I have a PhD in computer science, and an industry research job which involves a lot of development. I know a decent number of people with PhDs. I know one person with a tenure track professor position.<p>My friends left the academic treadmill not because of a lack of love for the work, but for the lack of opportunities. The qualities you dismiss as corporate culture - decent pay, hours, security, location - most people think of as quality of life issues. Academia is a tournament, and not everyone can end up on top. I also think you are discounting the enormous amount of luck involved.