If everyone has such varying views on it never go to the space industry for a job.
I was a satellite flight controller for years. It is not a 7-3 job though many thought so when going in. A satellite orbits the earth 24/7/365 and is working the entire time. Someone has to be at a console to communicate with with it every 90 minutes or so.
Shifts are usually 8 hours but weekends tend to be 12. The aspect most don't like is rotating shifts so everyone can work a normal schedule at least one week a month. that shift would be 7am - 3pm, afternoon shifts- weekdays only - are 3-11, and nights are 11pm-7am. Day shifts during weekends are 7am-7pm and night shift is 7pm-7am.
You get anywhere from 3-5 days off between shifts and when you go back you are on a different shift. This ensures you 2 weekends off a month as well as more days that one normally would on a regular job.
Some facilities work one shift only and i have had afternoon only shifts at times for varying reasons, usually because of seniority. My last job had me working from 5 pm - 4am. It sucked and was cool because I would work 7 days and take off 5.
The best thing about the job is lots of overtime until one is salaried and lots of time off after working a lot. All shifts got compensated 10% for off shift hours, even while working overtime. There was no exempt status for that. You are never under pressure unless there is a problem with a satellite and you then have to correct the problem, recover any data atttributed to it and write a report about it. Other than that you have a lot of goof off time doing software maintenance and writing documentation.
3 hour lunch? If it fits the schedule, why not? I was usually shift supervisor and if you were where you were supposed to be when I wanted you there you were good to go.
The tech field is where I point kids with the apptitude and I emphasize a strong background in math. I never point them to the space industry unless that is what they desire as it is not for everyone. I usually suggest engineering of sorts - how many fields does that encompass?
I always suggest some technical writing as well because one needs to document everything in the technical world.
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