[dktnj]

This sounds less stressful than an average half a decade working at my current position. It is actually motivating. Whether or not that was the desired outcome, I don't know. At least I get to travel to half decent academic conferences and not large vendor marketing conferences.

[dchftcs]

The stress comes from constant and abject failure, not really the life style. Travelling is also like 2% of the total time.

[dktnj]

I haven't done any productive work for about 5 years so doing something and failing would be an improvement.

[aiisjustanif]

Depends on the subject matter.