So I've been pondering for many years as to what to do for a career. I've never really had any choices that just jumped out at me and seemed to have my name written all over it. Throughout my childhood and teenage years I've had many ideas. Robotics, Chef, Hotel and/or Restaurant Ownership, Astronomy, Paleontology, Psychology, Computer Programmer, and Web Site Design just to name a few. Nothing ever seemed to hold my interest for very long.
So I moved from high school straight to the work force working low paying, non skilled jobs for 10 years or so. It didn't help that my Mother died when I was 21 and that I had several other major things going on in my head during my 20s to think about higher education. 3 years ago I landed a sweet job with the State of Arizona and I've been doing that ever since. As much as I like this job the thought of doing it for the rest of my working life didn't fill me with any good emotions. The big plus of it is the retirement benefits are amazing and, should I live long enough to collect on them, I'll be set until the State falls or I do. But again, these thoughts didn't really comfort me.
I know for most people the simple life is preferred. Work a job until retirement and then enjoy what's left until death. I'm not like most people. I feel like I should do something with my (possibly) short life. I'm not a thrill seeker nor am I seeking fame in any amount. I just want to do something that I can be proud of. Something that can show just how smart I am. I know that sounds arrogant but it's true. I am very smart and I get tired of having to prove it over and over again.
Which brings me to the present. Over the last month or so I've been thinking about possible careers that I might be interested in. I have to say that it was a tv show about the universe that sparked these thoughts. It was horribly dumbed down for the average person and at times it got a little annoying but I enjoyed the facts presented. I especially enjoyed the brief comments by Dr. Neil Tyson. I've always had an interest in space. But astronomy by itself was a little boring for my tastes. But coupled with my desire to know why things work the way they do I started thinking about astrophysics. For me it's like the Reece's peanut butter cup. Two things I like together in a better way than either individually.
So I began looking into a possible degree in astrophysics. In order to get to a doctorate I would have to devote at least 10 years. This didn't bother me. However, what did bother me was whether my age would be too much of a hinderance and what job opportunities were available after grad school. As much as I like the subject the pay is important also. After contacting the schools in my area I found that my concerns were not going to be a problem.
Now the next step is to start on the long road. Hopefully I will like what I see at the beginning and make it to the end. Astrophysics requires an insane amount of math in addition to the physics, chemistry, and astronomy requirements. I am pretty sure that my brain is going to get more exercise in the next 10 years than in the previous 30 combined. But with my IQ of 140 (unconfirmed) and my ability to learn at an accelerated rate I may be able to cut a couple of years off of my total journey.
Now the next step and challenge is to set up my class schedule and plan out the finances to cover them. With luck I might be able to qualify for grants. But I'm not going to count on it. Hopefully my next updates will be positive.