Don't leave, I beg you!

There are several reasons, because of which I beg you not to do this. I do it out of pure egoism, out of concern for our Country, including our education system, and also out of concern for you.

Let me start with the egoistic reasons of my plea.  First of all, I stayed (not taking some trips abroad into consideration) and this proves that I am one of those "losers" who do not have enough courage, skills and talent to survive abroad. As journalists and politicians say: "the most talented already left or will leave soon". That is why it is so important to me that no one else will leave - competition will stay at one level, Polish level, which will allow for healthy, fair competition on our native yard.

If however, you decide to leave, then never come back. First of all, this is because after you return, you will spoil the mood of academic staff with new, fresh look at some problems that you were dealing with on your native universities so far. Secondly, with your "expectations" you will destroy the peace and order that were ruling over Polish universities for decades, and where the most important person is of course... Professor! Thirdly, I am convinced that after you return, you will be "dead" to your colleagues. No one likes successful people, especially those, who made it, and this is how your escapade abroad will be perceived.

Of course, another important thing is the fact that Polish economy cannot afford well-educated, creative and innovative graduates. There are too many candidates for just one job opening already. What will happen, when the fight for the job will be joined by those, who gained their experience on universities, in companies and institutions abroad? Your qualifications will definitely be too high for our job positions, so you will end up unemployed and will have to receive benefit, donation for returners or - which is the worst - you will have to establish your own business.

I wrote this text keeping you in mind, to spare you the stress which is connected to each journey, especially a big one, and which usually accompanies all trips abroad. By abandoning the idea of leaving, you will spare yourselves the trouble connected with its organisation, with inquisitive questions of your colleagues and the ladies from the dean's office. If you don't leave, you don't stand out, which will most certainly be beneficial for your academic career. If you don't leave, you have a chance for a low-paid job, but close to home, close to your parents and your good old friends.

Text: Maciej Mazerant