[b9r5]

I had a friend in grad school who entered the Ph.D. program after spending four years in industry. He was very passionate about his research area, persistent, a fountain of ideas, and wonderful to talk with. He ended up winning the ACM doctoral dissertation award for his thesis, did research and teaching at a university, and has since returned to industry.

This may be the exception that proves the rule. However I just wanted to point out that there is at least one person who did catch up to become a research scientist, however rare that career path might be.

[unemphysbro]

I noticed my colleagues that started the PhD with industry experience were often more focused with their goals.

[SheddingPattern]

That proves the point he was only mid-twenties so still young

[b9r5]

Agreed. Just trying to help OP, who also appears to be young ("I graduated with a CS bachelors degree a few years ago").