[pmiller2]

Yeah, I didn't mention that. Things are much better in a handful of technical fields, CS foremost among them. Math, engineering, physics, and economics all have some possibilities outside academia. Most other fields, you might as well cross off those years on your CV if you're looking to industry.

Also, if you spend more than 1 year "out of the game," forget about ever getting back on the academic track.

[argonaut]

Yeah. My impression is that spending a few years in industry research (and publishing) still leaves the door open for the academic track, although this is all hearsay.

[skosuri]

I've spent a couple of years out of the game and was fine. It is on the rare side though.

[indubitably]

Are you in HR?