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 Posted: Thu, 6th Sep 2012 17:57 Post subject: Did I make a mistake? |
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I often find myself wondering, and usually around the times when I have the exams, did I make the right decision by choosing this university? This profession?
I find myself studying most of the time, not having time or money to do what I want. Also I noticed that I am happy when I do something that is related to design (today I helped my sister with one site she made for her friend, and it was really exciting).
I love physics, but sometimes I get so depressed and discouraged when I need to solve some difficult problem. And it goes on my nerves so much.
Especially if the problem is in the part of the physics that is not interesting to me (solid state physics for instance, stupid solid state -.-").
Don't get me wrong, learning stuff is great, knowing so much about the world around me is super, but I don't think I want to do this for the rest of my life :\
I have several exams to pass and I'm done, so I see no point in quitting, that would be idiotic. But I think that a big part of me regrets the fact that I didn't go to graphic design.
The fact that I have friends who are studying graphic design, or have studied it, isn't helping at all. When I compare my uni to theirs, it seems as tho they are having such a great time, and all I need to do is calculate stuff and measure stuff and whatnot... All the time!
I wish I could go back in time, 5 years ago when I was choosing what uni I'd go...
I'd probably be through with uni by now, and would have a job, and move out from my parents - the life with them is becoming so stressful, I mean it always was, but now it just seems worse :\
I know I should be grateful with the things I have, but I don't feel happy 
And when I'm feeling like shit I have no incentive to study, and I have a week and a half to find out these awful and hard problems, plus theory... This sucks
"Quantum mechanics is actually, contrary to it's reputation, unbeliveably simple, once you take the physics out."
Scott Aaronson | chiv wrote: | | thats true you know. newton didnt discover gravity. the apple told him about it, and then he killed it. the core was never found. |
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Invasor
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| Posted: Thu, 6th Sep 2012 18:35 Post subject: |
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I most certainly did (choose the wrong area). I hate my field of work. While it's probably not the brightest thing to do, my plan is to change to a different career in a few years (don't even know what yet, but I do know that I won't be doing what I'm doing now for too long).
You should focus on what you like, though, and it seems pretty obvious that you do like (some area of) physics. I believe things will improve after you graduate, and specially after you move out of your parents house...
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| Posted: Thu, 6th Sep 2012 18:38 Post subject: |
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It's just that I have this feeling that I am missing on life :\
All that party while you're young stuff, all I seem to do is study, and that's going on my nerves a bit...
I wish I could be more independent, without the need to constantly explain what I'm doing (apparently my parents think that if I live with them they own me -.-").
But I am more worried about the future, what if I end up in a job I hate? :\
"Quantum mechanics is actually, contrary to it's reputation, unbeliveably simple, once you take the physics out."
Scott Aaronson | chiv wrote: | | thats true you know. newton didnt discover gravity. the apple told him about it, and then he killed it. the core was never found. |
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Invasor
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Location: On the road
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| Posted: Thu, 6th Sep 2012 18:53 Post subject: |
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You can change. You can always change.
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| Posted: Thu, 6th Sep 2012 19:10 Post subject: |
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| Invasor wrote: | | You can change. You can always change. |
Easier said than done, but you're right 
"Quantum mechanics is actually, contrary to it's reputation, unbeliveably simple, once you take the physics out."
Scott Aaronson | chiv wrote: | | thats true you know. newton didnt discover gravity. the apple told him about it, and then he killed it. the core was never found. |
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| Posted: Thu, 6th Sep 2012 20:15 Post subject: |
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Well your interest in something like graphic design might help you finding even greater jobs later on. Just don't stop improving yourself in that area. Being a physicist will open you a lot of doors, you also knowing graphical stuff will only support that. You might think that these two are so silly out of touch, but don't worry.
I myself studied informatics because I was always interested in it. Well turned out that studying informatics was really different to what I expected. Now I'm doing stuff that I'd find pretty boring but because of my background in graphic stuff I'm basically the go to guy whenever something has to look really good for a customer presentation and so on. There is just nobody that could do that stuff in our project so I have a quite unique position and that feels good
Actually I should finally sit down and finish that site that I am doing for my father in law, really like the layout and handling. Garus might remember the ipad web app that I wrote, I created something similar which I really like.
