i dont think that every thing should be valued in terms of money ,

if that was the case, why didnot u guys started working since u guys were able to?

there was no need to earn a masters?

Ph.D does have its weightage, and the contribution and the status u enjoy as a professor or a researcher should also be valued properly.

but the call is yours, but dont jump in unless u do have the determination and confidence that is required to complete the doctorate degree.

i m planning to join it after a year, no matter what the opportunity cost is.

its a degree worth earning and places u above the crowd.