this post was submitted on 26 Oct 2025
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I am in the field of applied math, and it took me 6 months to produce a paper. And now, I am out of ideas for new papers.

What should I do? How do I even continue? This is sooo difficult..

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[–] Thedogdrinkscoffee@lemmy.ca 38 points 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago) (8 children)

My math prof loved math. He pursued a B.Sc. in Mathmatics and looked for work. He could teach high school, or go back to school. He got his M.Sc in mathmatics. Looked at what he could do as a career. He could teach mathmatics at colleges, or go back to school. He got his PhD. in mathmatics from a prestigious school. He looked for a career. He could teach mathmatics at a 3rd rate University or die of hunger, homeless and chased by wolves.

He taught at my school and was a very strong proponent of not studying pure math. Comp Sci, Actuarial Sciences anything but pure math. He said math was a rich kids hobby, not a career.

[–] someacnt@sh.itjust.works 14 points 1 week ago (3 children)

Well, I am in applied math rather than pure math.

I can go do programming, but that scene seems just as hostile now.

[–] technocrit@lemmy.dbzer0.com 0 points 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago)

For me it was far far far easier to get a decent job in computers than academia. More importantly my computer job is far easier than teaching or doing research. It pays far more money. I have far more job security, healthcare security, geographic security, etc. I have co-workers than I know and like...

My advice would be to ditch academia and just get an entry-level computer job, but it took me far too long to take this advice myself.

(Also you're in another country, so I don't know how that affects any of my questionable advice.)

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