rationalskepticism.org

I say go for the research. Money, especially when earned through unethical means (as I believe corporate work is), is not the point of life. Instead, it is far better to advance the bounds of human knowledge, science, and study.

I was in your position about two years ago, and I'm so happy I decided to leave the corporate world behind and pursue a career in academia. I couldn't be happier with my choice. Money isn't everything.