Your 1-2-3-4 cycle can be run multiple times during your studies. For you, at least, the value of pursuing a PhD is not the end-result, but the actual research and impact.
It’s not a one-way decision. You can stop (or rather, change focus) early, and have a very useful set of knowledge, skills, and credentials (B.S or M.S.).
You don’t mention, however, what your next-best option is. It’s possible that you can get FASTER iteration of your cycle while working directly for someone who’ll pay you. Success outside academia is a credential that gets you influence and respect, differently than a PhD, but not necessarily less.
There are two great points in favor of this plan:
Your 1-2-3-4 cycle can be run multiple times during your studies. For you, at least, the value of pursuing a PhD is not the end-result, but the actual research and impact.
It’s not a one-way decision. You can stop (or rather, change focus) early, and have a very useful set of knowledge, skills, and credentials (B.S or M.S.).
You don’t mention, however, what your next-best option is. It’s possible that you can get FASTER iteration of your cycle while working directly for someone who’ll pay you. Success outside academia is a credential that gets you influence and respect, differently than a PhD, but not necessarily less.