My opinion is that academia and scientism is a thinking man's NASCAR, an intellectual brothel, and a gambling casino for intelligentsia.
You aren't going to find morality and honesty in academia any more than you will find it in organized crime syndicates.
At least robbers have been known to have "honor among thieves."
It's debatable whether organized, academic, scientific pursuits have as good a reputation. Scientists are probably better respected than lawyers and politicians and bureaucrats, but less so than pole dancers and beauticians.
Have you considered going into the fashion or hospitality sectors?
I don't know if my tears are from laughing so hard or crying about how sadly true your comments are
My tongue was hurting, being inside my cheek for that long of a cynical post. Lolol
wow so true. I gave up trying to pursue a PhD after what I've seen happening in the academia. Still trying real hard to convince my wife not to continue down the rabbit hole. Considering the expense of all the time and effort you spent only to have someone suck you dry, geez, totally not worth it.
At the end of the day, it's all about the $$$. Sigh....