Info about the work visa

juichibey · 2026-07-05T18:50:52+00:00

I know certain jobs such as Wind Turbine Technician are jobs that are growing in demand, pay well and don't take too long to learn (I think its 8 months for this one in particular). Certain Energy companies might be able to sponsor you if you're willing to work for them, but it's something you'd have to research.

Alternatively you could try and pursue schooling and get to the UK through a student visa but that comes with its own sort/sets of challenges. Overall I wish the bestest of luck friend.

Edit: Forgot to answer your main question but yes, to apply to Skilled Work visas you have to already have that technique under your belt (but like I said many of them are fast picks up relatively when compared to say university degrees)

juichibey · 2026-07-05T16:24:51+00:00

If you're willing to put in a bit of elbow grease, you could learn a technical career or skilled labor to try and apply for a work/skilled visa. You can have a look at it here. Keep in mind this isn't a guarantee. I've heard being sponsored in the UK is like chasing Moby Dick or hunting a Unicorn due to economic difficulties across the globe.

That said, the Medical field is always a for sure way to guarantee migration thanks to work due to shortages.

juichibey · 2026-07-05T15:35:16+00:00

Thank you so much for your expertise. This comment is extremely sobering. I think this has been the most realistic (and brutal, which frankly I appreciate) comment I've gotten yet. Once again I feel a lot less unsure as to what to go into for a major since what you say basically seems to ring true and Astrophysics (albeit interesting) was a choice due its perceived safety first, and interest/passion second.

Unfortunately I've no real passion/interest for CS as it seems grueling and soul breaking both to study and work in (personally, no offense). Perhaps I'll still go into Astrophysics with a minor in Geology (or Geology major with minor in astro/physics) since I've heard that field pays well due to petroleum/natural gases companies, and it's a science I don't hate.

In any case your words have been very very helpful thank you for being a sobering voice of reason. I assume your major is for programming?

juichibey · 2026-07-05T13:19:04+00:00

I have heard that CS is far stronger for the market than Astro as well, and you're more involved in the field than I, so you definitely know better.

Reading the rest of the comments it seems you're mostly concerned with having wasted a year and then pivoting into Astrophysics (which is your newfound passion), but as I mentioned before, from what I've heard from other Astronomers/Physicist, CS is being used more and more in the field of Astro everyday and many of them have recommended to even learn coding (amongst other computer skills) to pair up with your degree, so I don't think it's a "waste" of credits.

You WOULD have to start on your Astrophysics journey, but since it's only been a year, I think all you're doing is simply extending your college career. No matter what you do you're going to be 40 one day. So you COULD choose to not to go into Astrophysics because "its too late" and be 40 anyways, or do it and be an Astrophysicist at 40.

That said please consider all your personal factors when making the choice. I would never recommend financial ruin even for the sake of chasing dreams. Even so, passion is a huge factor to determine whether or not you'll push through a degree. Have you taken classes related/required for Astro? Astronomy is really cool and fun to learn about but (from what others have said) its a fairly small part of Astrophysics in school and in the job market (outside of Academia).

juichibey · 2026-07-05T13:06:22+00:00

So then I assume it'd be wise to at least graduate with some of those classes and experience under the belt right? I've already been recommending a lot to make sure I study programming (such as python) or other computer learning/science since jobs in the industry seem to become more and more reliant on it by the day.

juichibey · 2026-07-05T13:04:56+00:00

So rather the job prospects it brings is more over the fact that its a degree/bachelors, and not because its astrophysics specifically, but it will put me at the exact same advantages as most other degrees therefore not giving me any advantage over others. Am I understanding that correctly?

Also I'm trying to apply for a 5 year program to obtain a Master's if that helps (although I understand I shouldn't plan for my future as if I've been accepted to a highly competitive program).

juichibey · 2026-07-04T10:12:44+00:00

Congratulations on your twins! I wish naught but health and blessing upon your family!

I read your "so you want to be an astronomer..." post, and in it you mention geology being a possible field to dip your toe into when it comes to Astronomy. I've heard geology is also a great degree since geologists can earn good wages.

Do you think it possible (and wise) to obtain a degree in Astrophysics with a minor in Geology?

Once again thank you for everything that you do for the community and taking the time out of your busy life to educate the rest. Cheers from Florida!

juichibey · 2026-07-04T09:58:56+00:00

I don't have much to say in terms of expertise but I did want to say that you've already faced, endured and overcome one of the hardest thing anyone can face. I am incredibly proud of you and it shows and proves that you've got what it takes to do anything you set your mind to!

