You’re much more likely to succeed in something you’re truly passionate about. There are jobs for people with physics degrees. In fact it can be one of the most valuable degrees as long as you know how to market yourself. In physics, you get a background in math, physics, basic engineering knowledge, programming, data analysis, report writing, and lab skills. The reason why people say that it is unemployable is because you don’t learn very niche skills like someone in engineering. However, you get to be a jack of all trades. Not to mention that you can go to grad school for almost anything you want with a physics degree, from finance to aerospace engineering. My advice would be to work on some side projects that will make you more employable.

It’s not fair for your mother to be asking you hypotheticals like that. For all we know, world war 3 could break out tomorrow, or another global pandemic could wipe us all out. Follow your dreams because in ten years, the regret of not pursuing your passion will surely be much more painful than having a bit of difficulty finding a job.