[__pache__]

I think this is the wrong move. You're not going to compete with a PhD. Instead focus on the long tail, keep learning frontend or whatever you like, and put a pretty face in front of the AI. Make awesome stuff the best way you can, don't worry about matrix math all of the sudden if it's not already your thing.

[osigurdson]

This person is a teenager. They can of course get a PhD.

[weatherlite]

So hard giving advice nowadays. Pursuing a PHD will take him around 10 years ...who the hell knows what's coming in 10 years. If he wants to maximize his earnings its very well possible working for the government in whatever is a much better route.