My research is not moving and I'm constantly stressed because I certainly won't get tenure at this rate. I feel guilty pretty much all the time when I'm not working, even when I'm out to dinner or at the gym. I wake up at 5 am some days in panic because I'm not making progress. I'm sure this is familiar to many of you.
I'm just about ready to quit academia. I'm into my 30s now, and my wife and I want to have kids, and I want to have some time to pursue my favorite hobby. (It's an artistic outlet that I'm passionate about, and will increase my general level of happiness by a lot -- but I haven't touched it in years.)
I realize this is all easier after tenure, but I don't think I'll make it. And the senior faculty that I see are no less stressed and busy.
I admire the go-getter determination that one needs to be a successful academic, but I don't care any more.
Industry-bros, do you have more time for life? Or is the lack of flexibility and the politics draining as well?