I got a PhD in computer science and considered going into academia, though I ultimately decided against it because there is only so much scratching and clawing

I got a PhD in computer science and considered going into academia, though I ultimately decided against it because there is only so much scratching and clawing that I am willing to do. I was a decent researcher and to be honest, not having tenure at an good institution at all (as opposed to two tier TT and non-TT jobs) would have been kind of a plus. I probably would have gotten tenure, but I got so damned sick of chasing yet another brass ring. I don't have tenure at my current industry job (it does pay better, granted) and I don't worry about this at all. I do my job well enough that I don't really worry about getting fired. What I cared about: quality of the institution (conferences, publications, collaborators, students, facilities), location, department, subarea expertise, service burden, reciprocal respect, salary that buys you a decent life, and ample opportunity to be successful. Tenure? That's nice, but the main advantage cited for it (ability to say controversial things) is long gone anyway. Profs gotta behave themselves regardless.