# Abandon Every Hope. **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [October 4, 2015, 6:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/abandon-every-hope/733524 "2015-10-04T18:39:35Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Grim\_Render](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/a87d85/32.png) [@Grim\_Render](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grim_Render)\ **Post date:** [October 4, 2015, 9:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/abandon-every-hope/733524/21 "2015-10-04T21:25:06Z")
I had a friend who did a degree in maths, which he found out was not an area he was fond of. He ended up working as an accountant, very highly paid and in-demand. ---
**Author:** ![Fear\_Itself](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fear_itself/32/19637_2.png) [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Post date:** [October 4, 2015, 9:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/abandon-every-hope/733524/22 "2015-10-04T21:30:58Z")
Hmmm. PhD in Math; Aspergers… Have you ever been to Las Vegas? ---
**Author:** ![Hari\_Seldon](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hari_seldon/32/5173_2.png) [@Hari\_Seldon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hari_Seldon)\ **Post date:** [October 4, 2015, 11:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/abandon-every-hope/733524/23 "2015-10-04T23:55:21Z")
I have a friend (also a mathematician) who feels that most mathematician lie somewhere on the autism spectrum. Why did you get a PhD is you didn’t like it. I got mine because I loved it and, 50+ years later, I still do. And getting there was great fun too. So I don’t know what to recommend. ---
**Author:** ![Defensive\_Indifference](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/defensive_indifference/32/6502_2.png) [@Defensive\_Indifference](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Defensive_Indifference)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2015, 12:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/abandon-every-hope/733524/24 "2015-10-05T00:12:05Z")
Do you have any interest or background in cryptography? Information security is a hot field these days, and I imagine the kind of people who actually understand cryptography at a deep level are in demand. Bonus: a lot of those jobs are probably in big cities with at least some public transportation. Best of luck to you. ETA: It’s widely believed that the NSA employs a crap ton of mathematicians for their crypto work. You might give them a look if your political/ethical views align. ---
**Author:** ![Senegoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/senegoid/32/6606_2.png) [@Senegoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Senegoid)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2015, 4:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/abandon-every-hope/733524/25 "2015-10-05T04:46:03Z")
Did you already hate math all the time you were in school studying it? Or did you like it at the time, and come to hate it afterward? ---
**Author:** ![brovolone](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/a88e4f/32.png) [@brovolone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brovolone)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2015, 4:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/abandon-every-hope/733524/26 "2015-10-05T04:58:19Z")
You should seek mental health assistance. I recall you stated you couldn’t for x reason. Certainly there’s a way to get you in to see a professional. ---
**Author:** ![Ambivalid](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/a5b964/32.png) [@Ambivalid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ambivalid)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2015, 6:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/abandon-every-hope/733524/27 "2015-10-05T06:13:45Z")
> [@CCitizen](#): > > I already gave out too much identifying info. I wanna smoke somma what _you_ got. 🆒 :eek: ---
**Author:** ![Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/left_hand_of_dorkness/32/7156_2.png) [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2015, 10:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/abandon-every-hope/733524/28 "2015-10-05T10:44:38Z")
> [@brovolone](#): > > You should seek mental health assistance. I recall you stated you couldn’t for x reason. Certainly there’s a way to get you in to see a professional. Yup. You’re at the point where if you want things to get better, you’ll find a way to get professional help. If you don’t want things to get better, sounds like you’ve got a good plan for that, too. ---
**Author:** ![Tom\_Tildrum](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e95f7d/32.png) [@Tom\_Tildrum](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tom_Tildrum)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2015, 3:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/abandon-every-hope/733524/29 "2015-10-05T15:15:32Z")
> [@CCitizen](#): > > I already gave out too much identifying info. Oh … you wrote _that_ thesis. :eek: ---
**Author:** ![Drunky\_Smurf](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/drunky_smurf/32/449_2.png) [@Drunky\_Smurf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Drunky_Smurf)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2015, 3:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/abandon-every-hope/733524/30 "2015-10-05T15:19:43Z")
> [@CCitizen](#): > > I have a PhD in Mathematics which hated with passion since '96. Now I am in the 6th year of an internship in which I am paid irregularly – about $3k/year. My parents support me and give me an allowance. > > But still I feel like I have no plans of my own. I have Aspergers and Depression. Yes, you’ve whined about this in the past. Why again? > [@CCitizen](#): > > I already gave out too much identifying info. As you have done in the past. Why again? ---
