On the other hand many of Einstein's greatest ideas, discoveries, and publications came while working at a patent office as a low level inspector because in spi

On the other hand many of Einstein's greatest ideas, discoveries, and publications came while working at a patent office as a low level inspector because in spite of years of effort, he couldn't find any academic position that would have him. That did change quite rapidly afterwards however, but it's certainly a great example of somebody making of his life and work what he wanted to make of it.