Due to a Basic Income you're already admiting that you would want to drop out of the higher income bracket, and fall to where the BI it would benefit you more.

Due to a Basic Income you're already admiting that you would want to drop out of the higher income bracket, and fall to where the BI it would benefit you more. A few things about that: 1. You never said anything about BI handling out of work situations. ---- I think what would incentivize you to accomplish this would be: 1. Setup financial goals that would support you during this time. (Think FIRE) To me it sounds like your finances aren't in order to do this. 2. Step away from that over-ambitious goal of PhD. Go for a masters. It's only 2 years. PhDs aren't as great as the school sells them. (They're in the market to convince you to do that) 3. Try to elevate yourself by practicing for grad school by doing online classes in the evening.