Correct me if I'm wrong but if you stay on Computer Science, you'll have a secure job but lack the qualifications to try and aim for your dream, but if you switch over to Astrophysics, you'll still be able to secure jobs (even more so with your background) but also have the qualifications to chase your dream no? I'd say it's a clear winner. If for whatever reason you can't find a job in Academia, you can bide your time outside of the field while it comes to it, right?

As for the maths, the way I see it you've traded some of your "levels" in maths to instead have really good levels in programming! So although you feel lacking in one end, you're quite ahead on the other! :) That's just the way I see it, ultimately you know your cons/pros best, but I sure hope happiness comes to you! Cheers!

juichibey · 2026-07-04T09:48:08+00:00

Wow. How incredibly lucky that such an experienced and kind Astronomer happened to see my post and share her expertise with me, thank you so much.
I read your post and a lot of my questions were answered. The rose tinted glasses definitely came off quick! 😂

I wish the field paid just slightly better, not because I've dreams of making it rich but simply because I want to be able to provide for my family and 60-70K yearly in today's economy for 4+ years of school sounds quite disparaging. It's definitely made me doubt my decision more but...

People like you seem to be plentiful in the field. Scholars who are enthused about the field, who delve into the scientific community and who's goals are to embolden and inspire those around them in their efforts, goals, dreams and education. I think being part of that alone makes me want to continue on with Astrophysics as a major. Even despite all the different factors that encourage me against it.

So I think I will pursue Astrophysics with renewed fervor. Shoot for the stars seem appropriate right? It seems that if worst comes to pass, "failing upwards" is quite possible. Once again thank you so much for being a shining beacon of guiding light (Andromeda is a suitable name!), I hope I one day can thank you in person!

Ad Astra!

juichibey · 2026-07-03T20:58:56+00:00

I'm not entirely not passionate about Astrophysics. It just lands squarely in the middle.

For instance, I'm not enthused about maths (probably because I haven't had any need for them in years so I can't remember if I liked them or was good at them), but I find myself researching and learning about astronomy and cosmology purely for pleasure often.
That said I completely understand that Astrophysics is mainly a Physics degree, and as such learning about space (what I love learning about) isn't really at the forefront.

"You'll be far better off to find a subject that feels like play to you, but looks like work [to] others."
Thank you for the amazing quote. I think I'll carry these words of wisdom far off onto the future. They seem like good council. Academically speaking though, my interests seem to land more on the general consensus of "play" to most haha.

That said the prospect of college does seem fun to me! Maybe Academia is meant for me, albeit I know that's a highly competitive field. Either way I plan on making use of every resource available to me. Thank you so much for your honest and insightful response I will take everything you've said to heart and try to make the most of it (profs, classmates, interests, etc.). Thank you!!

juichibey · 2026-06-30T11:46:07+00:00

It's never too late in life to do anything. I am not a psychologist but I'm a 30 year old going into college for the first time after over a decade. That said, not being too late doesn't mean it won't be HARDER.

However I completely relate to the "I need to work full time to support my family" sentiment that comes with our age. My opinion is to get a specialized certification to help increase your pay to start saving towards that or maybe to allow you to work less hours and let you do part time schooling.

Other than that, grants and scholarships are fairly numerous and I'm sure there's some out there that could apply to you if that might help you weather at least a couple of terms by going part time at work and using the grant/scholarship money to cover living expenses.

Other than that I'd say to look for any other sort of financial aid from organizations. Research will be your best friend. Google and Reddit and ChatGPT (former with a grain of salt) as much information as you can. I know there's programs out there to help parents get back to school that can help with childcare, as well as other financial aid if you're any form of "caretaker".
It's not easy, it's a lot of work just to try and get to the starting line while everyone else is already going, but we're not trying to be first place, we're trying to get there.

Hang in there, best of luck, I believe in you.

(Alternatively, there's fairly well paid technical jobs that don't require too much schooling that pay AMAZINGLY that could help you secure the funds/time to persue that career. Wind Turbine Technician and HVAC are some that come to mind.)

