This is a personal decision but I can say this about your doctorate, universities are not going anywhere. If having a doctorate is important to you, you can do

This is a personal decision but I can say this about your doctorate, universities are not going anywhere. If having a doctorate is important to you, you can do it now or you can do it later. I was just over 40 when I started mine and 43 when I completed my studies and defended my dissertation. If you want it bad enough you will do it. The girlfriend and missing your family is another matter altogether.