Choosing a Career: Astrophysicist or Artist?

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> I feel for the OP because I'm 39 and love both art and science

Me too. When I have done those career related personality tests (Holland codes) I always come up investigative AND artistic. No wonder cartography always appealed to me and GIS is still a possibility. In my 40s, I seem to be starting back to school for a science degree this time. But I'm looking at ways, plural -- not just one rigid goal -- that I can use it afterwards in various areas.

Bit late I spose, but consider writing about them, then you can switch as the mood takes you. Also consider science themed art and scientific illustrations. Go freelance anyway you can that will allow you to cover both bases on your own terms.

I am in a similar position. I love the sciences and arts, and am considering a dual major in mathematics and music (I know, I know, but the shrinks assure me I'm relatively sane). One thing I noticed is the OP mentioned failing three math classes. If those failing grades were from applying an honest effort instead of outside circumstances such as illness or something, a major in physics, math, etc. is very unlikely to work out. Many people who struggle in math can enjoy physics at a conceptual level, but the major is highly intensive in mathematics.

Everyone needs to have a way to get money to live - whether desiring a comfortable middle-class lifestyle, a sparse, basic needs lifestyle, or an extravagant lifestyle, cash is something you need to procure. It's prudent to plan a major that will give adequate skills to land a job to pay the bills (as well as any loans you may have taken during college) - there's a lot of money invested into this, so while I'd love to just go to college for twenty years to learn for the sake of learning, financial realities get in the way of that.

What a lot of people do is they major in a more career-oriented major, then minor in their true passion (such as art). Even if you make enough money for a comfortable middle-class lifestyle, you can elect to live more sparsely, saving a portion of the money for a rainy day and a portion for charity or something. That's probably wise for everyone starting out making a living, even those who intend to take advantage of the perks of their fuller incomes.

you've gotten some pretty sound advice already.....but no conclusive choice. maybe you should think about why you failed the math courses? too easy and you were bored? too hard and you just quit? being an astrophysicist requires you comprehending math as it is, not what you like to work on. no established math courses, no degree; correct?

i paint and sculpt and have sold a few things, but the snobbish, arrogant art world is pretty tough.