No, there's lots than can be done. Many astronauts have gone on to profitable careers in the private sector. Their names and experience count for a lot -- but their connections count for even more. (Many high-ranking military personnel follow a similar path when they retire.) And then there's John Glenn, of course, who went on to a successful political career.<br /><br />Of course, some astronauts have an active engineering career even before they apply to become astronaut candidates. After their stint, they may return to that career. A few are medical doctors, and of course that's a profession that always has business somewhere. That's always a growth industry, what with all the babies coming into the world. <img src="/images/icons/wink.gif" /><br /><br />Some go into academia. Colleges and universities may enjoy being able to advertise having an astronaut on staff, and if not, they still have valuable things to teach. Most (if not all) have advanced degrees and can get into academia if they're inclined to do so. Scientist astronauts may particularly appreciate this, as it means they don't have to stop researching.<br /><br />And, of course, some go onto the public speaking circuit, and/or write books. <img src="/images/icons/wink.gif" /> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p> </p><p><font color="#666699"><em>"People assume that time is a strict progression of cause to effect, but actually from a non-linear, non-subjective viewpoint it's more like a big ball of wibbly wobbly . . . timey wimey . . . stuff."</em> -- The Tenth Doctor, "Blink"</font></p> </div>