The same did not happen in academia. When I was an undergrad (approx 15 years ago) I was well aware that it's a tournament - life is wonderful if you win, other

The same did not happen in academia. When I was an undergrad (approx 15 years ago) I was well aware that it's a tournament - life is wonderful if you win, otherwise life sucks. A quick google image search suggests this Petrovich guy is about the same age as me. A lot of folks are in academia because they simply can't admit to themselves that they lost. See also people employed as an actor/waiter or musician/barista. Living that lifestyle is a personal choice.