Is Physics the Right Career Path for Me?

[Adrmay]

Hello all,

This is my first post on Physics Forums, and I hope for it to be the first of many. I am currently 25 years old and an accountant (with a bachelor's degree) working for a public accounting firm. I have a choice to make soon, which is to continue with this course of work or to re-apply for college and move on to another career. I am extremely interested in space and science, from the exploration of our own solar system to the search for the Higgs Boson. I know that the physics field would be difficult, but I feel that I would enjoy it much more than the financial sector (which I contend is quite boring and I am simply not interested in money or markets).

I have not had much education in calculus (I had a business calculus class where we did cover basic calc, but I do not believe it counts). I have always done well in my math classes, catching on quite quick with algebra, geometry, and trigonometry.

I have been watching lectures online for the past two months dealing with classic and quantum theory in physics, and I find it all quite interesting.

I suppose my question(s) to all of you would be: do you have any advice about the physics field? What kind of mentality and mental fortitude will I need to succeed in this field? And what kind of job opportunities are available for physicists these days?

Thank you all!

-Adrian

 

[ParticleGrl]

And what kind of job opportunities are available for physicists these days?

Most of the physics phds I know are employed in finance, management consulting, or insurance. In short- you're likely to spend several years learning a subject you enjoy, you aren't likely to be able to make a long-term career out of it.