Is it worth it anymore?

[redliox]

For most of my life, I've had a passion for space science.  However, at least as an adult student, I'm encounter heavy burn out.  It might be depression, ADHD, or classical midlife depression.  On top of that, news like budget cuts, delays, or controversies within institutes make me need to ask one question:

Is it worth it?

[gongora]

You could have written a pretty much identical post at many points in the last 50 years.

[leovinus]

Yes. Switch off the broadcast news aka drama. Read a book. No advertisements. You’ll feel better.

[redliox]

Yes. Switch off the broadcast news aka drama. Read a book. No advertisements. You’ll feel better.

Unless it's a calculus book

[punder]

Absolutely worth it. ADHD prevented me from getting a technical degree (at least that's what I tell myself). DO NOT let that happen to you, you will regret it otherwise. Believe me.

[Coastal Ron]

For most of my life, I've had a passion for space science.  However, at least as an adult student, I'm encounter heavy burn out.  It might be depression, ADHD, or classical midlife depression.  On top of that, news like budget cuts, delays, or controversies within institutes make me need to ask one question:

Is it worth it?

There is a LOT of good in the world, and most likely around you too. Social media and new cycles can highlight lots of negative things in the world, so as others have suggested, turn them off. Or at least moderate them severely.

Regarding space science, even though it has HUGE science returns, very little of it has ever directly affected the daily lives of average Americans - or least they would have a hard time identifying anything beyond GPS as something space related that they rely upon. And GPS was developed for the military.

My point being that science is often viewed as a luxury during times of economic belt tightening, but it does still continue.

At different times in my life I have experienced despair, and I think that is normal. Maybe focusing on the things that give you joy will help to push out the things that don't, but I'm not an expert on this. And don't be shy about reaching out to experts that can help you if you don't feel things are improving.

Maybe create an NSF thread about what good things are happening with space science these days?

[Eric Hedman]

For most of my life, I've had a passion for space science.  However, at least as an adult student, I'm encounter heavy burn out.  It might be depression, ADHD, or classical midlife depression.  On top of that, news like budget cuts, delays, or controversies within institutes make me need to ask one question:

Is it worth it?

I've had the opposite reaction about space science lately.  I personally would like to se a lot more missions funded.  But I have recently been looking back at what his been discovered in the last 60 years.  Every planet in the solar system has gone from blurry dot to magnificent galleries of beautiful pictures.  Mars is crawling with rovers.  We have great pictures of many of the moons in the solar system.  In addition to the pictures, we have tons of data that tells us some information on how the planets formed and what they are like today.  Just look at the results from Hubble, Webb, Chandra and a whole slew of other observatories on the ground and in orbit.  We have learned more about the universe in our lifetimes than all the lifetimes that proceeded ours.  As much as these programs have small to large hiccups, we're spoiled.

A hundred thousand years ago a caveman named Gronk walked out of his cave one night and looked up at the Milky Way in total awe.  He wondered what it was and had no clue.  But something triggered something in his brain to start trying to figure out his world.  You and I are the beneficiary of that spark of curiosity.  I for one am grateful that he was curious.  Little did Gronk know that his thirst for knowledge would lead to a world where we do spend money discovering the secrets of the universe.

Just as he was thinking about uttering the first word to describe stars, his wife yelled at him to haul the antelope bones from that night's dinner out of the cave.  That was the first hiccup in the first advance in science.  Coming up with the word star would have to wait a few more days.  But Gronk did it.  Gronk did however correctly predict that one of his descendants would play tight end for the New England Patriots.

The world is in a mess and that makes it easy to get depressed about everything.  Lots of people around the globe have sunk into a depression in the last few years really accelerated by Covid.  The world has been in far worse messes than now and we managed to dig ourselves out each time and get a little better.

When you get depressed about where things are going, start by looking back at all that his been accomplished.  Looking back it is impressive.  That also means it's possible to get back on track and do it again.  When things go off the rails, we humans reach a point where we shake things up and fix them.  Have a little faith in your fellow humans.  We just had the start of a big shakeup in the status quo.  Things will eventually improve and we will get samples back from Mars.  Humans will return to the Moon and go on to Mars.  We will find out if there is other life in our solar system or elsewhere in the universe.  A successor to the Webb telescope will be built unlocking far more secrets.  It may not happen on a timeline we want.  But we as a species will get there even if it's not in our lifetimes.  Gronk's future descendants are counting on this generation to keep the progress going.  We won't let them down.

