Laeliel

Physics really is about wonder indeed. Maybe you know of Luc Langevin, Canadian phys engineer turned illusionist.

Anyways, how are you holding out in academia? How is life in fundamental sciences, do you feel research is valued enough by the powers that be? I've seen a few highly-motivated friends get their love of magic crushed and lose hope for their future. :(

Thanks for your ama and reply. Places like the Perimeter Institute give me hope for the valuation of physics. My gloomy 2 cents about youth in academia/where the question was coming from :

It's a long time as a grad student which asks for a lot out of people with little pay. Professor positions are few (and they need to juggle a lot : applying for dwindling funding, overseeing students, publishing research, teaching...), jobs/a future in fundamental sciences are not always clear or evident.

Some pull it off really well, others like the friends I mentionned get overwhelmed and leave for other fields. I've heard physics refered to as a vow of poverty and chastity (little time for personal life). In this context, one can need a really strong will to keep going. I'm glad you found your place. Congrats on your dedication and thanks for sharing the love of science :)