Academics do not have large salaries. They have two primary things that make up for it: freedom in what they do, and the feeling of having a positive impact on their students specifically, and society in general. So, if we consider his entire compensation, think of it as <i>salary</i> + <i>freedom</i> + <i>positive impact</i>.<p>This essay is explaining why he thinks that the <i>freedom</i> and <i>positive impact</i> parts of his compensation are significantly less than he initially thought. When that&#x27;s the case, the next obvious question is: is this worth it? He&#x27;s answering no. All occupations have problems, but he may find another occupation where he feels all aspects of his compensation (not just monetary) are worth it.