Only a non-academic would say that. From my experiences in STEM academia (not history, or some such). Today, universities are run by professional managers. I

Only a non-academic would say that. From my experiences in STEM academia (not history, or some such). Today, universities are run by professional managers. It is all about money. So you are writing papers, applying for grants, teaching a hundred or so students, working on 5-6 committees, involved in 2-3 conferences per year, etc. It is rare for an academic to work less than 70 hours a week and for far less money than in industry.