From a CS/software standpoint, I don't see a great deal of personal difference between an aggressive industry position and PhD research. Both involve heavy over

From a CS/software standpoint, I don't see a great deal of personal difference between an aggressive industry position and PhD research. Both involve heavy overtime, intense focus, and uncertain futures. Financially, of course, there is a difference, which will bleed out into other areas... but this is less important after your needs & small wants are covered. Put another way, working 6-7 days/wk for 16 hour days in industry was not meaningfully different from doing research; actually, research was more pleasant IMO. In both scenarios you come home and zonk, but in one you have the freedom to go wander around, stare at the clouds, and think, without getting in trouble.