I earned a B Sc in Physics in 1983, and almost immediately went to work in aerospace, helping develop a plasma isotope process. Did some graduate level physics and electrical engineering study. Got laid off a few times over the years (aerospace is pretty cyclical, based on projects- project is done, so are you), and taught high school math and physics for a couple of years, worked as a consultant designing and building mechanical equipment in the intervening times. I have designed and built antennas for space craft, worked with low observable aircraft, and ended up my last ten years designing mechanical ground support equipment and tooling for spacecraft. I retired in 2014. Now I just do the work on my house that was neglected. I also took up wood carving and take two classes a week at the local adult ed "school".
If you get to thinking you’re a person of some influence, try ordering somebody else’s dog around.
