[rossdavidh]

I got a MSc (in electrical engineering, thesis on neural networks in 1998) and went into industry, switching into programming in mid-aughts. Absolutely no regrets. Ph.D. is absolutely not necessary to get a good job in programming, and at most employers not really even an advantage.

If you make the wrong choice of which job to take, you can fix that relatively easily by switching employers, and your experience at the "wrong" place still adds to your perceived value, status, and pay. If you make the wrong choice of thesis, advisor, or university, I am led to believe it is much more difficult to correct.

From your own description of your desires, skills, and interests, it does not sound like you should be getting a PhD. You can leave industry and go back to school later if you want to (I did to get my master's), but the reality is you almost certainly will not want to, so you should be clear in your mind that you're making a definite choice.