Spent many years in software engineer in London - web dev; ecommerce; mobile dev etc. Picked up a bunch of industry certifications along the way, happy customer

Spent many years in software engineer in London - web dev; ecommerce; mobile dev etc. Picked up a bunch of industry certifications along the way, happy customers, completed projects, but didn't ever manage to get more than average salary. Moved to academia, got a PhD in machine learning, got a bunch of publications in high ranking outlets, and managed to land an entry level assistant position - but now I'm stuck in the same position, just in academia. My work/life balance is probably a bit better. Still love computer science and will probably keep on, but it's a cruel mistress!