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Is it really worth to spend 9 years to become an astronomer? I've always loved astronomy since i was a kid, but now that I'm older and actually need to focus on what courses i have to take to get into university and jobs later on. And honestly i feel like if i take astronomy its too long for me, i mean its what i like but its too long. so is it real worth to spend 9 years to become an astronomer??

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Jane’s Answer

Hi Mahdiyah,

It’s good to think of the big picture, but you can also benefit from taking things one step at a time. Astronomy is a fantastic class to take just to better our understanding of our universe and our place in it. Take the class first and see how you feel about it. If you find it interesting and compelling, take the next one. If you find that you truly love the subject, each step of the path will be its own reward. And then the total years won’t matter.

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Isel’s Answer

I agree with Jane. Sometimes you just have to try it. You might not like it at all and switch to a new career. Also, there are different fields within astronomy so it might be also worth looking to what kind of astronomer you would like to be. If I can give advice to myself at your stage, I would have watched a log of videos of what it takes to be an astronomer, what are the day to day activities. Learning is great but not all that you learn in a class you will apply in a real job. Learn as much as you can from asking people, watching videos, doing informational interviews and seeing what things you like. Go to Onet.org is a career website that adjust to your likes and gives you job possibilities. Best of luck. Let me know if you have more questions.
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Iman’s Answer

Hi Mahdiyah,

So I think you should be doing a bit of research regarding what you'll be studying during these 9 years and what's it like to be an astronomer. You can find that some universities show the curriculums they teach on their websites; just go on the website of the university and do some research. YouTube is filled with information as well, you can find videos regarding what's it like to be an astronomer and day to day activities like this one here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=705TuluAq4Q

Also, try to ask people, look on LinkedIn for individuals who's occupation is Astronomers and ask them questions, and/or look for individuals who are currently studying Astronomy and let them share their experience with you. Take any class/course about Astronomy to give you a brief overview regarding what you'll be diving into. You just really have to try in order to know if it is worth - remember, everything we do have a cost;

Most importantly, you should get to know yourself more and your skills in order to know if working in Astronomy suits you or not. I suggest taking tests like 16personalities https://www.16personalities.com/, it really gives you a deeper idea about your personality type, traits and even some career suggestions you'd perform best in.

Hope this helps and good luck!
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Drew’s Answer

When I was deciding what to do after high school, I didn't have anyone encouraging me to do anything except not be a financial burden. I signed up for classes in different programs, wasted time and energy on being social instead of learning, and floundered with getting traction in my life. Even though I was smart and made good grades, I wasn't ready for deciding my career. I had to go to school of hard knocks and see first-hand what my future would be without a college degree. That insight motivated me to do well in school, but then life happened, and my planned career in air pollution abatement wasn't ready for me. I applied myself and found a great company in my community with aligned values in terms of things like diversity & inclusion and environmental sustainability. I took an entry-level job to get in the door and kept applying myself. By the time I was 30, I had a career. It wasn't anything like I had planned, and it didn't stay one way. From that career in Supply Chain, my leaders connected me to opportunities in IT because of the contributions I was making. When conditions changed in IT, I moved to Finance to apply my skills and maintain the quality of life that I wanted. 25 years later, my current Finance organization is moving to IT, and a whole new field of opportunities has become available. A different way of answering, and not limited to long study of astronomy. A journey of a million miles starts with one step, and each step is important. Some steps may deviate from a straight path to a goal, and they're all perfect learning experiences that make us who we are.
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Kimberly’s Answer

Hey, There

I understand how you feel also, I can relate. I would suggest asking yourself this question is it really worth it? does my love for astronomy overcome the obstacles? Try out an astronomy class and see how it is. Doing volunteer work to get your feet wet and explore asking questions from people in the field. If it inspires you and motivates the passion in you to continue then it can be worth it. However, but if not then you can choose another career. As a space enthusiast myself, each step is a reward if you truly love the subject. I hope this helps.
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