Random Chatter from Someone in Transition

[John Reed]

Maybe "Random Chatter" could be renamed something with the word "Chaos", opposite of "Cosmos".

Anyways, I assume this forum, for the time being, really is random and I can write about anything. So I'm going to be self-indulgent and talk about me. In the future, I'm sure, there'll be threads for introductions, but for now this is the best place...

I've recently made a big decision in my life, and that is to get involved with space in some capacity. Ultimately, to make a career of it somehow. But space is a huge topic(ta-dum tish) and I'm doing a lot of soul searching and journaling to figure out how to get involved. I've realized that I've chosen my career(s) with too much emphasis on pay, and not enough on passion. As I get older, I realize the importance of this, the feeling that I'm not really engaged with my work because it's not what I'm passionate about. I'm just doing it because I'm supposed to be a good boy and get a good job with good pay and all that.

So I put a lot of thought into and noticed how my mind, thoughts, and dreams consistently go to the cosmos, and more importantly, that I never get tired of thinking or reading about it. That's the indication right there that I need to pursue this dream and make it a reality.

And that's how I've ended up here. So in a very real sense, I'm the perfect candidate for this site. I'm here to learn, then to take that knowledge and turn it into something I can give back.

Glad to be here, and thanks for reading

John

[GeorgiaB]

Hi John!
Welcome... we're glad you're here! And you certainly are a perfect candidate for this site--a growing community of people who are passionate about learning, doing, and sharing science! Transitions are critical and delicate times... and I completely understand the need to find meaningful work, a vocation. I went through a similar period of soul-searching recently (and to be truthful, it's still going on), but I may save that story for my own "random" post. Meanwhile, this is the place to be if you're looking to get involved with science and space. There will be lots of opportunities to chat, ask questions, and help each other out as we journey through the solar system and beyond--fun!!
Georgia

[StarStryder]

Hi John,

I just wanted to add my welcome! Anything we can do to help, please don't be afraid to reach out and ask!

Cheers,
Pamela

[BeEwing]

duh over here ... I just joined ... where do you go to actually start mapping or reviewing computer maps? ... not obvious ... at least not to me

[BeEwing]

Maybe "Random Chatter" could be renamed something with the word "Chaos", opposite of "Cosmos".

Anyways, I assume this forum, for the time being, really is random and I can write about anything. So I'm going to be self-indulgent and talk about me. In the future, I'm sure, there'll be threads for introductions, but for now this is the best place...

I've recently made a big decision in my life, and that is to get involved with space in some capacity. Ultimately, to make a career of it somehow. But space is a huge topic(ta-dum tish) and I'm doing a lot of soul searching and journaling to figure out how to get involved. I've realized that I've chosen my career(s) with too much emphasis on pay, and not enough on passion. As I get older, I realize the importance of this, the feeling that I'm not really engaged with my work because it's not what I'm passionate about. I'm just doing it because I'm supposed to be a good boy and get a good job with good pay and all that.

So I put a lot of thought into and noticed how my mind, thoughts, and dreams consistently go to the cosmos, and more importantly, that I never get tired of thinking or reading about it. That's the indication right there that I need to pursue this dream and make it a reality.

And that's how I've ended up here. So in a very real sense, I'm the perfect candidate for this site. I'm here to learn, then to take that knowledge and turn it into something I can give back.

Glad to be here, and thanks for reading

John

John -- one of the places I chose was SciLands in Second Life -- also got me here -- occasionally bumpy ride ... Be

[GeorgiaB]

duh over here ... I just joined ... where do you go to actually start mapping or reviewing computer maps? ... not obvious ... at least not to me

Welcome, Be! Step right this way.... http://cosmoquest.org/mappers/moon/ Enjoy!

Georgia

[kmasterdo]

I just wanted to say hello, too. I really like this site.

[GeorgiaB]

I just wanted to say hello, too. I really like this site.

Welcome! Glad you like the site! Have you been "MoonMapping?"
Georgia

[kmasterdo]

Yes, I have already done some images. Nice, even spectacular views, but no Apollo 15 landing site images for me yet.