[garymlevy53]

I know just how you feel.  My area of interest has always been more in the technical end of spaceflight:  hardware, Crew systems, etc.  I am distraught at the thought of China having a pragmatic space program that was copied from us and approved upon.  They will beat us back to the moon.  I am also distraught at all of the mis-fires:  $1.5B per-SLS launch, bad heat shields, etc.  Then you mix in Sir Elon swooping down to save MAGA from woke NASA, his primary customer BTW.  It's a lot to take in and digest.

But the advice you received is good, and I have followed it.  Disconnect from all the slanted news and follow the facts as they are presented.  Not WHY people think Starliner failed, but what are the actual engineering issues and will they be solved or that spacecraft shelved.  Forget if Donald Duck will be the next NASA Administrator, tune out all the stupid and awful news and just focus on the results.  As the above response stated, success and results in space science will eventually prevail. 

[catdlr]

For most of my life, I've had a passion for space science.  However, at least as an adult student, I'm encounter heavy burn out.  It might be depression, ADHD, or classical midlife depression.  On top of that, news like budget cuts, delays, or controversies within institutes make me need to ask one question:

Is it worth it?

I've been sitting on the sidelines, waiting for others to respond to your questions and feelings. So here's mine, after 70 years in the IT industry and always being a space enthusiast:

My reflections on the evolution of the computer industry evoke similar sentiments regarding its worthiness during the late 1970s and throughout most of the 1980s. However, the advent of the internet heralded a new era filled with the promise of job creation and enhanced creativity, which subsequently propelled society toward what has now become mainstream technology—a fundamental aspect of daily life for the majority.

Currently, the space industry is undergoing remarkable growth and innovation, an exciting development following the stagnation experienced during the 1980s and 1990s. The following highlights illustrate this dynamic transformation:

**Rapid Growth:**
The global space economy is projected to reach $1.8 trillion by 2035, a significant increase from $630 billion in 2023. This growth is driven by advancements in satellite technology, launch services, and applications enabled by space technology.

**Job Creation for Engineering Graduates:**
The U.S. private space workforce grew 4.8% in 2023, accompanied by solid employment forecasts. This indicates a robust job market with ample opportunities for skilled professionals.

**Leveraging Climate Change Issues for Industrial Growth:**
Innovations in space technology are transforming various sectors, including communications, navigation, Earth observation, and climate science. These advancements are addressing global challenges such as climate change while simultaneously enhancing connectivity, turning what many consider a depressing thought into a money-making initiative. Start your own company and strive to make a difference.

**Increased Launch Activity:**
The year 2024 has witnessed an unprecedented pace of launches, including inaugural flights of flagship launch vehicles from various nations. This trend underscores the global interest and investment in commercial space exploration.

**Commercial Opportunities:**
The space industry is generating new commercial prospects, with companies utilizing space technology for applications such as ride-hailing services, weather forecasting, and Earth observation. These developments are creating value across multiple industries and contributing to economic growth.

**Future Prospects:**
The space economy is anticipated to continue its expansion, with a focus on increasing accessibility and inclusivity. Initiatives aimed at reducing costs and enhancing the availability of space services will benefit a diverse range of stakeholders.

In summary, the space industry is thriving and demonstrates no signs of deceleration.  This represents an exciting period for both space enthusiasts and professionals, as numerous opportunities and innovations lie ahead.

It is imperative to remain optimistic and look toward the stars. Yes, there will be companies that fail, and others will be swallowed up through buyouts and takeovers. You may be a victim of one—this was the same in my industry- I was a victim of three. Change is inevitable; just embrace it.

The trajectory (pun intended) of the space industry is decidedly upward.

I wish you good luck, strive to make a difference, study hard, and, as a popular member of NSF said about his career, anticipate jumping jobs. When you find the one you love, keep it, embrace it, and make it yours.

Tony