Trust me, I've thought about it for long. Unfortunately, the main obstacle is visa issues. I've heard stories about international PhD students who left academia to work in the industry, only to be treated like slaves because the employer knew the person couldn't just switch jobs while on H1B visa (no other company would hire them). Then there's the greencard issues (easier to get approved if you're an academic).

I'd say don't be miserable for a visa. If you are at PhD level, there are many great countries that will be happy to have you.

Having joyfully never dealt with any form of "academia" I am still morbidly curious about what it's all about and these cryptic warnings about it from its victims. Why can't it just be a place where people learn and research and support each other? Actual question, not rhetorical.

Stakes are too low, so people start fighting over the most meaningless things in my experience.

It has to do with how resources are allocated (both human and financial resources). It creates a very unhealthy environment where relationships and who has your back or not has more influence than the actual work you are able to deliver.

> Why can't it just be a place where people learn and research and support each other?

It is - for tenured professors at good schools. But getting to that point is intensely competitive, and the vast majority of people don't make it.

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