I Regret Quitting Astrophysics
Let me just say to all those out there who have left academia and went into industry: academia would be happy to have you back!<p>I went into "academia" (or close to it), doing software engineering for a telescope being built.  Astronomers are a great little community out there, and they really need help writing code.  A lot of them aren't familiar or have experience with best industry practices that could save them so much time/money/heartache.<p>Bunches of projects are hiring, and if you have creds, and industry experience, that will only increase your value.  I'm sure you could find a job at any of the wonderful facilities wherever you want to be around the world!<p>Sometimes you have to look at the grass from the other side to realize it's greener, and that's fine.  Some day I may go back to industry and get paid again.  But it's all good fun anyway.