My husband and I have both worked in Academia for years, and I recently made the decision to work in the private sector instead. He's getting ready to make the move as well.
Yes, academia offers job security, short working hours, and the benefits are usually good as well. We both, however, have found that there's a definite downside.
Pay is the first problem. At my husband's college, he's currently about $14,000 under what the pay scale SAYS he should be paid. If he quit and got rehired, they'd have to pay him more than he makes now!
From personal experience, I can say that the politics in academia can be absolutely brutal, and I don't just mean amongst the faculty. I was a staff member for several years, and the tension between faculty, staff, and administration was horrible at times.
One problem I had has already been alluded to: the mediocrity of SOME of the people. I worked with some very bright, talented, dedicated people. Unfortunately, I also worked with people for whom "slacker" doesn't even begin to be an adequate description. Because of the "job security" offered by public institutions, these people often knew they had jobs for life, almost regardless of their actions.
I've worked in the private sector before (a few years ago), and I've been back for a few months now. It was an awkward adjustment, but I must say it's more rewarding.
What will you like? Perhaps you'll have to do what I've done and spend a little time in each environment.
"humans cost more $ than a phone system" -- True, sorta.
Most companies think in the short term, a "What does it cost me today?" mentality (though in my experience none will admit it). If more consumers voted with their checkbooks, then opting for an automated system instead of a human might actually turn in to a more costly alternative after all.
Of course, that means WE have to
1. Opt for companies who provide better service and ditch the others.
2. Let the companies know WHY we ditched them.
If enough consumers complain and take their money elsewhere, maybe someone, somewhere, will wise up.
--yes, I took my naive pill this morning--
Slashdot Mirror
My husband and I have both worked in Academia for years, and I recently made the decision to work in the private sector instead. He's getting ready to make the move as well.
Yes, academia offers job security, short working hours, and the benefits are usually good as well. We both, however, have found that there's a definite downside.
Pay is the first problem. At my husband's college, he's currently about $14,000 under what the pay scale SAYS he should be paid. If he quit and got rehired, they'd have to pay him more than he makes now!
From personal experience, I can say that the politics in academia can be absolutely brutal, and I don't just mean amongst the faculty. I was a staff member for several years, and the tension between faculty, staff, and administration was horrible at times.
One problem I had has already been alluded to: the mediocrity of SOME of the people. I worked with some very bright, talented, dedicated people. Unfortunately, I also worked with people for whom "slacker" doesn't even begin to be an adequate description. Because of the "job security" offered by public institutions, these people often knew they had jobs for life, almost regardless of their actions.
I've worked in the private sector before (a few years ago), and I've been back for a few months now. It was an awkward adjustment, but I must say it's more rewarding.
What will you like? Perhaps you'll have to do what I've done and spend a little time in each environment.
How about this alternative?
1. Turn the monitor so it faces AWAY from the door / traffic / etc.
2. When you leave, lock the computer.
No glasses required, but you can still wear them if they look cool."humans cost more $ than a phone system" -- True, sorta. Most companies think in the short term, a "What does it cost me today?" mentality (though in my experience none will admit it). If more consumers voted with their checkbooks, then opting for an automated system instead of a human might actually turn in to a more costly alternative after all. Of course, that means WE have to 1. Opt for companies who provide better service and ditch the others. 2. Let the companies know WHY we ditched them. If enough consumers complain and take their money elsewhere, maybe someone, somewhere, will wise up. --yes, I took my naive pill this morning--