As for boredom in academia, I definitely have found the seminars and colloquia to be very stimulating (in mathematics and some physics, as well as others outside my area of research), and I rarely have found my work boring. Sometimes, it is a bit tedious to finish up analyses or revise a paper, but most of days are stimulating and thoroughly enjoyable (especially when I can teach).
As for the formal mathematics training, I would suggest talking with professors at prospective universities about your passion and how much you have learned outside of school. I had very little formal coursework in mathematics before jumping into the field, but many professors were impressed with what I had learned on my own and were very willing to help me catch up in the field. I have found that most mathematicians/physicists are delighted when young people show a passion for their field and can help with administrative red tape.
Last edited by LilMick; 11/09/10 08:03 PM.
