Academically, one may be very learned, but because of his long association with material nature, he is in bondage. Kṛṣṇa consciousness helps one to get out of the material entanglement, even though one may be engaged in his prescribed duties in terms of material existence. Therefore, without being fully in Kṛṣṇa consciousness, one should not give up his occupational duties.
-Bhagavad Gita Chapter 3 Verse 33, Purport

शिवाय लोकस्य भवाय भूतये
य उत्तमश्लोकपरायणा जना: ।
जीवन्ति नात्मार्थमसौ पराश्रयं
मुमोच निर्विद्य कुत: कलेवरम् ॥ १२ ॥
Those who are devoted to the cause of the Personality of Godhead live only for the welfare, development and happiness of others. They do not live for any selfish interest. So even though the Emperor [Parīkṣit] was free from all attachment to worldly possessions, how could he give up his mortal body, which was the shelter for others?
-Shrimad Bhagvatam Canto 1 Chapter 4 Verse 12