Hi everyone, this is going to be long so as to give a full picture... tldr I don't know whether to leave Academia or not.
I'm a SL at a RG university in a STEM subject, currently working part time as my WFH request was refused (pre pandemic). Pre kids and promotion to SL I was pretty research active,m; big grants, published at least a paper per year and got invited to speak etc. Once I could no longer work long hours and weekends, and coupled with the bullshit admin we get loaded onto us, my research took a nosedive. While I'm happy working on small projects, my publishing rate has taken a hit.
During the pandemic I finally achieved the holy grail of work life balance being able to WFH and had my most productive year yet. I spent so much time with my family I don't want to give up. However, now we are all back in the office I am back to the old stress levels which is affecting my health (panic attacks, dread, chest pains). Most of my office time is at my desk, on my own so it feels utterly pointless being there when I could be at home.
My dilemma is that I've just been invited to apply for an industry role in a specific job that I always dreamed about doing (although ideally outside of industry). This step could give me experience and skills to do that. It's FT and entry level salary matches my current salary, there's strong chance of progression and significant remuneration in future, it's fully WFH, but not specific to my my field (which isn't required to get the job). Sounds pretty good overall.
However, I just secured a little bit of funding and a student to do pilot work on a novel mechanism I've been wanting to study for years. I'm totally torn between wanting to stick it out another year or so and see how I get on or taking this opportunity to try something different that I'd always fancied.
I worry that I'd regret giving up an Academic job totally tailored to my speciality. If I'm totally honest, the thing I'd miss most is being recognised as an expert in my field. The bit of the job I love most is what I'd be doing in industry, just across different specialities but not my own. On one hand I worry that I'd be giving up on Academia at a time when it's hardest, and as my DCs get older I might regret it. On the other, I wonder have I always wanted to make Prof because I've always been an Academic and it's been conditioned in me? Plus, In truth, I'm not sure I have it in me to get to Prof and to deal with the ever expanding admin onslaught.
I'm completely torn. There is exciting potential with the new job but I've only ever been an Academic. The friend who recommended me for the job says leaving Academia has been the best decision they ever made. They don't do this exact job though so I'm trying to reach out to people who do, most of them have left precarious contracts at Postdoc level, not a permanent position.
Anyway, if you haven't fallen asleep yet, thanks for reading! I suppose I am asking advice on how I will know what the right decision is? Has anyone here left Academia? What was your experience? Any advice or support would be appreciated x
Academic common room
Is it time for me to leave Academia?
FedUpAcademic · 26/03/2022 09:54
@FedUpAcademic - my academic experience was a bit unusual as I worked in two different areas. Once I decided it definitely was not going to work I initially (as in for the first decade 
) ran my own business providing the first stage of a research methodology (the time consuming boring bit) for academics. I have a severely disabled son so it worked out well tbh as I was based at home. It kept me involved but without all the grief. I know a few people who have adapted their academic work into something a bit more consultant based.
Now I’m retraining as a speech and language therapist. Will qualify soon. I would have done that years ago had I had childcare. My previous involvement in research is really helpful in my training and I involve myself in academic bits and pieces still - and I think I will continue to do so, just without holding an academic post. I would rather be a clinician. 
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