I get asked this

[dc]

Every so often, someone will ask me if I don't want to go back to my old job, if I don't miss it. Leaving aside that that isn't an option anyway, since I simply don't have the physical stamina to even consider doing a fraction of what I used to (I can put in a lot of effort for a defined, limited period, as with a con or something like that: not as a continuing, open-ended commitment)...

Of course I miss it. On the one hand, it was a fascinating job, and on the other you got to help people directly, occasionally even saving their lives. Even if I could do it now, though, I wouldn't. Here is an account of some of the reasons why. I could see it was going that way fifteen years ago.

Comments

[tanngrisnir.livejournal.com]

I very nearly went into astrophysics. If I hadn't got into medical school...

I wouldn't say your insight is small. ;o)

Thanks for the hugs (though see another comment about that).

[purpletigron.livejournal.com]

I never had the stomach for biology experiments :-)

We can talk Astro any time you like!

*hugs*hugs*hugs*hugs*

[tanngrisnir.livejournal.com]

Do you know, I wouldn't have the stomach now, either?

I love Astro; but I think my knowledge has atrophied. :o(

And thanks. :)

[purpletigron.livejournal.com]

Well, you're 'watching' the APOD feed, so that's a start. D is still an active researcher, and astrophysics only loosely intersects with amateur astronomy. I know sadly little about the latter, but find it easier to keep some knowledge of the former.

I worked on active galaxies, and galaxy formation.

[tanngrisnir.livejournal.com]

Oh, I always knew you had brains, but I see you actually have Brains.

I do look at anything interesting relating to astronomy and astrophysics I come across, but I don't read some of the detailed stuff I used to. <sigh>

[purpletigron.livejournal.com]

Pah :-)

Who does read the detailed stuff they used to, though?

You might however be able to work out the name of the rock star who is about to resume his PhD in astrophysics 30+ years after giving it up to play in band?

[tanngrisnir.livejournal.com]

What, Brian May? Is he?

I am impressed!

[purpletigron.livejournal.com]

Yep!