This is a very common issue, and you shouldn't feel bad about deciding it's not for you. It's also common to have guilt or self-identity issues for a while afte

This is a very common issue, and you shouldn't feel bad about deciding it's not for you. It's also common to have guilt or self-identity issues for a while after leaving. Math is kind of a broad area. Some people coming from it will have a very easy time adapting to software or finance, others will have to start more or less from scratch. There's also the question of whether you'll like it. Good signs are if you're more towards the applied / problem solving side, and if you have fond memories of playing in Mathematica. Since the problem is fit and lifestyle more than other issues, you might consider going for internships first. This would give you a way to get your feet wet and test for fit before over-investing too much in one path, and it could also give you an easier way to transition into the industry. And yeah, LOTS of people do get into those fields from math, random sciences, engineering..."your major is not your career." Note on internships: At least in the US, internships do have to be paid if you're producing actual work product - despite what a lot of companies will try to pull. "Companies who are unaware of basic employment law or who think it's fun to flout labor laws" is a good filter for companies that aren't worth your time.