- #1
ScientificAmerican
- 4
- 0
I’m 35 and I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in computer science and has worked some ten years as an embedded software/firmware engineer. I’m already in a senior position in charge of the whole product for a small electronics manufacturer. Everything seems fine to me, and I’m happy with everything, including the pay.
But the thing, is I realized that the job in the electronics/IT field means constantly utilizing those existing technologies to make profits for my boss, which is the essence of this industry. We never do any real R&D from a scientific perspective. While I like science (math & physics), I did well in that two subjects when I was a student which were my favorite subjects prior to college era. I still remember the time I aimed to be a physicist as a teenager. Everything however changed under the impact of IT boom (thanks to Microsoft & Intel), and I was not exception, totally captivated by programming, thus without hesitation I chose to study computer science. I should say I studied and worked hard in IT (precisely embedded electronics system) and somewhat succeeded. But the fact that I never have a chance to study those attractive subjects like, fluid mechanics/quantum mechanics/general relativity, always reminds me that: have I chosen a wrong career, which is not the one I really love.
My personality is typically curiosity-driven. I’m interested in anything that I don’t understand and keen to understand.
I did like computer science/electronics, at the beginning. Since I got an understanding of the principle of digital system, I gradually found what I’m doing is no difference from an ordinary worker, which is far from that of a scientist. Yes, I like scientific research.
If I had a chance to choose my college major again, I would definitely skip IT. Although I know my age, if I still keep my current “successful” career I may end up with the scenario – shortly before death, I say to myself, I still haven’t got chance to understand quantum mechanics. If prefer taking the “adventure”, quitting my job and enroll in the college again, I may still one day realize my old dream, although nobody can guarantees it happens (probably due to my age compared to younger peers).
But I won’t starve to death even in the worst case, as I’m in a country where student allowance is available, though undoubtedly, I would face poverty. But I don’t care, I’m the kind of guy just enjoying reading and thinking and never watch movies or have nightlife, you know.
It’s the time for me to check the sense of value of my life: the currently prosperous family-life but never expect any improvement in academic study, or the other way.
Do you guys think 35 is too old to study?
But the thing, is I realized that the job in the electronics/IT field means constantly utilizing those existing technologies to make profits for my boss, which is the essence of this industry. We never do any real R&D from a scientific perspective. While I like science (math & physics), I did well in that two subjects when I was a student which were my favorite subjects prior to college era. I still remember the time I aimed to be a physicist as a teenager. Everything however changed under the impact of IT boom (thanks to Microsoft & Intel), and I was not exception, totally captivated by programming, thus without hesitation I chose to study computer science. I should say I studied and worked hard in IT (precisely embedded electronics system) and somewhat succeeded. But the fact that I never have a chance to study those attractive subjects like, fluid mechanics/quantum mechanics/general relativity, always reminds me that: have I chosen a wrong career, which is not the one I really love.
My personality is typically curiosity-driven. I’m interested in anything that I don’t understand and keen to understand.
I did like computer science/electronics, at the beginning. Since I got an understanding of the principle of digital system, I gradually found what I’m doing is no difference from an ordinary worker, which is far from that of a scientist. Yes, I like scientific research.
If I had a chance to choose my college major again, I would definitely skip IT. Although I know my age, if I still keep my current “successful” career I may end up with the scenario – shortly before death, I say to myself, I still haven’t got chance to understand quantum mechanics. If prefer taking the “adventure”, quitting my job and enroll in the college again, I may still one day realize my old dream, although nobody can guarantees it happens (probably due to my age compared to younger peers).
But I won’t starve to death even in the worst case, as I’m in a country where student allowance is available, though undoubtedly, I would face poverty. But I don’t care, I’m the kind of guy just enjoying reading and thinking and never watch movies or have nightlife, you know.
It’s the time for me to check the sense of value of my life: the currently prosperous family-life but never expect any improvement in academic study, or the other way.
Do you guys think 35 is too old to study?