**Author:** ![Smeghead](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/f1d935/32.png) [@Smeghead](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smeghead)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2015, 7:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/abandon-every-hope/733524/31 "2015-10-05T19:27:40Z")
What are you hoping to accomplish and/or get out of this thread? ---
**Author:** ![Bill\_Door](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/50afbb/32.png) [@Bill\_Door](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bill_Door)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2015, 7:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/abandon-every-hope/733524/32 "2015-10-05T19:54:22Z")
Actuaries make a darn good living, and don’t involve a lot of personal interaction. Something to think about. ---
**Author:** ![HoneyBadgerDC](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/honeybadgerdc/32/1033_2.png) [@HoneyBadgerDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HoneyBadgerDC)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2015, 7:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/abandon-every-hope/733524/33 "2015-10-05T19:56:07Z")
If you had access to anything in the world and money or supporting yourself was not an issue what would you likely be doing. You seem like a very bright guy. You may not play well with others but that doesn’t have to be a deal breaker. You may be depressed because you are unfulfilled. Having a happy rewarding life may be more achievable than you think it is. ---
**Author:** ![CCitizen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/4af34b/32.png) [@CCitizen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CCitizen)\ **Post date:** [October 6, 2015, 11:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/abandon-every-hope/733524/34 "2015-10-06T23:25:26Z")
> [@Bayard](#): > > Do you have any interest or background in cryptography? Information security is a hot field these days, and I imagine the kind of people who actually understand cryptography at a deep level are in demand. Bonus: a lot of those jobs are probably in big cities with at least some public transportation. > > Best of luck to you. Thank you very much. Maybe I was born under unlucky stars. ---
**Author:** ![CCitizen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/4af34b/32.png) [@CCitizen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CCitizen)\ **Post date:** [October 6, 2015, 11:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/abandon-every-hope/733524/35 "2015-10-06T23:26:54Z")
> [@Senegoid](#): > > Did you already hate math all the time you were in school studying it? Very very very much so. ---
**Author:** ![CCitizen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/4af34b/32.png) [@CCitizen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CCitizen)\ **Post date:** [October 6, 2015, 11:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/abandon-every-hope/733524/36 "2015-10-06T23:29:00Z")
> [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](#): > > You’re at the point where if you want things to get better, you’ll find a way to get professional help. I have been receiving help from psychologists and psychiatrists since early '90s. Now I have no opportunity. ---
**Author:** ![CCitizen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/4af34b/32.png) [@CCitizen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CCitizen)\ **Post date:** [October 6, 2015, 11:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/abandon-every-hope/733524/37 "2015-10-06T23:30:20Z")
> [@Smeghead](#): > > What are you hoping to accomplish and/or get out of this thread? Nothing – no one can help me. Jut to talk to people about my problems. ---
**Author:** ![Robert163](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/4af34b/32.png) [@Robert163](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Robert163)\ **Post date:** [October 6, 2015, 11:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/abandon-every-hope/733524/38 "2015-10-06T23:41:39Z")
> [@CCitizen](#): > > Nothing – no one can help me. Jut to talk to people about my problems. But a solution is easier than you think. What about web design or programs using C++ or something. Computer Science uses a lot of math, right? I understand it is very scary to think of getting a job if you have not had a job for a very long time. I am in the same situation. But you have some skills that could potentially lead to a job. Maybe it would be better to work from home. Something more to your own schedule. You do not have unlimited options. There are some very big problems with your situation. But you do have a few options you can pursue. ---
**Author:** ![CCitizen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/4af34b/32.png) [@CCitizen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CCitizen)\ **Post date:** [October 6, 2015, 11:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/abandon-every-hope/733524/39 "2015-10-06T23:43:38Z")
> [@Robert163](#): > > But a solution is easier than you think. What about web design or programs using C++ or something. Computer Science uses a lot of math, right? > > I understand it is very scary to think of getting a job if you have not had a job for a very long time. I am in the same situation. But you have some skills that could potentially lead to a job. Maybe it would be better to work from home. Something more to your own schedule. > > You do not have unlimited options. There are some very big problems with your situation. But you do have a few options you can pursue. I have thought about improving my situation for years. Now I have neither the energy nor the will to do anything. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [October 6, 2015, 11:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/abandon-every-hope/733524/40 "2015-10-06T23:53:41Z")
So what’s the point of even complaining about it here? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/abandon-every-hope/733524.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/abandon-every-hope/733524.md?page=3)