There seems to be a common falacy that workload is lighter SOMEWHERE
ELSE, so new PhDs "switch" to industry and a 40hr workweek, and people
in industry talk about how easy life is in academia. Ditto teaching
colleges: it's a 9-5 job, its not a 9-5 job. I think the difference
is all in the person, not in the job. I used to work 60+ weeks, and
feel stressed and resentful. Then I decided not to do that anymore.
If anything, I am now more productive, doing more good work in 40hr
than I used to do in 60. And I have time for family and friends and
hobbies and sports. A non-trivial part of the difference is that now
I waste no time complaining about working too much.
Una Smith
Los Alamos National Laboratory, MS K-710, Los Alamos, NM 87545