I can't do anything but support your wish to follow the path of graphic design next to your profession as physicist, knowing more is never a bad thing
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| Posted: Thu, 6th Sep 2012 20:20 Post subject: |
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| PumpAction wrote: | There is just nobody that could do that stuff in our project so I have a quite unique position and that feels good men
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Jokes aside, Pumpy hit the nail on the head with that post. Knowing anything extra is never a bad thing.
1 and 2 are still amazing. |
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spankie
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Location: Belgium
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| Posted: Thu, 6th Sep 2012 20:51 Post subject: |
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djeezes, no time for whining mate.
I had the same problem. I went to uni and ended up in crappy bio science. Fixing cancer and stuff! yeah!
Turns out it is horribly boring, research is corrupt, university research is corrupt. People make up things all the time, and yeah, well bio research, just ain't my thing.
But at least you have a degree. Opens so many doors, still plenty of time to use the open doors to do what you really want.
I started studying economics while doing my PhD. Could have quit my PhD a hundred times in the past couple of years, but intentionally did not do it, although i really stopped enjoying it. Why? First, it gives me a phd  , always comes in handy. But secondly, despite all the horror stories, it is 'relatively relaxed' work. Well, i do have my 40-50h work weeks, but nobody cares if i skip a day, skip half days or take long holidays. Nobody bugging me all day to make targets or deadlines. I can organize my own agenda.
Sooo, perfectly to study my economics and making money. Finalizing my 4th year of economics next year, and it's cooler than anything i have ever done before. I think i have >50 books on the subject in my apartment which i read for fun the last 3 years, i have 3 newspapers i order from uk and usa to read, i am trading (with changing efficiency) my own relatively large portfolio, i am writing on the subject for local politicians from youth parties, i am going to debates, i am tutoring students etc.
Did i take the easy route, hell no. Is it doable? Yeah. Just takes motivation. Coming home in the evening and study, planning well ahead, sacrificing the heavy boozing, sacrificing weekends and holidays to study etc. Basically it is just a big time management exercise. Because, well in the end i do have to get *some* results every year to justify my PhD scholarship money coming in.
Take home lesson? If you really want it, you will find the motivation to change to what you really want. And once you have the physics degree, you are playing in first class already. You will be relatively certain of steady cash flows, a steady job and most importantly, no stress. You cannot imagine what a difference it makes to take exams knowing you already have a degree and the worst thing that can happen is, well nothing...
And maybe, you can even find something which combines your interests and your money making skills? Wouldn't that be great? Graphic design for physicians or something, i dunno. 2 different skill sets combined, instant success.
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garus
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| Posted: Thu, 6th Sep 2012 20:59 Post subject: |
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snip
Last edited by garus on Tue, 27th Aug 2024 21:47; edited 1 time in total
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| Posted: Thu, 6th Sep 2012 21:24 Post subject: |
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Thanks on the support guys, it means a lot.
I looked at the connection of physics and graphic design, and in fact there is a whole physics department on graphics design uni, but it's mostly related to light and experiments, and my interest in physics lies in cosmology and high energy physics, so that's kinda a no go.
I could do it, just don't know if I'd enjoy it as much.
I am doing my best to get my diploma asap, so far I haven't heard of unemployed physicists, even in Croatia
The graphics design has kinda been my passion since I can remember. I always was a good painter, and later on when I discovered photoshop, layout design and web design, things just went by themselves I guess
I'd hate to see it go to waste...
I guess I had a bad day, so I felt down.
Seeing that hard work always pays off helps a lot, at least I see that some of you went through similar stuff and in the end are doing what you want ^^
"Quantum mechanics is actually, contrary to it's reputation, unbeliveably simple, once you take the physics out."
Scott Aaronson | chiv wrote: | | thats true you know. newton didnt discover gravity. the apple told him about it, and then he killed it. the core was never found. |
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BLaM!
