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Perhaps it's possible under some circumstances. But I spent 3 years more than I wished to (as I see it now, I should have quitted, but by that time I thought that academia was the only intellectually stimulating option).

Change universities (Europe) would cost me at least a year, plus scrapping all previous progress. Plus, with getting a poor recommendation letter (more than likely when resigning) I would need to go a tier down.

I envied software engineers, who (if things do not work) could change their place in mater of weeks... and have money to support them for much longer, if there were need.

I know people who change, but it was never a trivial thing. (Maybe except when within a department.)

Now (living as a freelancer) I lover the freedom and flexibility. And, curiously enough, I get more of intellectual inspiration.



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