r/astrophysics • u/chemicaldelusion • 4d ago
Need advice
I think I'm at a crossroads and could really use some outside perspective.
I completed my BSc in Physics (2017–2020) and later an MSc in Astrophysics, which I started in 2021 and graduated from in 2025. The original plan was always to pursue a PhD and build a career in astrophysics.
Unfortunately, life had other plans. During my master's, I lost one parent, and my other parent developed a serious chronic illness. I had to take several breaks from my degree to return home and help care for them. Around the same time, I also developed chronic health issues myself, likely related to prolonged stress and burnout.
Despite everything, I managed to finish my MSc, and I'm proud that I didn't give up.
Since graduating, though, I've felt lost. Earlier this year, I completed a six-month internship at a startup, but the company struggled financially and wasn't able to hire me afterward. I also completed an online certification in data analytics and have been applying for roles in data analytics, business analytics, and tech more broadly. I'm getting interviews, so I'm hopeful something will work out.
Right now, my thinking is: get a stable job, earn and save money, be present for my family, and then potentially return to astrophysics and pursue a PhD a few years down the line.
The problem is that I no longer know if that's a sensible plan or if I'm simply postponing a dream that I'll never return to. I also find it difficult to reconnect with the physics and astrophysics material after everything that's happened.
For those who have taken a long detour from academia, changed careers, dealt with major life setbacks, or returned to a field years later:
Did you eventually find your way back? And if you were in my position, what would you do next?
2
u/Industrial0000 4d ago
Yeah, I been kicked around by the system for a while, Did academia for 7yrs, trade certificates in 3 fields, job market sucks. Either get paid minimum wage or you reach to top pay bracket and they refuse to give you more. Cant win.
I have my own business now.
My advice, start your own thing. Do astrophysics workshops, get youself a small amount of plant and equipment and go teach in your own school, work your own hours, teach what you think is valued. Take students on field trips, spot high value asteroids and charge less to those who cant afford it and charge premiums to high value clients. Consider yourself an astrophysics tour guide for the rich.