And I took the humanities with me

After spending decades in academia, I GTFO and landed in private industry.

Here’s my AMA:

Do you miss being around smart, thoughtful people all day? No, for two reasons. First of all, there are smart, thoughtful people in every industry. In my current job, I’m surrounded by people every bit as intelligent as the academics among whom I suffered for years. Second, my colleagues in industry aren’t big enough assholes to think they’re in the only industry with smart people. Look, some of the dumbest and unimaginiative people I’ve ever met have PhDs.

Aren’t your benefits worse since left academia? Please don’t eat that bullshit they’re feeding you. I have as much vacation time, sick time, access to professional development, and learning opportunities as I did before.

Do you work more hours in private industry? No, I still work the same 50+ hours per week but now I make twice as much. Provosts and non-profit administrators read Upton SInclair for pro tips on wringing every last drop of labor they can from you.

Here’s why you should get the fuck out of academia:

1. Fewer Pervy Men: To be fair, there are slimy dirtbags everywhere. However, in my new job, I’ve yet to have a man take his shoes off and run his toenail up and down my leg in a meeting. In academia, I was physically and verbally harrassed by men several times during my career. Kissing, groping, nasty shit whispered into my ear—academia is teeming with predators who rely on tenure to commit crimes with impunity.
2. Financial Freedom: Let’s be honest, one of the biggest draws is the paycheck. Private industry often offers significantly higher salaries compared to academia, especially for those with advanced degrees. This translates to financial stability, the ability to save for the future, and enjoy a higher quality of life. No more ramen noodles and shared apartments!  
3. Work-Life Balance: While the workload in private industry can be demanding, it’s often more structured and predictable than the “always-on” culture of academia. Many find they have more time for personal pursuits, hobbies, and family. Weekends become sacred again, and vacations are actually for relaxing, not catching up on research.  
4. Clearer Career Paths and Advancement: In academia, career progression can feel like a nebulous and highly competitive process. Private industry often offers clearer career paths with defined milestones and opportunities for advancement. Your hard work and achievements are more likely to be recognized and rewarded with promotions and increased responsibilities.
5. Impact and Real-World Applications: In academia, the focus is often on theoretical research and publishing papers. While this has its own value, many find it fulfilling to see their work have a direct impact on real-world problems and contribute to tangible solutions. Private industry offers the chance to work on projects that make a difference in people’s lives and shape the future.
6. Teamwork and Collaboration: While academia can be collaborative, it can also be quite individualistic and competitive. Private industry often emphasizes teamwork, where individuals with diverse skills and backgrounds come together to achieve common goals. This can create a more supportive and stimulating work environment.  
7. Resources and Infrastructure: Private companies often have access to greater resources, cutting-edge technology, and well-established infrastructure. This can be a welcome change for academics used to working with limited budgets and outdated equipment.  
8. Less Bureaucracy and Politics: While office politics exist everywhere, academia can be notorious for its internal politics and bureaucratic hurdles. Private industry can offer a more streamlined and efficient decision-making process, where merit and results are often valued over seniority and connections.
9. Sense of Purpose and Belonging: Many academics feel disillusioned with the publish-or-perish culture and the pressure to secure funding. In private industry, they may find a renewed sense of purpose by contributing to a company’s mission and being part of a team working towards a shared vision.  
10. Personal Growth and Development: Private industry offers opportunities to develop new skills, gain valuable experience, and broaden one’s horizons. The fast-paced and dynamic nature of the corporate world can push individuals to learn and adapt quickly, leading to personal and professional growth.  
11. Freedom from Grant Writing: Ah, the dreaded grant writing! For many academics, the constant need to secure funding can be a major source of stress and frustration. In private industry, this burden is lifted, allowing them to focus on their actual work and contribute to the company’s success.

In conclusion, leaving academia for private industry can be a liberating and rewarding experience. The financial stability, work-life balance, clearer career paths, and opportunities for real-world impact are just some of the factors that make this transition so appealing. While academia offers its own unique rewards, the corporate world provides a different kind of fulfillment and the chance to thrive in a new environment.