Reflections on Career Choices: Academia vs. Industry

In recent days, I've noticed discussions on our community board about choosing between academia and industry. This reminds me of my own dilemma a few years ago, after completing my Ph.D., about whether to return to Korea or stay in the United States.

The Path Less Traveled

I had hoped to secure a position at a Korean university, even a regional national university facing potential consolidation. However, I didn't even meet the basic qualifications. Fortunately, things worked out better with companies and American universities. Despite not having credentials competitive enough for a professorship in Korea, I received offers from Korean conglomerates and several American universities. Ultimately, I decided to remain in the U.S.

Changing Perceptions

Back then, various career paths were available:

• Returning to Korea as a professor
• Joining a research institute or company in Korea
• Working for a company or university in the U.S.

At that time, securing a professorship at a Seoul university was considered more prestigious than joining a big tech company like Google. While I'm unsure if the status of Korean university professors has diminished in recent years, many of us harbored dreams of returning to our alma maters as professors. Indeed, many did return, though some also became executives in large corporations.

Success is Subjective

Despite our diverse career paths, we don't engage in discussions about who's more successful or who's failed. Life has taught us that these are simply different paths. There are reasons why some choose to become professors with lower salaries, why some professors start businesses or earn substantial incomes, and why others become high-earning executives in companies.

Advice for the Future

Don't waste energy criticizing others' choices, whether they pursue wealth in the corporate world or write opinionated posts as professors. It's all futile. The sooner you realize this, the better off you'll be.

While I might sometimes wish for the respect, social status, and potential high earnings of a successful Korean professor, that's someone else's life. As an American professor, I'm grateful for a reasonable salary and a good pension system, even without the social prestige.

In the end, each path has its own merits and challenges. Focus on your own journey rather than comparing it to others'.