Reconsidering my Options
Posted: Thu Mar 13, 2008 1:54 am
First off, I have already read dilemn's post "do over?" and I hope I am not being somewhat repetitive.
Also, lemme say, I do not mean to imply I am in dire straights, I was accepted at least one very good astronomy school.
That being said, I am suddenly becoming concerned. Had you asked me even a few months ago, what I wanted to do with my life, I would have gladly said research, maybe professorship one day. I knew that there are far more astronomy phds graduating than professor jobs available, meaning the odds of me getting a good faculty position would mean waiting many years, doing many post-docs, and being very good.
It didn't bother me then, but now, it's concerning me greatly, largely because I'm not even sure that's what I want to do anymore. I'm now considering abandoning my current offers, and pursuing a job in industry. I'm also thinking I made a major mistake heading into astronomy. I love astronomy, but in reality, I love physics too, and I feel like with a MS or PHD in physics, I could always go into astronomy, industry, or stay in physics. Whereas with astronomy, I have narrowed my field to a point where I am unable to change my mind without spending another chunk of my life as a grad student.
I guess my options are to go to astro school, and xfer to physics or leave academia completely if I end up hating it. Or just to forget my offers and try it all over again in a year. Odds are the schools that take me now will take me then, maybe.
I'm very conflicted over the whole thing, I wanted to know about how other people feel in similar or related situations, or if anyone had some advice.
thanks
Also, lemme say, I do not mean to imply I am in dire straights, I was accepted at least one very good astronomy school.
That being said, I am suddenly becoming concerned. Had you asked me even a few months ago, what I wanted to do with my life, I would have gladly said research, maybe professorship one day. I knew that there are far more astronomy phds graduating than professor jobs available, meaning the odds of me getting a good faculty position would mean waiting many years, doing many post-docs, and being very good.
It didn't bother me then, but now, it's concerning me greatly, largely because I'm not even sure that's what I want to do anymore. I'm now considering abandoning my current offers, and pursuing a job in industry. I'm also thinking I made a major mistake heading into astronomy. I love astronomy, but in reality, I love physics too, and I feel like with a MS or PHD in physics, I could always go into astronomy, industry, or stay in physics. Whereas with astronomy, I have narrowed my field to a point where I am unable to change my mind without spending another chunk of my life as a grad student.
I guess my options are to go to astro school, and xfer to physics or leave academia completely if I end up hating it. Or just to forget my offers and try it all over again in a year. Odds are the schools that take me now will take me then, maybe.
I'm very conflicted over the whole thing, I wanted to know about how other people feel in similar or related situations, or if anyone had some advice.
thanks