>>14179953Yes, financially I suppose. Got a BS in physics from a good school. The professors seemed miserable for the most part and I was given some insights into what grad school was like (lots of backstabbing by peers who are driven to get ahead, etc) by a professor that I knew well, so decided against sticking around in academia. Being able to put the degree on my resume tells employers that I'm able to solve problems and stick things out, at least. I haven't been able to put most of the skills/math I learned into use in the business world, which kinda sucks, but oh well. I sorta wish I had gotten a PhD just for the impression, though all of my friends who went on to do so have complained that research science is miserable and oversaturated and left academia without pursuing a postdoc appointment.
Wish I had known more about how the world really works when I was in high school. Probably would have focused a lot more energy on becoming an entrepreneur. The system sucks. Even working for a Fortune 100 company that creates cutting edge tech (algorithms, modeling, mechE/EE, materials, pretty much everything) was draining and unsatisfying. As I began to "climb the ladder" it became obvious that a (too) large portion of the "work" done was ridiculous political squabbling. The iron rule of organizations, I suppose. Some of those with the most at stake (senior management and upwards) seemed the least concerned with the reality of the products and our operations, instead using their energies to maintain spheres of hegemony.
Sounds bitter. I guess I am a little bitter. Point is, I'd advise that one focuses on skills that can be employed without working for anyone other than direct customers. Harder and harder, these days.
