I am a third year astrophysics PhD student working on observations of star formation. Reflecting on my PhD journey thus far, I have resolved to pursue a career in data science or computer software after graduation, for several professional and personal reasons:

• The starting salary in the private sector is higher than that of a postdoc, as indicated by the American Institute of Physics (AIP). Financial security is a significant aspiration for me.
• Data science and computer software roles account for a larger share of positions that astrophysics PhD graduates fill, according to the same AIP source.
• I do not relish academic writing, grant applications, or the competitive nature of academia. However, I thoroughly enjoy coding and data interpretation.
• I have a desire to level up my coding skills, learn ML, and incorporate ML, statistics, and mathematics in my next job.
• I desire a job that offers a better work-life balance than academia. I wish to enjoy weekends and vacations without guilt, something I find research impedes.
• I am actually not very passionate about most areas of astrophysics, including star formation. The only area I would consider pursuing a research career in is in theoretical stellar astrophysics, specifically asteroseismology. However, for all the other reasons I already mentioned, non-academic options are still more appealing.
• I want location flexibility in case I am in a relationship with someone.

What are my options after a PhD? I think data science is extremely appealing, but I am afraid if I am too pigeonholed in astrophysics and lack industry/corporate experience to be competitive for these jobs in an already bad job market for DS. Are SWE and MLE jobs another option? What are my options at NASA?