After a long reflection, I've decided I won't go to graduate school and do a thesis, among other things. I personally can't cope with the pressure and uncertainty of an academic job.
I will therefore move towards a master's degree in engineering and probably work in industry. However, I'm still passionate about math, and will continue to attend seminars, conferences, and work with people in my heart field (ie: algebraic geometry and number theory).
My question is: Is it viable? Won't I be "ostracized from the math community"? Eventually, could I still publish work?
Best Answer
This is possible. I have at least two friends who studied mathematics (in the graduate school), did not defend their PhD, and found some jobs not related to mathematics. Still they do research, and publish papers from time to time.
Probably the most famous modern mathematician who never studied mathematics on a graduate level was Marjorie Rice. She made an important contribution.
The main problem on my point of view is not being "ostracized by math community" but the problem of lack of time for concentration on mathematics. Those two of my friends who started publishing are both retired, one had a career in business another in computer programming. Several of my other friends, who did have a PhD had to switch to other activities simply because they could not find jobs in mathematics. Many of them were intending to continue their math research "in free time". But the problem is that there is usually no free time if you do another job. Mathematics requires a high degree of concentration.