why an academic career?

Answer 1

There are two sides to an academic career. First, you have a pretty easy life. My friends used to get angry with me when I told them how much time off I had and how long the vacations were, and how short the working days were. So, from the outside it certainly looks great! Although, I made less money than many of my friends, I made a decent income and I didnt have to spend a lot of money on expensive clothes or making an impression.

The other side of the coin is, that I had to make hundreds - probably even thousands - of presentations and talks, pretty often in front of hostile audiences. I had to write a lot of articles and books and get them published. And in order to get the job in the first place I had to be one of the top people inthe country in my particular area of study.

So, there is an upside and a downside. If you are not prepared to study hard enough to make yourself a true expert in your field, or if the idea of making presentations almost daily in front of hostile crowds doesn't appeal, then forget it!

Answer 2

Any career should be undertaken because the individual WANTS to do it but in many instances, Particularly academic, people just stumble into it - shchool, university, first degree, higher degree, and they just stay there. Advantages are a pretty easy life without commercial pressures. Don't believe an academic if he/she tells you of the pressures - if they exist they are largely self-imposed and academics are self-motivated. Academia is largely removed from the real world so if that's what you want then go for it - but if you need the buzz of real world deadlines, commercial pressures and people hassle then stay away. Most people don't get the choice!

Answer 3

obtain the success.so an academic career is important.