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| Posted: Thu, 6th Sep 2012 23:17 Post subject: |
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Had the same feeling many times , but mostly cause it's difficult to get a proper job here...you are lucky if that's the case with your profession , you should be happy..and being a physicist is cool. 
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| Posted: Fri, 7th Sep 2012 08:19 Post subject: |
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| Atropa wrote: | | Have you thought about studying in some other country just to get some fresh air? I found physics in Denmark to be a nice and relaxed experience . |
Well I could seek out what's out there, but I am kinda worried, going all alone in a new place where I don't know anybody. I am the kind of guy who likes the known security of my surroundings
It does sound silly, but I guess that'll have to change as well...
"Quantum mechanics is actually, contrary to it's reputation, unbeliveably simple, once you take the physics out."
Scott Aaronson | chiv wrote: | | thats true you know. newton didnt discover gravity. the apple told him about it, and then he killed it. the core was never found. |
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garus
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| Posted: Fri, 7th Sep 2012 11:34 Post subject: |
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snip
Last edited by garus on Tue, 27th Aug 2024 21:47; edited 1 time in total
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| Posted: Fri, 7th Sep 2012 11:41 Post subject: |
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| garus wrote: | | Can you apply to some student exchange program and go abroad for a semester to see what's it like? |
I could but it's too damn expensive you get some small amount of money from the program and uni, but you need more, and my parents are in no condition to give extra money every month
"Quantum mechanics is actually, contrary to it's reputation, unbeliveably simple, once you take the physics out."
Scott Aaronson | chiv wrote: | | thats true you know. newton didnt discover gravity. the apple told him about it, and then he killed it. the core was never found. |
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garus
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| Posted: Fri, 7th Sep 2012 11:43 Post subject: |
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snip
Last edited by garus on Tue, 27th Aug 2024 21:47; edited 1 time in total
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| Posted: Fri, 7th Sep 2012 12:26 Post subject: |
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Wondering about going back to university next year after working at the same place for seven years. I feel I need a break from work and to get a degree in something thats useful for getting a better job or even applying for work abroad.
Thinking of studying systemvetenskap which in english is computer science or mekatroniks engineer which basically means you get to build robots. As a future proffession and a fan of Ghost in the Shell it'd be so cool to design humanoid androids in a few years but thats only a fantasy
The computer science program is easier than mekatroniks with no math courses so thats why im looking into that. Theres a few courses in programming and if you want you can go for the masters and read alot more programming so I'll see what happens.
Dont mess with God, he can impregnate your girlfriend/wife without taking his pants off!
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| Posted: Fri, 7th Sep 2012 12:55 Post subject: |
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lolwat no mathematics in computer science? Must be the cs trololo edition I guess
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| Posted: Fri, 7th Sep 2012 13:55 Post subject: |
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Our computer graphics professor was physicist primarily. He did all kinds of cool experiments and programmed visualizations with opengl.
If you ever get interested into programming and computer graphics, there is a TON of physics involved (which I wish I knew better). Mostly things related to light.
And then there's more conventional physics like Physx and Havok engines that are used in game to simulate rigid body physics, and more recently soft body and fluid physics as well, which is fairly new and evolving field as far as real-time use goes.
And those are just things from my field that involve physics. Solving problems on paper isn't the only way to be a physicist!
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| Posted: Fri, 7th Sep 2012 17:19 Post subject: |
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There is a visualization with VPython, and I was playing with python for some time. Altho I'd rather do something with calculation
"Quantum mechanics is actually, contrary to it's reputation, unbeliveably simple, once you take the physics out."
Scott Aaronson | chiv wrote: | | thats true you know. newton didnt discover gravity. the apple told him about it, and then he killed it. the core was never found. |
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| Posted: Fri, 7th Sep 2012 17:19 Post subject: |
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| Posted: Fri, 7th Sep 2012 20:11 Post subject: |
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| Atropa wrote: | | dingo_d wrote: |
I could but it's too damn expensive you get some small amount of money from the program and uni, but you need more, and my parents are in no condition to give extra money every month |
Your university isn't a member of the Erasmus program or something similar? I shouldn't have paid anything if I'd chosen to study somewhere else for a period.
| garus wrote: | | Ah indeed. That's what my friend said when he went to Denmark for a year and even dorms rooms are 4 times more expensive. |
I pay around 330 eur/month for approximately 14 m^2 |
Yeah, but, for instance, my friend is going to Ghent this Monday, and I think that you get 300 or 400€ plus some small amount from uni, and the room alone they found is about 260€/month iirc.
