Should I go for a Senior Lectureship job?

[havenlady]

I run my own architecture practice, work as an HPL (in a different uni) plus some regulatory work. I have a recent-ish Masters degree. I am tempted by a permanent post focussing on teaching and managing the professional practice area of the school (architects take a professional qualification as well as 5 years study). It is an area I am really enthused by, and I am ready to move on from endless back extensions, not great financial rewards and stress of private practice. My question is will I be jumping from frying pan into the fire? Is all academia as stressful and relentless as some of the threads here imply?

[Foginthehills]

If you're used to running your own business you may find the monitoring and surveillance excessive (we're having to start to look out for terrorists this year). But I guess you'll already be used to picky customers.

[MarasmeAbsolu]

terrorists (not a joke, sadly)

My guess is that you could find academia quite frustrating in some ways - the general inertia when tough shit needs dealt with, the anal-retentiveness, the giant egos :)
joking aside - loads of freedom, although this depends on the job description

I don't know your field well - but with TEF and REF around the corner, the expectations at SL level will be high - and you might need to be able to hit the ground running. Maybe scope this out with the HoD in an informal phone call?

[havenlady]

Thanks both - I am going to follow my gut instinct and not apply!