This is fascinating. In my field, faculty feel much more trapped--but if, as you say, we could just walk down the street and get a job elsewhere, I think many would.
It solves some problems and creates others. There is definitely an exploitative "pyramid scheme" element to how academia operates, serially producing far excess supply (PhDs) than there is demand (tenure-track jobs). If everyone could walk out tomorrow it might start to improve the wage and treatment situation, but from my experience in the veterinary academy, it creates the new problem of everyone who still does want to work there perpetually carrying the extra slack, burning out, leaving; rinse, lather, repeat. I think we both agree academia needs some major changes to become sustainable!
This is fascinating. In my field, faculty feel much more trapped--but if, as you say, we could just walk down the street and get a job elsewhere, I think many would.
It solves some problems and creates others. There is definitely an exploitative "pyramid scheme" element to how academia operates, serially producing far excess supply (PhDs) than there is demand (tenure-track jobs). If everyone could walk out tomorrow it might start to improve the wage and treatment situation, but from my experience in the veterinary academy, it creates the new problem of everyone who still does want to work there perpetually carrying the extra slack, burning out, leaving; rinse, lather, repeat. I think we both agree academia needs some major changes to become sustainable!
100%
I'm very glad to hear it! I try to preach the good "gospel" to any vets who are still looking to find their niche, or perhaps a change of career focus
" Live" ='s "Love"