Plus his parents need to go every month to the Belgian embassy with the statement from the bank, proving that they have the financial ability to support him with minimum of 200€ on top of his Erasmus money...
My friend went to Graz last year, and she also needed extra money from her parents :\
"Quantum mechanics is actually, contrary to it's reputation, unbeliveably simple, once you take the physics out."
Scott Aaronson | chiv wrote: | | thats true you know. newton didnt discover gravity. the apple told him about it, and then he killed it. the core was never found. |
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| Posted: Fri, 7th Sep 2012 22:01 Post subject: |
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@OP: What you're going through is called a quarter-life crisis. It's perfectly normal You're worried that your physics degree will be useless? Don't be. 99% of the stuff you learn in college you will never use again in your life, for any major. The point of college isn't to learn, it's to learn how to learn. By mastering solid state physics and quasars and Calabi-Yau manifolds and whatever the fuck, you're training the little grey muscles in your brain to be able to tackle any problem you face in life. You're going to have the mental work ethic of a world-class boxer. Want to learn graphics design after you finish college? Compared to solid state physics that shit is easy peasy. Want to start a business in graphics design? Again, easy. Want to start a billion dollar company in a completely unrelated field? It's been done. Your degree doesn't pigeonhole you into a job for the rest of your life; it's merely something to help you achieve whatever you want.
And sure, sometimes you wish you just said "fuck it" and went and got a graphics design degree 5 years. Then you could fuck around in college and exit and get a job as a web designer. Sounds great, doesn't it? Little work, sure pay, job you like, what could possibly be wrong with it? I've had the same thoughts myself, all the time when I was in college finishing a computer science degrees. All my roommates were business majors; smoked, fucked, and drank all day, and when they got out of college they got some deadend job with an apartment in some suburb. That might be good enough for them, and god how I wish that was good enough for me (my life would be so much simpler) but it isn't. That kinds of life wouldn't give me anything but boredom and misery, and I suspect you're no different.
So reread spankie's post, the man speaks the truth. You're going to have a solid education, a good work ethic, a guaranteed job when you get out. If you want to learn graphics design, start doing it on the side. "I don't have time" is no excuse; learn to manage your time. Like spankie said, you'll have to lay off the boozing and start working nights/weekends, but hey if you truly love graphics design then that won't bother you. Start experimenting, make some money, maybe start your own business, and who knows one day you will find something that you truly love
Sense Amid Madness, Wit Amidst Folly
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| Posted: Sat, 8th Sep 2012 00:11 Post subject: |
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| Posted: Sat, 8th Sep 2012 07:17 Post subject: |
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I have no doubt that I am enriched by what I've learned. And as you've said tainted, I really have learned who to learn, and how to think critically and question everything.
It's just when ever I have a difficult exam, and I see that I cannot understand something, I get so frustrated and feel like an idiot for not understanding it.
The fact I have only one week to figure it all out isn't helping :\
But I appreciate your advice
I am already working on my portfolio, for now I've done jobs that don't pay (pro bono you might said), I have one project in October, doing a layout design for my uni. Sadly we can't find a single sponsor, and we have no money as it is, so I'm working for free. But I see it as an opportunity to show my talent Something extra to put on my portfolio, and then I hope the jobs that pay will come along
I'd hate to see that part (graphic design) going to waste, as I have some talent there
"Quantum mechanics is actually, contrary to it's reputation, unbeliveably simple, once you take the physics out."
Scott Aaronson | chiv wrote: | | thats true you know. newton didnt discover gravity. the apple told him about it, and then he killed it. the core was never found. |
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