how would you rate pursuing a degree in mathematics on a scale of 1-10
(asking as someone who wants to switch careers at 30)
Well honestly it depends on what you want to do
Are you passionate about math and aim to do research? Sure, go ahead, do pure math, but beware that most people don't make it (I am already lucky to get a phd, and it is a significant possibility that I will not end up getting a position), and that going into academia has a lot of practical drawbacks (like the endless postdoc grind, where you move to a new country each 2-3 years after you finish your phd).
Do you want to become a math teacher? Hell yeah go ahead. What kinds of teaching you can do depends on where you are. Note that if you teach highschool or lower you will not use most of the math you learn during your degree. Also it seems like the material working conditions of teachers kinda suck in a lot of places, so definitely look it up before fully committing.
Are you just looking to switch careers, but don't know what to do, and you like math? If you do applied math, a lot more things open up to you. Especially if you also somewhat like computer science. If you end up in the correct subfields you can even do quite theoretical things while still working at a company. That is something to consider.
Now this doesn't answer the 1-10 scale question but I don't really think I can answer it. Sure, I had a lot of fun doing math for my degree, but that's because math is fun rather than the degree itself being fun. I think math is more enjoyable when you're calmly learning it rather than studying for exams.
Also remember that this is "advice" from some kid on the internet who's aiming to go into academia. I only have a degree in pure math, not one in getting a job. I don't do the kind of math that can be used when working at a company. I'm mostly just repeating what I've heard.
Best of luck to you!
