[hn_throwaway_99]

Not the person you are responding to, but I think the point is that if you want to do an advanced physics degree with the primary goal of advancing your career, that is a horrible idea because there are much more efficient ways to advance your career.

However, if you love physics and want to get an advanced degree for it's own sake, the degree will still likely be a boost to your career, just not necessarily in proportion to the effort you put in to get it.