I'm sure it differs for each person, but personally I'd say the most important things are: get out of academia, get freedom, find a satisfying job with interesting problems and management who are technical, and work on interesting stuff in your free time.
Comments
And where do you find such an environment?
I'm sure it differs for each person, but personally I'd say the most important things are: get out of academia, get freedom, find a satisfying job with interesting problems and management who are technical, and work on interesting stuff in your free time.