The Advantages of the Academic Career

In any career choice, there are a myriad of pros and cons, usually dependent on the life style one desires. Personally, I believe the positive attributes of the work environment in academic research institutes outweigh the cons. Specifically, the dimensions of freedom, interpersonal relationships, and self-determination one stands to gain from these establishments are critical determinates of “enjoying your job,” a dying phenomena - - especially in today’s world where there is an expanding work culture defined by longer work hours, less vacation time, and later retirements.