when compared to the top students. This is something that saddens me a lot as they were all good people.

 

[micromass]

I see my worthiness as defined by them.

You're going to have significant problems in grad school then.

 

[radium]

You shouldn't go into physics (or math) because you want to be Einstein, you should do it because you love the subject and exploring unanswered questions. The people who are the most successful in physics are usually just very intelligent, creative people follow their interests and eventually find something substantial and interesting. Additionally, as other people said, Einstein and others like him did not live in a vacuum. While he did make incredible contributions to physics, a lot of his work was based on things previously discovered by other people (like the Lorentz transformations). People have even discovered the same things separately, which resulted from being in the same environment.

Also, to be successful in theoretical physics vs. math requires quite different skills and ways of thinking. Of course there is some overlap, but I think it's pretty presumptuous of you to consider theoretical physics as a backup to math. Every area of academia is incredibly difficult at the highest level. You may look down on experimentalists for example (based on what you have posted), but being a successful experimentalist requires incredible ingenuity and creativity.

 

[tgt]

You're going to have significant problems in grad school then.

So you think I'll struggle in grad school? Physics or maths and why?

 

[Orodruin]

So you think I'll struggle in grad school? Physics or maths and why?

You said that you define your worthiness by how you do in these subjects. If you go to grad school you are going to work on a very small and specialised part of your subject, you will encounter a lot of people who are very good at what they do and have a very good overview of several aspects of the field. In other words, chances are that you will be very mediocre in comparison to your surroundings. It is therefore very dangerous if you define your self-worth and self-esteem in terms of how you are doing in these subjects. As many others have echoed in this thread already, only defining yourself by how you do in physics and maths is generally not going to be a good thing and you should also try to have other interests. Most mathematicians and physicists do have other interests just like normal people, some go to the gym, some play the piano, some like taking long walks. It is important to have several things in your life which you enjoy.

 

[radium]

I agree, if you always feel like you need to be the smartest person in the room, you will be very unhappy during grad school. To do well in grad school, you need to be able to deal with the fact that there will always be people who are smarter than you (at least in some areas) and be able use that as motivation to learn more by yourself and from other people.

 

[Boolean Boogey]

It seems to me that being concerned with the superiority of your intelligence would distract from all the fun mathematics you should be studying. Well, personally, I have no degree right now but I do 4 or so hours of mathematics every night for fun and even I wouldn't consider getting a PhD at 30 (I am also 30 years old). Especially if you only want it to flaunt how intelligent you are, which to me sounds like part of why you want it.

I would suggest you do a bit of research before making this jump. As I see it you're claiming to be a mathematics fiend, so why not work out the actual probability of you being successful. It could be a fun chance to test out your risk assessment talents!

 

[tgt]

As many others have echoed in this thread already, only defining yourself by how you do in physics and maths is generally not going to be a good thing and you should also try to have other interests. Most mathematicians and physicists do have other interests just like normal people, some go to the gym, some play the piano, some like taking long walks. It is important to have several things in your life which you enjoy.

Yes, I have other interests but don't want to be a professional at them. However, do badly want to become a pro mathematician or physicist (more the former). So far, I am failing to become one and that really gets to me and the rest of my life and self worth. It's got to be demoralizing for a male to not able to earn a decent living (I know I could do something else in the real world but just don't have the motivation for it).

 

[micromass]

Yes, I have other interests but don't want to be a professional at them. However, do badly want to become a pro mathematician or physicist (more the former). So far, I am failing to become one and that really gets to me and the rest of my life and self worth. It's got to be demoralizing for a male to not able to earn a living (I know I could do something else in the real world but just don't have the motivation for it).

Not sure what being male has to do with it, but sure, it is demoralizing. Which is why your plans are strange since they're not exactly solid plans towards making a living.

 

[Orodruin]

If you seriously can only see yourself doing mathematics or physics and define your self-worth by your accomplishments in these fields, then I strongly recommend you to get professional help from a psychologist who can help you to work with other self-values. It may also help to have a contact with a psychiatrist as you may be very likely to develop depression if you have not already. It is not healthy to obsess over two of the arguably most difficult carreer paths you can select. I have seen first hand what this can do to people and it is not something to strive for. I also have many friends who did PhDs in mathematics and physics who went on to industry and have highly interesting jobs where they can use their expertise. Do not paint yourself into a corner.

 

[Dale]

It seems the discussion has run its course and further discussion has become unproductive. Thread closed.