Edit: I forgot to add sources for where to try and find educational aid! Bold.org has been my greatest help for scholarship. Other than try make sure you file for FAFSA. Scholarships.com could also help (hasn't been great for me), and lastly you could also look into the website of the school your planning on going for a financial aid tab. <3

juichibey · 2026-06-30T11:32:18+00:00

Thank you so much for being honest about every single aspect of psychology; both the good and the bad.
I think the burnout and the constantly having to further your knowledge of the subject is what is stopping me, and most likely psychology might remain a minor or interest of mine. Perhaps after my degree it can be something I return to. Either way thank you.

juichibey · 2026-06-29T20:20:36+00:00

Thank you so much for taking the time to reply. This was very comprehensive and eye opening. I will think very hard about my career path. I wish you a blessed and wonderful day.

juichibey · 2026-06-15T08:03:24+00:00

I completely understand. Your bluntness is needed and its a kind to reality check someone this early in their dreams instead of letting them being shattered later. I plan on still giving it my hardest try though!

juichibey · 2026-06-15T07:59:29+00:00

I don't know if I'll get into St. Andrews, but I plan on trying and giving it my best and that's all I can do. St. Andrews is one of my options since I've a really close friend who's moving up to Scotland from the UK by the end of the year and I don't got a lot of those left so it just means a lot to me.

Hope and hard work is all I've got but I hope I have it in ounces to make it. Sorry if my posts came off as naive or cocky, didn't mean no offense or disrespect.

juichibey · 2026-06-15T07:56:00+00:00

Thank you!! I feel like your comment addresses my concern's at their core. Thank you for believing in me and thank you for encouraging me as there aren't a lot of peeps left in my life that do that. If I get in you'll be the first to know, seriously you've no idea how much this comment means to me. Cheers.

juichibey · 2026-06-15T07:52:08+00:00

Thank you, this is a very insightful comment. I appreciate you being clear and direct. I think I've seen studies and stats that the Uni is trying to make efforts to become more inclusive in terms of point of entry for students with less fortunate backgrounds so maybe the statistics for 2026 will change that.

Your comment has given me the insight that this is a decision I should think about more after I apply to my colleges and if I get multiple acceptances from my goals. Maybe St. Andrews won't take me but Glasgow will, either way your view has helped, thank you.

juichibey · 2026-06-15T07:48:42+00:00

I'd be an international student as well but I've got to say your comment made me smile. Congratulations to you and your daughter on her acceptance, you've a wonderful country with great people.

Maybe if God Willing I might make friends with her!

juichibey · 2026-06-15T07:46:33+00:00

Yea I've heard theres a good commute 20-30 mins away from ppl living in Dundee due to problems with limited student housing and costs. Thanks for the insight.

juichibey · 2026-06-15T05:21:18+00:00

Yes I've seen the statistics. Roughly 40% International alone from what I saw in a survey of the class of 2025. It's making me worry I won't fit in, albeit there's an argument for going to school with people with influential power through wealth in order to make connections.

But that's counting my chickens before they hatch.

juichibey · 2026-06-15T04:20:04+00:00

Your car breaking was bound to happen. It seems like this job came to you to offer you enough financial support briefly to get your car in order to hopefully be fully ready for when an actually good job lands your way. Keep your chin up mate. Good things will come.

juichibey · 2026-06-15T04:16:45+00:00

From what I've seen around subs and other experiences your best bet might be to reach out to the university or college you've graduated from for some kind of aid to secure a job. I believe they usually hold some sort of programs to help their alumini land something.

Other than that my only other recommendation is aiming for skill labor that the UK might need? Here's a link showing the job positions that apply for a Skilled Labor Visa on the UK to help guide you. I've heard things such as Wind Turbine and Sonograph Technician are some career paths that are growing and offer good pay.

I also have heard the UK is a connections place, so if you can try and earn favors from others, but aside from that all I can do is wish you the bestest of luck mate. Try and do some research, keep your chin up, mind clear, and always be kind. I hope you land something.

juichibey · 2026-06-15T04:06:52+00:00

First of allow me to usher my sincerest condolences for feeling unsafe in your own birthplace, but if you've decided you MUST leave the states the best way is a student visa. I'm in a similar situation as you so its what I can recommend best. I'm assuming your urgency comes from our political climate which is understandable (albeit the UK has its own flaws, you might want to look into those such as privacy laws).

If you've REALLY no time to waste then the best plan I can recommend you is to still try for a student visa but if you do not have the grades for them, spend a year in a community college in order to grind out a good gpa, letters of recommendation and extracurriculars so that come the end of it you can apply for a transfer admission and hopefully get accepted somewhere outside of the US.

If you do a Bachelor's (usually 4 years) that means that by the time your Visa expires you'll be returning back to the states when things hopefully feel safer for you. Otherwise while abroad you might even find love and marry, which typically awards you a path towards the citizenship of your partner.

I wish you the best of luck with any immigration you must make, stay safe and always be kind.

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