While I've been very interested in HEP as a teen and up, even as a "fanboy" the science potential seems very dubious.
When they approved the LHC, they were almost entirely certain they'd find the Higgs and there was solid arguments for why they should find more.
Now it seems much less clear that they stand to find anything groundbreaking by simply doing more of the same.
Personally I'd like to see more money being put towards condensed matter physics, quantum information science and similar areas which seems to have potential for much more practical applications.
Considering the vast amounts of money needed for these huge colliders, for me it's about diminishing returns. I just don't think anything we learn "down there" will have as much impact compared to other areas.
Instead I think now is a good time to slow down a bit, fund other interesting areas more, until we have a better handle on where to look. Then we can come back, if possible.
When they approved the LHC, they were almost entirely certain they'd find the Higgs and there was solid arguments for why they should find more.
Now it seems much less clear that they stand to find anything groundbreaking by simply doing more of the same.
Personally I'd like to see more money being put towards condensed matter physics, quantum information science and similar areas which seems to have potential for much more practical applications.