[bstockton]

Thanks a lot. The big impact vs specialized impact does frame things well. I almost see the PhD as a necessary condition for my career path; akin to an MD for a doctor. There are no laws governing the work like an MD. However, when I look at the people who are in the positions I want, less than 5% have masters, the rest are all PhDs. I'm in my late 20s by the way.