>>2936
Just go to the library and check out books on nuclear, electrical, etc physics. Avoid the trap that is astrophysics. I've studied that for years and while it impresses your friends and girls occasionally, it's worthless.
Look at Bill Nye versus Neil Degrasse Tyson. Bill Nye actually studies the hard shit, Neil the "stoner science". There's no money in the study of dark matter or whatever. I mean, you could probably get invited to some elite conferences, get funding for a project, but that funding goes directly to the project and you could get in a lot of trouble for even pocketing a small percentage. The States are not kind to scientists at all despite our efforts to advance their caveman asses.
As well, those conferences do next to nothing in terms of pay. Might get a free lunch though.
I've been a physicist for years and only now understanding the importance of engineering. It's definitely a good starting point as once you understand physics engineering becomes much MUCH easier… but be prepared to live with your parents for a long ass fucking time no matter how much you study. I've literally propelled forward transit systems and named stars because of my hypotheses, and am I even middle-class? Hell no.
I mean if you're okay with being a poorfag hey, take the easy road. I would if I had that choice but unfortunately all of my family is either dead or poorfags too, so I can't really just live with someone and continue to sound smart as my contribution to the world.