[beher]

I hold a German Diploma in computer science (comparable to MSc but - of course - much better.) I started a PhD without really wanting it, I thought it's a good opportunity. After one year I came to the conclusion that it was a bad idea to start it. It took another 1,5 years to actually quit. Why did it took me so long? Because by doing something I didn't like I had developed a depression...

I went to a decently paid job and would never go back.

I did, however learn some great things during these years in academia, as I had a great postdoc and a very skillful team.

If you ever want to go back, you surely will find a good position to do your PhD. Professor love cheap labor. It's not hard to find. And PhD students are by far not the brightest people I met. Some are, some absolutely not.