[astrostu]

The A15 sites are in there. Just keep doing more images, they're bound to pop up. I actually got one on Saturday.

[Placidstorm]

Well said JohnReed !

[astrostu]

Hi placidstorm, nice to see you here.

[Placidstorm]

Thanks Stu ,
Looking good so far , ya'll keep plugin away !

[IreneAnt]

And welcome from me too, Placidstorm.

[Placidstorm]

Thank you Irene

[liquidAugustus]

I have to say I just passed by the same process that JohnReed is passing right now.

Since childhood I was very passionate for sciences, but never realized how much it mattered to me... until last year, when I decided to transfer my graduation from Environmental Engineering to Physics. After months of a never-ending struggle to just get a "normal"/"money-making" job, I think that was the right decision for me.

Most people called me crazy, they said that I should be patient, that the "right job" was just waiting for me. Here in Brazil, working as a Scientist is not of the most profitable jobs, neither as glamorous as an Engineer's job, so I understand their concern. But I don't care anymore... I just want to do something that matters and give me the sense of achievement.

[GeorgiaB]

Welcome to the community, liquidAugustus! I think you'll like it here. Many of us have made some difficult decisions in order to pursue something meaningful and to make a difference in the world. It's a great adventure!
Georgia

[autre]

Greetings, everyone.
John's message is very similar to my thoughts.
Seems to be a wonderful place to discover more about our universe / astronomy .
Cheers
Autreplanete
India

[GeorgiaB]

Greetings, everyone.
John's message is very similar to my thoughts.
Seems to be a wonderful place to discover more about our universe / astronomy .
Cheers
Autreplanete
India

Welcome autreplanete! Glad you're here!
Georgia

[laura808]

Aloha!
I'm so excited to read your post John! I have recently found myself in a similar situation and am currently working on getting back into school so I can ultimately have a career in science/tech/eng/math that involves space.
Best of luck to you in your endeavors!
-Laura

[Shigeru]

I agree with Laura, it's inspiring to read what others persons are in the same path too, it's not a easy path but hey... that's the point

[GeorgiaB]

As everyone gets introduced here, don't forget to go over to We Are CosmoQuest and add your personal statement to the site. It's a great way for all the community members to get to know each other!

[Shigeru]

As everyone gets introduced here, don't forget to go over to We Are CosmoQuest and add your personal statement to the site. It's a great way for all the community members to get to know each other!

Oh! I didn't know that section! I will do it right away

EDIT: Done

[imported_Sola]

I'm honestly thrilled to read these posts. I'm an adult who returned to school last year to start my first degree, thinking that i would just power through a biology ** and get back to the world... and found myself standing in front of the door of the physics and astronomy department one evening a few months ago. in a welter of emotion. There's a path to walk between the two subjects, and i just have to find it.

Still deciding what i need to do and where i should go from here. What do you mean, there are other people doing something as insane as making a midlife about-face to space? That's crazy talk.

[GeorgiaB]

Welcome, Sola!
You are in good company here... look around, hang out, share your love of astronomy! And it always helps to be a little crazy...
Georgia

[IreneAnt]

Sola,

Have you heard of Astrobiology? It's the study of extraterrestrial life processes....
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astrobiology
http://astrobiology.nasa.gov/

I think it may be a perfect fit for you.....

[imported_Montebianco]

Hi JohnReed,

Best of look with your choice. Some regrets over the path not taken from this end, that have not gone away over the years . . .

[John Reed]

Hey Everyone,

Some updates on my path to a space career. It happened, sorta... I've landed a consultant position at Google. And through some really good fortune, I'll be working on Google Earth! Which, if you haven't seen it, also maps the sky, moon, and Mars.

I honestly don't know how this will all fit in since I've only been there two weeks, but, I'm pretty darn happy right now. And it's one HUGE step in the right direction, if not the step. We'll see.

Like I said, I don't know much yet, but I intend to learn all there is to learn about it and apply it somehow to my space dreams. If anyone has any ideas, please share.

w00t!

John

[kmasterdo]

Congratulations, John!

[Shigeru]

Awesome! I must try to catch one of these!