Moving to industry?

midnightOK · 2022-01-14T23:09:01+00:00

This is not a AIBU post, mainly post here for traffic. I am in mid 40s and have been working in university since I get my PhD. I don't think I am really talented in academic research work and I have been working on fixed term contract jobs all the time. My current position is one with a five year contract. I have been looking for opportunities in industry on and off for a while and recently got an offer. I used to think that I would grab any opportunity to move away from my current job, but after I got the offer, I start to panic and am really not sure if this is the right move for me. I feel like I am in a dilemma position. On one hand I can't find my future in university, on another hand, I am not sure if moving to industry will be a wise move for me, especially since I am not young anymore. Can any wise mumsnetter share ur opinion pls? I do regret that I was very laid back a few years ago and didn't take the step at that time.

Thirtytimesround · 14/01/2022 23:12

Hard for us to say without knowing anything about the industry or the job offer, but my suspicion is that you’ll regret it if you don’t move.

Academic careers are badly paid and stressful as you know. You’re already regretting not leaving earlier m, so why stay eveb longer?

You’ve just got cold feet. Man up ;) it’ll be great and if it isn’t you can move on to something else. Better than staying stuck in a rut.

Original poster

midnightOK · 14/01/2022 23:23

@Thirtytimesround thanks for the encouragement. The pay is better, but when I checked the after tax taking home salary, it is only about £500 more each month. Maybe it is just cold feet. At this age, I feel like my life has become sth fixed and taking any changes would require to pluck lots of courage.

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jimmyhill · 14/01/2022 23:29

£500 more a month is loads. To do whatever with, it's not like you pay rent with the extra

DrEllie · 14/01/2022 23:33

Have a look at academics say goodbye group on Facebook. Some great advice there

Tuba456 · 15/01/2022 01:50

No advice but I am in a similar situation and following with interest. It would be nice to have a permanent contract and I can’t see myself staying in academia forever, so need to think about making the move. Also in 40’s.

Original poster

midnightOK · 15/01/2022 07:06

@DrEllie

Have a look at academics say goodbye group on Facebook. Some great advice there

Thanks, never know there is such a group. Already joined

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Original poster

midnightOK · 15/01/2022 07:08

@Tuba456

No advice but I am in a similar situation and following with interest. It would be nice to have a permanent contract and I can’t see myself staying in academia forever, so need to think about making the move. Also in 40’s.

Better to plan earlier rather than staying in a comfort zone as what I have done

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Original poster

midnightOK · 15/01/2022 07:09

I am thinking of buying a larger house now

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Closebrackets · 15/01/2022 07:13

I think it's normal to feel this way about new opportunities that are such a big change, but they're also exciting! I had a stable public sector job for a number of years, it was okay and had good scope for progression, but ultimately I didn't enjoy it. I did a degree whilst working in an unrelated subject and made the leap of faith once I had the qualification to industry, and I absolutely love it. Best thing I have done, although of course it depends on the company I imagine. £500 is a substantial amount extra a month as long as not being swallowed up in travel etc, and remember that's just your starting wage. Depends on the role of course but what was most surprising to me was how quickly I have been able to move upwards.

Peccary · 15/01/2022 07:42

I'm a scientist but don't have a PhD, I left academia for industry 8 years ago and haven't looked back. I have gained such varied experience, been promoted 4 times and find the working environment less political. My company has quite a few escapees from academia, lots of opportunities for PhDs to diversify

Original poster

midnightOK · 15/01/2022 23:01

@Closebrackets

I think it's normal to feel this way about new opportunities that are such a big change, but they're also exciting! I had a stable public sector job for a number of years, it was okay and had good scope for progression, but ultimately I didn't enjoy it. I did a degree whilst working in an unrelated subject and made the leap of faith once I had the qualification to industry, and I absolutely love it. Best thing I have done, although of course it depends on the company I imagine. £500 is a substantial amount extra a month as long as not being swallowed up in travel etc, and remember that's just your starting wage. Depends on the role of course but what was most surprising to me was how quickly I have been able to move upwards.

I assume it was also a big move for u at that time. Have u ever worried about job security? My main concern is job security and I feel I am old now. I am not sure if I can smoothly adapt to the new environment without regretting the move.

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Original poster

midnightOK · 15/01/2022 23:02

@Peccary

I'm a scientist but don't have a PhD, I left academia for industry 8 years ago and haven't looked back. I have gained such varied experience, been promoted 4 times and find the working environment less political. My company has quite a few escapees from academia, lots of opportunities for PhDs to diversify

Thanks for replying. This is really reassuring. I am mid 40s and I am worried I will be surrounded by a lot of younger ones

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