Don't ask "will it lead to..." That question always ends in trading present misery for an illusory brighter future. Instead ask "is this how I want to spend my

Don't ask "will it lead to..." That question always ends in trading present misery for an illusory brighter future. Instead ask "is this how I want to spend my short time on earth?" If doing research and writing papers sound exciting, then DO IT. Follow that approach and your life will be interesting.