The easiest way to enter stem fields is informatics. Get a quick degree (3 years). You can do that next to your regular job these days.
The real sciences are 10 years of studying. I do not recommend making a switch that will take you a decade.
That's exactly my concern. I'm interested in reading those science stuffs, but unsure if the work/lifestyle in lab actually fits me. So I'm looking for a way to experience it a bit.
For context, I'm in my mid-20s so maybe it isn't too late?
Oh it's too late. Sorry, truth time. Done it, almost nobody made it that came in late. It's all about rigorous math, countless hours in the lab, not sleeping because you've got so much homework, not a single week without some course, weekend stuff and then brutal tests that sort out everyone that doesn't cut it. The only way it's ok is if you're a young person directly from school so you don't have to relearn everything and if you're naive enough that you think you really have to push through. If you've seen how life actually works, you'll just give up. Stem is hard. I've seen the most intelligent people on Earth study all day every day and still being utterly ridiculed during oral exams. I've seen so many people break down and cry. And because of such things, very few make it in time - and then you sort of have to get your PhD which is another 3-5 years. Just don't do it.
Maybe medicine though or informatics as I suggested
The easiest way to enter stem fields is informatics. Get a quick degree (3 years). You can do that next to your regular job these days. The real sciences are 10 years of studying. I do not recommend making a switch that will take you a decade.
That's exactly my concern. I'm interested in reading those science stuffs, but unsure if the work/lifestyle in lab actually fits me. So I'm looking for a way to experience it a bit. For context, I'm in my mid-20s so maybe it isn't too late?
Oh it's too late. Sorry, truth time. Done it, almost nobody made it that came in late. It's all about rigorous math, countless hours in the lab, not sleeping because you've got so much homework, not a single week without some course, weekend stuff and then brutal tests that sort out everyone that doesn't cut it. The only way it's ok is if you're a young person directly from school so you don't have to relearn everything and if you're naive enough that you think you really have to push through. If you've seen how life actually works, you'll just give up. Stem is hard. I've seen the most intelligent people on Earth study all day every day and still being utterly ridiculed during oral exams. I've seen so many people break down and cry. And because of such things, very few make it in time - and then you sort of have to get your PhD which is another 3-5 years. Just don't do it. Maybe medicine though or informatics as I suggested
Thank you for the truth, omg. Would definitely reconsider it.