Neurosurgeons, electrical engineers, and even rocket scientists have an easier job than those with the obligation of being a Chicago Bears fan.

Staying dedicated to a team that hasn’t won a Super Bowl since 1986 is the most difficult occupation out there. It’s surprising, then, that so many fans still support them.

Many fans who live in Illinois choose to support the Bears simply because they grew up close to Chicago, and being near the Chicago-based team made them feel obligated to stay with them.

Sophomore Ted Conklin recalls how he was introduced to the team by his family at a young age. “I’ve been following [the Bears] ever since I was a little kid, since I’m from a family that follows the Bears,” Conklin said.

Since the 1980’s, the Bears haven’t had many successful seasons.

Under previous head coach Lovie Smith, from 2004 to 2012, the Bears made it to the Super Bowl in 2006, where they lost to the Indianapolis Colts 29-17.

This season, John Fox, who previously coached the Carolina Panthers and the Denver Broncos, became the new head coach of the Bears.

Under his leadership, the Bears failed to qualify for the playoffs after losing the Week 15 game on Dec. 20 against the Minnesota Vikings 38-17.

On Jan. 3, the Bears’ post season ended with a loss against the Detroit Lions 24-20. This ended their NFL 2015 run with a 6-10 win-loss ratio.

Fans attribute the failure of the Bears to a variety of issues. Senior Max Blaul believes the management needs to do its job better. “The only way the Bears can get better is if they get newer and better players. It’s not just a one or two year fix. It’ll take time.”

Bears players have also been plagued with multiple injuries this season. Both Matt Forte and Eddie Royal were hit with knee injuries in November. First draft pick Kevin White has missed all the 2015 season games because of his shin injuries.

The frustration with Bears quarterback Jay Cutler is a running trend for many who claim to be Bears fans. Junior Quentin Benedetto blamed the team’s failures on Cutler’s lack of throwing expertise.

“Cutler is awful. He’s been playing terribly. The interceptions and bad plays are dreadful. They’ve gotta kick him off the team and get a better quarterback,” Benedetto said.

Conklin agreed, “Jay Cutler is not the answer to a good football team.”

Despite the immense mental endurance it takes to stay loyal to the Bears, there is hope.

According to the Chicago Tribune, Gase was replaced with Dowell Loggains. Coach Fox believes that Loggains will help the team improve.

“He’s an excellent coach with experience as a play caller and a broad knowledge of offensive football,” Fox said to the Tribune.

Some fans think the Bears are set to come back from their losing streak very soon. Senior Patrick Jeon sees promise in the new players. “We have a couple new running backs, and Jeremy Langford did a great job as a rookie player.”

Sophomore Leeber Lichtor believes that the draft will help the Bears. “Since they had a bad record last year, they’re getting a high draft pick this year and they can get really good players right out of college.”

Although some fans think that Jay Cutler is at fault, sophomore Drew Smith doesn’t believe that one player can be singled out.

“Any losses they earned were team losses. The whole team is responsible for their success and for their failure.”