I work as a software engineer, but am confident that I'll regret not pursuing a career in basic research in mathematics, chemistry or physics (the more theoretical and computational varieties - industrial or academic in nature).

The most pleasant work I have done has been contemplating the variety of mysteries amenable to basic research. The trouble is, I suspect I would regret giving up a pleasant enough career in SE for a precarious and stressful career as a researcher. Money matters, and there’s value in working in a field of abundant employment.

I think I can live a good life if I know that after considering the circumstances, a career in research is not possible. Quite simply, there is no choice, and I am at peace with that. However, it does not seem certain to me that this is the case.

I am willing to forgo higher income if such a decision does not require more stress and unpleasantries than a healthy person should reasonably bare over a career.

What avenues are available to the person who wishes to pursue basic research and is flexible in which fields they would pursue? How could education be financed (housing, food, etc given most graduate studies and beyond are funded)? Is it possible to self-fund and establish a career in basic research? Where could employment be found? What specialities are not prudent to pursue? What disciplines seem promising? What should the motivated person do who wishes to pursue a career in basic research? What are the odds of success in achieving a stable, permanent position in research? What lateral or related research-like careers are possible that don’t neatly reside in the “academic” researcher definition? What are some of the most creative career paths taken to achieving productive careers in research or research-like fields? What funding bodies exist that I’ve never heard of? What businesses will pay for research I do not know about?

To date, I have only reliably seen the affluent, and talented succeed at such vocations (and even for them, the failure rate is high). I lack the affluence, but have an abundance of the talent.

My motivation for this post is that I have witnessed people not achieve their goals for want of seeing the means by which success might be achieved. Unable to see the way, they conclude, erroneously, that a particular avenue of action will not work, or that no avenues exist towards their goal. I merely wish to be informed of all choices available to me, so I can stand by my decision.

All thoughts are welcome, I am convinced that being both good at one’s vocation and feeling a deep sense of purpose in it are admirable goals, but not at the cost of everything else. These goals really are easier to achieve in some careers than others. Most of us will just have to work a job to pay the bills, and I think that’s fine, even if we finish life with some regrets. There are many roses to smell through life’s journey.