How hard is it to make a living doing research?
26 and just started university for the sole purpose of becoming one.

I don't know if I have much going for me, but I'm a pretty hard worker and since I come from a weird background being a blue-collar worker for 8 years, I think I can bring a new perspective into academia.

I'm majoring in mathematics right now since I felt that would encompass the most sciences, so I get to explore topics in computer science, physics, robotics and the like.
I have some ideas and theories I'm working through right now although I need to get further in my studies to actually solidify or discard them, I just don't have the tools yet.

I figure if things don't work out after I get my degree, I don't really mind going back and doing physical labor and doing this on the side.