We often see threads and posts here from folks looking to gain a doctorate and escape to academia. It's good to note that higher education doesn't employ much more than half of the PhDs it produces. They (colleges and universities) aren't looking for you, they don't need you, and, frankly, they don't want you. Heck, they don't even like you. But..... There have also been individual anecdotes and success stories to the contrary. YMMV.
Rich, I agree. I wanted to be an academic at one time in my life but at some point, you start seeing the truth - and the truth hurts. From what I've been able to see, full-time lecturer and tenure positions are being phased out as professors retire and are being replaced by the contract adjunct instructor positions. It's a great way to divert funds away from educating students and toward the pockets of school administrators and presidents. It's heartbreaking.