Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!cs.utexas.edu!usc!ucsd!ucbvax!agate!shelby!siegman@sierra
From: siegman@sierra.STANFORD.EDU (siegman)
Newsgroups: comp.edu
Subject: Re: But I Wanted Summers Off!
Keywords: summer vacation
Message-ID: <148@sierra.STANFORD.EDU>
Date: 16 Jul 90 19:50:28 GMT
References: <5476@uceng.UC.EDU>
Sender: siegman@sierra.Stanford.EDU (Anthony E. Siegman)
Organization: Stanford University
Lines: 29

> ........................................... I am curious to know
>if it is possible or practical for a research professor to take
>summers off to go fishing, kayaking, and rock climbing :-).

The smiley at the end may indicate this is not a totally serious
query; but in any event trying to remain at the forefront in most any
research field -- which means not just doing research (and, raising
the resources needed to do it), but also remaining current in your own
field and emerging fields through literature reading, attending
meetings, etc. -- is an _extremely_ competitive enterprise.  It's hard
to do on a full time basis, even harder on a part-time basis, and
probably not a preferred career choice for those who want a low-key,
loe-stress life.

On the other hand:

a)  It can lead to some very pleasant and rewarding opportunities to
live and work overseas, if you take full advantage of sabbatical and
exchange opportunities.

b)  If you're willing to accept a lower-key approach, pick a low-key
research area, one that doesn't require too much support, that opens
up more chances for a generally lower-key life style, while still
making useful contributions to mankind.


P.S. -- Of course economic needs related to spouses, children, car
repairs, mortgage payments, and so on, can limit the amount of
summer-time fishing also.